If you are honeymooning in Japan, you know that’s its mystery and charm are quite magical. While Japan is made up of many islands and has some wonderful beaches, the country offers so much more. It’s a cultural masterpiece. Whether it’s a genuine tea ceremony or the different sceneries across the country, you will never forget your Japanese honeymoon.
While in Japan, consider immersing yourself in its complexity by staying at a ryokan instead of a standard hotel. Ryokans can be found throughout Japan, and they are traditional Japanese inns that have existed for thousands of years. The rooms have futons and genuine mats. Japanese cuisine, such as sushi and regional dishes, is always served to the guests. Some ryokans offer more pampering than others, and many have communal hot tubs, following a long Japanese tradition.
This is the old Japan of samurai warriors, filled with so much history. Learn about samurai fighting, the art of wearing a kimono, and the history of a proper tea service at an old-time ryokan. No hotel offers this.
During your Japan honeymoon the odds are you will visit either Tokyo or Kyoto. Two major cities, yet each will provide you with totally different experiences. Tokyo is a modern, neon-lit city and considerably more expensive than Kyoto. It has a modern nightlife, restaurants, and a metro system that makes getting around easy. In Kyoto, which is much smaller, you will find postcard-perfect gardens, temples, shrines. Geishas are still a part of Kyoto. The two cities personify the modern, new Japan versus the traditional and historic one as they exist side by side.
Both, or either, city is more than worth a visit.
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Table of Contents
Best Hotels for Your Japan Honeymoon 🏨
About Japan 📖
Best Time to Visit Japan 📅
Top Things to do in Japan 👫
Weather in Japan ☀️
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
Peaceful Luxury On The Banks Of The Kamo River
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, built on a site favored since the 17th century by Japanese nobility, continues a legacy of quiet luxury. Guests can relax with a spa ritual inspired by Japan’s wellness traditions, meet within one of five event spaces, or indulge in internationally inspired cuisine, against the picturesque backdrop of the Kamo River. The hotel is within walking distance of Gion, which offers the region’s finest shopping and entertainment.
Kyoto is a city steeped in history with skills passed down over centuries by artisans. With authentic activities curated by The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, immerse yourself in this culture. From food classes and cycling tours to craft workshops and events for children, each activity highlights Japanese traditions.
Situated on the blossom-fringed banks of the Kamogawa River, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto combines ancient Japanese traditions with luxurious modern comforts with a design concept that recalls the architecture of the Meiji era. Here you can experience “The Genuine Miyabi Wedding” – a unique wedding service that immerses you in the elegance and refinement of Japanese.
More Information on The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
Average Price Range: $935 to $1928
All Inclusive: Yes
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Distance to Airport: 65 minutes
Number of Rooms: 134
The St. Regis Osaka
Attractions like Universal Studios Japan
Located in the heart of the beautiful Champs Elysées of Osaka, Midosuji. Close to popular destinations such as Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and the most exclusive shopping districts of the city, St. Regis Osaka is located. To explore the town center and the neighboring cities of Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, there is no better address. At Rue d’Or, La Veduta or at Teppanyaki WAJO, experience exquisite dining.
Discover the epitome of luxurious pampering at the exclusive SOTHYS Spa IRIDIUM. Take in the beautiful views of the Osaka skyline from the serenity of the terrace on the 12th floor. In the Hotel’s 160 guest rooms and suites, the most spacious and elegantly appointed in Osaka, you will find an unforgettable atmosphere and state-of-the-art amenities. With the St. Regis Butler Service, available at any time, day or night, every experience is enhanced.
More Information on The St. Regis Osaka
Average Price Range: $373 to $656
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Distance to Airport: 10 minutes
Number of Rooms: 160
The Ritz-Carlton Nikko
Natural Beauty Through A Luxury Lens
Set along the scenic Lake Chuzenji, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is hidden in the northern Kanto region of Japan and offers a pristine haven where nature and culture are revered. Graceful and minimal, through dining and spa experiences and accommodations that overlook Lake Chuzenji or Mount Nantai, the hotel demonstrates the subtle feeling of luxury. Improve your well-being with an indoor and outdoor Onsen facility that is unique and extensive, combining luxury expertise and sublime service to complete this remarkable Spa Escape.
With a traditional Kaiseki multi-course dinner, crafted from fresh, locally sourced Tochigi ingredients, experience the full width and depth of Japanese cuisine. From the moment you step into the Japanese Restaurant, immerse yourself in culture, where every detail pays homage to local traditions and craftsmanship. This offer is a must for anyone seeking that unforgettable, signature Nikko experience accompanied by onsen hot springs and a breakfast of your choice.
