Top 10 Most Romantic Cities in Japan

Mixi November 02, 2021 | 23:24

Cities of Japan, with a rich history and unique culture and wonderful places to visit as well romantic vibe for couples to date.

Romantic Cities in the Japan. Photo: KnowInsiders

Romantic Cities in Japan. Photo: KnowInsiders

Check out KnowInsiders's list of the top 10 most romantic cities in Japan right below!

Japan can easily compete with Paris, Rome or Venice in the romance department, and what’s more, it’s a lot cooler. While many of the world’s most famous romantic destinations have become a bit clichéd and old school, Japan is your 21st Century choice for modern-day and alternative romantics everywhere. From temples, shrines and snowy mountains to cherry blossom, glamorous neon cities and white-sand beaches, Japan is both a country to fall in love with, and a place to fall in love in general. Another great thing about Japan is that while it’s heart-achingly romantic, it’s also super practical, organised and efficient. If you want to travel from one side of the country to the other to seek out the most romantic locations then Japan’s excellent domestic rail network will make your dreams come true.

Japan is one of the country's many beautiful landscapes, distinctive cultures and is named after the land of the cherry blossom species. This country not only has a lot of beautiful scenery and especially the big cities with many ancient landscapes the palace with cultural architecture, the costumes varied and rich. If you have been to Japan, come and travel in these cities. These cities are not only famous around the globe but also offer beautiful locations, these cities will be an enjoyable experience for you to travel. So you can know which cities you come up with here are the most beautiful and romantic cities in Japan.

Which are the 10 Most Romantic Cities in Japan?

1. Tokyo

2. Kyoto

3. Osaka

4. Hiroshima

5. Yokohama

6. Kanazawa

7. Nara

8. Sapporo

9. Nagoya

10. Nikko

List of 10 Most Romantic Cities in Japan

1. Tokyo

Photo: NIPIKO

Lying at the heart of the most populated place in the world, Tokyo has just under forty million people living within its metropolis. Consequently, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Appearing as if out of a sci-fi film, the city´s dazzling array of neon-lit skyscrapers are mesmerizing to behold – at night, they look even more impressive.

While Tokyo is definitely a modern, thriving city that sells a unique pop culture and fashion sense to the world, remnants of the historic city still remain. You can peacefully wander down cobbled alleys and find old-style atmospheric bars and food stands. In fact, the city is home to more Michelin star establishments than anywhere else in the world, and the food on offer is sumptuous.

Whether it is strolling around its cavernous shopping malls or exploring the different neighborhoods – each with its own vibe and identity – it would take a lifetime to see all that Tokyo has to offer.

2. Kyoto

Photo: Life Of Doing

Kyoto, the capital of Japan during the period from 794 to 1868, has a rich history and culture. You can find almost everything here: shrines, shops, restaurants, gardens, etc. Kyoto is one of the top cities in Japan and people should come here once in their lives. Kyoto is reputed to be the “city of 1000 shrines”. Tourists will have an interesting experience on Japanese culture when visiting ancient shrines and temples in Kyoto, to name but a few Kinkakuji Temple, Kifune Shrine, Yasaka Pagoda, etc.

In addition, there is Ine no Funaya – a charming village on the Tango Peninsula. This most beautiful city in Japan is known as “Venice of Japan” with more than 200 floating houses forming a picturesque and romantic scene. Kyoto is home to Matcha (Japanese green tea). There is even a town called Wazuka specialized in producing green tea. So it is undoubted that tourists can enjoy a wide range of best matcha – flavored desserts in Kyoto.

3. Osaka

Photo: tsunagu Japan

Osaka is also one of the largest cities in Japan located on the Honshu island impresses tourists with glorious neon lights, diverse local foods, historical places, and entertainment centers. Nestles among cherry blossoms at the heart of the city, Osaka Castle offering a very charming view. Shitennoji Temple, Hozen-Ji temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Sumiyoshi shrine are not only the best ancient places but also tell many mysterious folks and tales. There are more museums in Osaka that make this city more beautiful than any other cities in Japan.

Osaka Aquarium, universal studios, the pokemon centers, and Round 1 stadium are all celebrated entertainment centers in Osaka. Tourists can enjoy fresh seafood in Kuromon Market and other traditional foods of Japan like takoyaki (grilled octopus meatballs), okonomiyaki (a Japanese pancake), ramen in Dotonbori street.

4. Hiroshima

Photo: Indochinapost

Lying in western Honshu, Hiroshima´s history will forever be linked to the atomic bomb which flattened the city on August 6th, 1945. Almost completely destroyed, Hiroshima has remarkably been reconstructed and is now a bustling modern city, full of life.

While many visitors come to pay their respects at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and visit the chilling A-Bomb Dome ruins, the city has many other sights for visitors to enjoy. It also serves as a gateway to some beautiful nearby islands including famous Miyajima (shrine island).

