7-Day Japan Honeymoon Itinerary: Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto→Osaka

Intro

A honeymoon in Japan blends sophisticated city nights, intimate traditional stays, and majestic nature. It's perfect for couples seeking dreamy photo moments, delicious dining, and unforgettable experiences (private hot springs, kaiseki cuisine, sunrise views). This 7-day itinerary lets you savor Japan's contrasting charms without exhaustion: neon-lit night dates and unique shared experiences in Tokyo; private hot springs and views of Mount Fuji in Hakone; temple visits, tea ceremony experiences, and leisurely strolls in Kyoto; and vibrant food-centric nights in Osaka. Cherry blossom season is recommended in spring, autumn foliage in fall, and warm ryokan nights in winter. Please refer to seasonal events and experiences available in Japan.

Quick Itinerary Overview

Destination Breakdown by Stop

Tokyo — 2 Nights

Tokyo is Japan's trendsetting hub, brimming with energy and packed with stylish date ideas—rooftop bars, art museums, unique cafes, and evening strolls to enjoy the night views.

What to Do

• See the beautiful night view (Tokyo Tower or SHIBUYA SKY)

• Romantic strolls at Shinjuku Gyoen or along Meguro River (sakura season).

• Private sushi counter experience or cooking class for two.

• Couples photoshoot in Asakusa + rickshaw ride.

•  Appreciating Digital Art (teamLab Planets)

 Where to Stay

• Mid-range: design hotel in Shinjuku/Shibuya — modern comforts, easy transit.

• Luxury: riverside suite with skyline views (great for a honeymoon splurge).
  
  Find hotels in Tokyo on JapanDen. 

Where to Eat

• Tokyo's signature “Four Greats of Edo Cuisine”: sushi, eel, tempura, and soba

• Intimate sushi counter, late-night ramen together,Drinking Japanese sake while eating yakitori

• A rooftop cocktail bar for nightcaps.

Hakone — 1 Night

The calm onsen town closest to Mt. Fuji — ideal for a private ryokan stay and romantic slow time.

What to Do

• Private or family-style onsen (book a room with a private rotenburo).

• Hakone Ropeway & Ashinoko Lake cruise with Mt. Fuji sightings (weather permitting).

• Art and cultural experiences at Hakone Open-Air Museum and Hakone Shrine

• Casual Foot Bath Experience

• Exploring Yose-gi Souvenirs

What to Stay

• Ryokan with private onsen and kaiseki dinner — emphasizes intimacy and traditional hospitality.

Find hotels in Hakone on JapanDen.

What to Eat 

• Multi-course kaiseki at your ryokan — perfect for a honeymoon special occasion.

• Owakudani's Black Eggs（ Eggs boiled in hot spring pools with black shells）

• Jinenjo soba（Buckwheat noodles made with wild yam, served topped with grated yam）

“For seamless travel between cities like Tokyo → Hakone, consider the JR Pass or relevant Regional Pass.”

Kyoto — 2Nights

Timeless temples, tea ceremonies, lantern-lit streets — Kyoto is the cultural heart of romance.

What to Do

• Sunrise at Fushimi Inari (early morning before crowds) or explore popular seasonal attractions (cherry blossoms, autumn leaves)

• Walk the Gion streets at dusk; consider a private maiko

• Rent a kimono and stroll through the ancient city streets

• Experience Traditional Japanese Sweets Making

• Zazen Experience(Some temples offer foreign language support)

What to Stay

• Boutique machiya or a heritage hotel — staying in a machiya gives couples privacy and atmosphere.

Find hotels in Kyoto on JapanDen.

What to Eat 

• For special nights, Michelin-starred kaiseki cuisine

• Japanese sweets like matcha and shaved ice

• For daytime dates, cozy cafes along the Kamo River or takeout from Kyoto's famous saba sushi establishments

“For seamless travel between cities like Tokyo → Hakone→Kyoto, consider the JR Pass or relevant Regional Pass.”

Osaka — 1 Night

A vibrant gourmet city brimming with light, culture, and romance. (Featuring Osaka's unique flour-based cuisine culture). It's the ideal place to spend a joyful, unforgettable time as the perfect finale to your journey.

What to Do

• Dotonbori Food Stall Tour Takoyaki、Kushikatsu、Okonomiyaki—enjoy Osaka's famous flavors all in one place.

• Osaka's Romantic Night Views　（Recommended spots: Umeda Sky Building, Abeno Harukas, Nakanoshima Night Cruise.）

• Shopping in Shinsaibashi & Umeda　From luxury brands to local boutiques, explore easily even if you're short on time.

• Honeymoon Photo Shoot at the Glico Sign

• Experience Mario's World at　“Super Nintendo World™” Inside Universal Studios Japan

What to Stay

• Central hotel in Namba/Umeda — close to nightlife and trains.