More Information on The Ritz-Carlton Nikko
Average Price Range: $811 to $1738
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Distance to Airport: 25 minutes
Number of Rooms: 97
The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa
Embodies The Local Spirit
Simple pleasures bring great joy at The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa in Japan. Afternoons with an indulgent tea ceremony are savored. Inside the treetops, a luxury massage is a gentle reminder to let go. The regular menu at the hotel’s Italian restaurant is determined by the offerings at the local market. The quiet golf course and the China Sea are overlooked by five-star guest rooms and suites. And Kise Beach in the vicinity is both a destination and an escape.
A bamboo tunnel and lush garden pathway lead guests to a two-level retreat adjacent to a primitive forest, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Okinawa. The environment is perfect to experience the range of treatments that highlight indigenous ingredients, including the shells of the Getto plant and tiger clam, and local healing practices such as the Yambaru Umikaji detoxifying. The spa provides a peaceful retreat where guests can easily spend the day, with a vitality pool, relaxation cabanas, a dry sauna, and a Japanese coral-tiled steam room.
More Information on The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa
Average Price Range: $327 to $985
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: Yes
Villas Available: No
Distance to Airport: 68 minutes
Number of Rooms: 97
The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
History Blends With Modern Luxury
At The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, the grace of an English manor home and the subtle beauty of Japanese details come together. Set within the Water Capital of Japan, the hotel’s redesigned accommodations infuse British-style 18th-century urban design, and its updated Club Lounge features local experiences in a setting inspired by nature. Dining spans the globe and includes Hanagatami’s Michelin-starred La Baie and Tempura French restaurant.
The Ritz-Carlton produced this original Japanese rice wine in cooperation with Yamanashi’s popular Shichiken Sake Brewery. The Shichiken Brewery has used the renowned Yumesansui brand of sake rice grown in Hakushu Town, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, as the base ingredient of this sake to stay true to the principle that great tasting sake is derived only from the finest rice. With the aid of over 250 years of Shichiken expertise and experience, this Junmai Ginjo sake has been produced.
More Information on The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
Average Price Range: $412 to $658
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Distance to Airport: 50 minutes
Number of Rooms: 291
The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
Hotel Luxury To New Heights
On the 45th level of Midtown Tower, one of the city’s tallest buildings, a stay at this downtown Tokyo hotel begins. From Tokyo Tower to the National Stadium to Mount Fuji, floor-to-ceiling windows frame the skyline perfectly. As guests settle in, as impressive as the view over Tokyo, Japan, they discover luxury amenities: seven incredible restaurants, Club Level accommodations, a floor dedicated to health and wellness, and reimagined meeting spaces.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo suites offer a beautiful East and West blend. Recognized for their luxurious spaces and amenities in Asia, suites feature residentially influenced layouts, contemporary finishes and floor-to-ceiling windows, from Tokyo Tower to Mt. Fuji, overlooking the cityscape. Discover Michelin-starred French cuisine at Azure 45, Hinokizaka Japanese dining experiences, and seasonal produce paired at Towers with local seafood.
More Information on The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
Average Price Range: $686 to $1210
All Inclusive: No
Adults Only: Yes
Villas Available: No
Distance to Airport: 27 minutes
Number of Rooms: 248
About Japan
Japan consists of a series of islands located off the coast of eastern Asia. These 4,000 islands stretch for 1,500 miles across the Pacific Ocean. Honshu, one of the major islands, is where you will find Tokyo and Kyoto. Japan isn’t all about Zen. Most of the landscape consists of rugged mountains and both active and inactive volcanos. Volcanic eruptions occur quite frequently. Plenty of precipitation has made for some lush green vegetation.
Japan, a country that thrives on contradictions, is comprised of ancient traditions and the most modern technology. Computers exist alongside rice fields. Temples can be found near nightclubs. Kimonos are hung up next to fashionable business suits. Life in Japan is truly the ultimate alpha and omega.
Traditions rank high in Japan. In order not to be considered rude, learn the proper use chopsticks, as this is considered a matter of dining etiquette. Interestingly, slurping your noodles is not considered impolite, but normal and fun. Bowing is useful for a number of occasions, such as a greeting, a show of respect, or a thank you.
At least try Japan’s national cuisine, sushi. And use chopsticks, not your fingers.
Another important part of Japanese culture are the onsens, which are hot springs used for bathing. These natural mineral spas can be found throughout the country. They are hot and relaxing. Any type of clothing is strictly forbidden. And, yes, many of these onsens are open to both genders, as men and women traditionally bathed together. There are some segregated onsens, however, perhaps as a nod to more modest western tourists.
For a country that consists of so many islands, Japan has a massive mountain range. These mountains make up 70 percent of the land. Its most famous mountain, of course, is Mount Fuji, on Honshu Island, which rises over 12,000 feet into the sky. This is a sacred mountain, with a shrine at its summit. It is also an active volcanic cone. More people try to climb Mount Fuji than any other mountain in the world, as reaching the top is considered a holy pilgrimage for the Japanese. When spring arrives, the top of the mountain is capped with snow while cherry blossoms bloom around it to create a mesmerizing sight. For those wishing to climb Mt. Fuji, the summer months are the best. This is when the snow has melted, and the weather is warm enough. Four trails lead to the top, each with places to rest and refreshments.