5. Yokohama

Photo: Lonely Planet

Many people say that the name Yokohama is not "a little bit" in Japanese travel. But, this bustling port city has a very distinctive view, worthy of you to book a tour here.

Yokohama is also very busy but not noisy but brings the charm of peace. The sights in Yokohama can make a strong impression on the Sankeien garden – a traditional Japanese garden with blooming cherry trees. In addition, other attractions that you should visit are the coastal urban area of Minato Mirai, the Zoorasia Zoo...

6. Kanazawa

Photo: Wiki Travel

With beautiful temples, ancient shrines and a range of fantastic museums, this charming city lying on the Sea of Japan is not to be missed. Wonderfully preserved, its ancient neighborhoods are lovely to wander around, with the old geisha and samurai districts being particularly delightful. In fact, Kanazawa rivals Kyoto in the number of historical and cultural attractions that it has on show.

Although seldom visited by westerners, Japanese tourists flock to this city. The highlight is undoubtedly Kenroku-en, an impressive castle with idyllic gardens surrounding it.

7. Nara

Photo: Aramex.vn

Nara is the former ancient capital of Japan. As a result, dipped in historical and cultural values, it is the cradle of Japanese civilization. No wonder why it is also listed as one of the top cities to visit in Japan. Get yourself a great day in historical attractions: Todai-Ji Temple, Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, Sangatsu-do Hall, Yakushi-Ji Temple or go sightseeing to enjoy the breathtaking natural scenes in Yoshiki-en Garden, Kofuku-Ji Temple, Isui-en Garden, etc. Nara’s cuisine is famous for foods that originated from Nara period: somen noodles, manju (a steamed bun), narazuke (a kind of pickle since the 8th century), kakinoha-zushi (a type of sushi with salty mackerel fish), kuzu mocha (a very refreshing and sweet dessert).

Nara is really an interesting city, do you know that there are about 150 accidents caused by deer? The city had to create “deer zones” on the road to help drivers notice and avoid. Another surprising fact is that many stores in Nara close very early, often after 6 p.m.

8. Sapporo

Photo: FestivalGo

Sapporo is the capital city of the second largest island of Japan – Hokkaido. Sapporo itself is Japan’s fifth largest city. No words can describe the beauty and charm of this city. It must be on many people’s checklist of major cities to visit in Japan.

There are countless fascinating things to discover in Sapporo, the colorful and fantasy Ishiya Chocolate Factory for people having sweet teeth, Maruyama Zoo for animal lovers, the reputable Snow Festival with ice sculptures. It cannot go without saying that like other top cities in Japan there are many green spaces, temples, and museums in Sapporo. Besides the traditional foods of Japan (ramen, soup curry), here a very famous drink is beer. Sapporo beer has a long history that dates back to 143 years ago. There is even Sapporo Beer Museum where you can learn all about the history of beer making.

9. Nagoya

Photo: Agoda

In the itinerary of Japan Travel, Nagoya is mentioned as an industrial city rather than a tourist destination. While "Bringing the sound" is industrial, it is dry, but once you have a tour here, you will feel completely different.

Destinations such as Nagoya Castle, Noritake Garden... will bring you to great spaces. Shirakawa-Go mountain area, Kiso Valley, Takayama Old Town... Are the names that make Nagoya increasingly the city of tourist attractions in Japan.

10. Nikko

Photo: tsunagu Japan

Nikko is one of the most famous and beautiful tourist destinations in Japan. It is not only natural landscapes, but also historical and long-lasting relics. In the heart of Nikko, a temple of Nikko is recognized as a world Cultural heritage site in 1999 by Unesco.

Spring viewing cherry blossom and autumn foliage, red leaves are the most beautiful seasons in Nikko. Only once to this city in the last two seasons, you will feel the rustic beauty but not least charm to be enchanted always!

Romance in Japan

Every country has its own rules and rituals around romance, and Japan is no different. However, it does have its own quirks, as you’d expect. Valentine’s Day for instance is celebrated every February in Japan and comes with many of the same customs as other countries, with one very notable exception. In Japan, Valentine’s is the day a woman gives a present to the object of their affection. It’s very much a one-way transaction and the recipient doesn’t return the gesture until a month later on White Day. The gift is often chocolate or sweets called ‘honmei choco’, and they are sometimes handmade. This is given to someone a woman is romantically interested in, while she can also give ‘giri choco’ or obligatory chocolates to male friends and co-workers. On White Day, the object of her affection has the chance to reciprocate with a gift of their own, although rules state it must be worth three times the value of her present. This gift is known as ‘sanbai kaeshi’. Of course, if you’re just visiting Japan then you don’t need to worry too much about all of this and can instead enjoy a hugely romantic getaway in one of the world’s most beautiful, interesting and historic countries.