Find hotels in Osaka on JapanDen

What to Eat 

• Osaka's soul food（Takoyaki、Kushikatsu、Okonomiyaki）

• Takeout available at 551 Hourai pork buns

•  Brand beef (such as Matsusaka beef) grilled meat and steak

“For seamless travel between cities like Tokyo → Hakone→Kyoto→Osaka, consider the JR Passor relevant Regional Pass.”

Is 7 Days in Japan Enough?

Yes for a sampler honeymoon — comfortable pace with two city nights, one onsen night, and two cultural nights. If you prefer slower travel and more islands or countryside, choose 10+ days. For a quick romantic escape, a 3-day Tokyo + Hakone mini honeymoon also works.

How Much Will a 7-Day Japan Trip Cost?

(Estimates per couple — mid-range to luxury)

Accommodation range

Mid-range: $120–250/night

Luxury/ryokan splurge: $300–800+ /night (private onsen rooms cost more).

Meals (by travel style) 

Mid-range dining: $30–60 per person/day

Special kaiseki/luxurious meal nights $150–400 per person.

Transport (include JR Pass or Regional Pass comparison) 

Shinkansen fares (Tokyo→Kyoto one-way): ~$120–160 per person 

For travel within Japan, the JR Pass (for unlimited rides on Shinkansen and limited express trains) or Regional Pass (convenient for specific areas) are highly effective. Choose the best pass based on your travel area and itinerary.

Activities/attractions

Private experiences (tea ceremony, private onsen, cooking class): $80–300

Where you can save: mid-range hotels outside city centers, 1 splurge night at a ryokan instead of multiple, meals at local izakayas.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip

Best airports for arrival/departure

Tokyo (HND/NRT) and Osaka (KIX). Choose arrival based on flight deals.

JR Pass Meet and Greet Service at arrival for a smooth first impression — very helpful after long flights for couples wanting a calm start.

How to move between cities efficiently

Trains are efficient — use IC cards for city travel. For intercity shinkansen, compare single fares vs JR Pass based on total long-distance trips. 

You need optimal communication during your trip to check transportation options and shops along the way, and to use translation functions. Make sure you can connect with Pocket Wi-Fi  or eSIM. Both can be reserved together with theJR Pass option.

For easier travel, we recommend shipping large bags between hotels (using Takkyubin delivery). 

※Cost varies depending on size and destination, but is typically $15–30 per bag.

Pro tips for couples in Japan 

Keep displays of affection in public places to a minimum: Holding hands is generally acceptable, but kissing and passionate hugging should be avoided, especially in crowded areas or on trains. It is considered proper etiquette to enjoy such displays in private spaces.

Top Sights You Can’t Miss in This Itinerary

• Shinjuku Gyoen (pictured above) / Meguro River

→Enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn foliage depending on the season

• SHIBUYA SKY

→A panoramic experience from the 46th floor overlooking Shibuya

• Asakusa

→Experience old Tokyo scenery preserved here, tourable by rickshaw

• Private Hot Spring Stay in Hakone

→Relax and unwind in spacious baths

• Hakone Ropeway & Lake Ashi (pictured above)

→Possibility of seeing Mount Fuji

• Fushimi Inari Taisha at Dawn

→ The breathtaking sight of endless red torii gates is quintessentially Japanese

• Evening Stroll in Gion

→ Rent a kimono and stroll through the area for a time-slip experience

• Universal Studios Japan

→ Step into the wildly popular world of Mario

• Osaka Dotonbori Gourmet Tour

→ Savor Osaka's soul food, where the aroma of sauce is the best part

Final Thoughts

This 7-day Japan honeymoon balances private moments with exciting city energy: one meaningful splurge (ryokan/kaiseki), an active cultural leg, and at least one relaxed day to just be together. Book key experiences early (ryokan and kaiseki often sell out in peak season) and build in downtime — romance happens in the small, quiet moments as much as in big sights. For season and planning inspiration, see Japan’s official honeymoon guide. 

FAQs About Honeymoon in Japan

Q:How many days should I spend in Japan for my honeymoon?

A: Japan, an island nation located in East Asia, consists of four main islands and countless smaller islands. Considering its geographical conditions and distances, we recommend planning at least 10 days to fully enjoy your honeymoon.

Q: Is Japan good for a honeymoon?

A: Japan is an amazing choice for a honeymoon! It offers a unique blend of rich culture, stunning natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, and a mix of modern and traditional experiences.

Q: What is the cheapest month to go to Japan?

A: Winter (December to February) is considered the cheapest time to visit Japan, except during Christmas and New Year.

Q:Is $5,000 sufficient for a one-week honeymoon stay in Japan?

A: Yes, $5,000 USD is generally sufficient for a one-week honeymoon in Japan for two people, provided you are mindful of your spending and don't opt for the highest luxury. This budget can cover flights, mid-range accommodation, food, and transportation, but it will be tight if you choose expensive hotels or fine dining every night.