If you are prepared for some of Japan’s more eccentric traditions, plan your Japan honeymoon during the Christmas season. Beethoven’s Ode to Joy is a Christmas carol in Japan, and fried chicken is the standard Christmas meal – preferably from KFC. December is KFC’s biggest month here. Choose between breast or thighs and dig in. Since Japan is not a Christian country and has not imported the western Christmas traditions, it has devised its own fun ways of celebrating. Christmas is actually considered a big, romantic date night, where couples book a table at a special restaurant.
Best Time to Visit Japan
With beaches, warm waters, and mountains, Japan has a variety of climates. It can be cold up north while close to tropical in the southern region. The winter snow creates nirvana for ski enthusiasts. They also provide the best travel bargains. During the cold months, book a room at a traditional ryokan, preferably one near Mt. Fuji. The vista is stunning, and the ryokans, with their hot mineral water spas, are the perfect antidote against the cold. Just snuggle and stay warm.
Springtime brings a pleasant relief from snow with the stunning appearance of Japan’s famed cherry blossom trees. These beautiful trees draw visitors from around the globe, so this is the most expensive time to visit Japan.
Japan doesn’t have overly extreme weather, but fall and spring may be the best time to visit if you wish to void heat and cold.
Many visitors to Japan enjoy the fall months, when the leaves change into a colorful collage. With 70 percent of the country covered in trees and forests, there is no end to the dynamic colors of the season. The foliage begins changing in the north during the month of September, then the red, yellow, and rusty hues continue their way south. Temperatures in the 60s make this the perfect time to explore.
There is no bad time to visit Japan, but depending on your interests, you can pick your best time.
Top Things to do in Japan
Japan is a diverse country, and you’ll have a lot of options as to what to do during your Japanese honeymoon.
Shinto Shrine or Temple Visit
When in Japan, you cannot miss a visit to a shrine or a temple. You can find one anywhere, and they are splendid structures of worship; however, a shrine and a temple serve different purposes.
Shrines are erected in honor of an important individual and usually houses his tomb. Temples are religious buildings where sacred rituals are performed. It is perfectly okay for visitors to visit shrines and temples, but a certain etiquette must be observed when entering either. Bow before entering, and bow after leaving. This is a sign of respect. As you enter the structure, you will undergo a purification process.
One of the most magnificent shrines is the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, approximately 140 kilometers from Tokyo. The founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate is buried here. The magnificent shrine consists of several buildings, some delightful carvings, such as the faces of the See-No-Evil, Hear-No-Evil, and Speak-No-Evil monkeys. You will also find a museum to shogun history here.
The Kinkakuji Temple, also called the Golden Pavilion, is located in north Kyoto. Two of its top floors are decorated with genuine gold leaves. This structure once housed a shogun. Following his death, it was turned into a temple. The building is extravagantly built suitable for a wealthy person. The Zen garden leads to a tea house.
Himeji Castle
The 400-year-old Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s most imposing castles located in the city of Himeji. It is an easy day trip from both Tokyo and Kyoto. The complex is huge, consisting of 80 buildings, which are connected by long paths. The main castle building is a six-story structure with 83 rooms constructed using all white wood. There is a shrine on the top floor. Near the main castle, visitors can visit what once was the home of a Japanese princess. Guests who visit Himeji Castle during April will find the cherry blossom trees in full bloom.
Bar Hopping Tour in Tokyo
Experience Tokyo like a native on this three-hour tour given by Magical Trip. You’ll visit three bars. Opt for three drinks and four different food items or four drinks and three food items. Get to know Tokyo’s nightlight district and its hidden treasures and back alleys.
Samurai Experience in Kyoto
Who wears the sword in your family? To find out, visit the Samurai-School in Kyoto (888) 651-9785) Learn about samurai history, and get dressed in full ancient samurai attire. Then, take up the sword yourself in a one-and-a-half-hour class, where you will perfect some ancient samurai movements.
Weather in Japan
Most of Japan has four distinct seasons. Fortunately, no season gets too extreme. Cities such as Tokyo and Osaka can get humid during the summer months; sometimes, the winter months are extremely cold. Temperatures fluctuate from 80 degrees in the summer to 40 degrees in the winter.
The worst winters are on the island of Hokkaido. The main city, Sapporo, can have weather at the freezing point with plenty of snowfall.
Japan has perfect spring weather, where a light jacket will keep you comfortable. This is the season that welcomes the lovely cherry blossom trees.
Wear light wear clothing for the humid summer months. Fall reaches temperatures of around 50 degrees. It’s good walking weather, so pack comfortable shoes.
With few exceptions up north, winter temperatures rarely hit the freezing mark. There will, however, be snow in the northern regions.