Honeymoon in Tokyo, Japan: Couple Spots and Itineraries by Trip Length

"How should we spend our honeymoon in Tokyo so that it becomes a special memory for both of us?" Many couples worry whether they can really find calm, honeymoon-like moments in a city as big as Tokyo. On top of that, it can be hard to decide how many nights to stay and which season to go.

This guide brings together places in Tokyo for the two of you to spend your days and evenings, plus a day-by-day sample itinerary for 3 nights. It also covers how to extend the trip to 4 or 5 nights, typical costs, and good times to visit, so you can choose an itinerary that fits your tastes and budget.

Along the way, it explains the price range for a kimono photo shoot when you add one to your trip, the rules for where you can shoot, and what to check with photographers before you book.

Tokyo by Day: Traditional Sites and Gardens for Couples

During the day, visiting shrines, temples, and gardens in central Tokyo lets you find calm time together, even in a big city. The basic plan is to experience Japanese tradition at Meiji Jingu and Asakusa, then enjoy seasonal scenery at Hama-rikyu Gardens or Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

• Meiji Jingu: A Forest Shrine Where You May See a Bridal Procession
• Asakusa: Kimono Walks in the Old Town Near Senso-ji Temple and the Sumida River
• Hama-rikyu Gardens: Matcha at a Teahouse in a Seaside Garden
• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Leaves in Central Tokyo

Meiji Jingu: A Forest Shrine Where You May See a Bridal Procession

Meiji Jingu is a shrine where you may come across a bridal procession for a shinzen-shiki, a Shinto wedding ceremony. The honeymoon guide from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) also introduces it as a place where you can see couples who, like you, are just starting their married life.

According to the Japan Tourism Agency's multilingual commentary, the procession is led by Shinto priests and miko (shrine maidens), followed by the bride and groom walking under a red umbrella. If you see one, you are asked to make way and not disturb the solemn occasion.

The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset, and entry is free. According to the official opening hours, the gates are open from 5:40 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. in October. If you want photos in wedding attire, check how to get permission in our guide to the photography rules at Meiji Jingu.

Asakusa: Kimono Walks in the Old Town Near Senso-ji Temple and the Sumida River

Asakusa is an old downtown district centered on Senso-ji Temple, where you two can walk around in kimono. GO TOKYO, Tokyo's official travel site, also suggests renting kimono in Asakusa and visiting Senso-ji Temple in its 3-day sample itinerary.

The main hall of Senso-ji Temple is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from October to March it opens at 6:30 a.m. You can board a water bus on the Sumida River, and from Azumabashi Bridge you can see Tokyo Skytree.

Kimono rental for walking around town costs ¥5,390 at one shop listed on GO TOKYO. These are everyday kimono, so if you want photos in bridal wear such as shiromuku, the all-white bridal kimono, you can search our Asakusa kimono photography guide and photographer list.

Hama-rikyu Gardens: Matcha at a Teahouse in a Seaside Garden

Hama-rikyu Gardens (officially Hama-rikyu Onshi Teien) has a tidal pond fed by seawater from Tokyo Bay, and you can enjoy matcha (powdered green tea) at the teahouse on the pond's island. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association, general admission is ¥300, and the gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The same page also lists free English garden tours for international visitors. They start at 11 a.m. on weekends and on the second and fourth Mondays. There are no tours in summer, and tours may be canceled due to weather.

Wedding photo shoots require an application in advance, and applications are not accepted during the cherry blossom, autumn leaf, and summer seasons. Souvenir snapshots that you take yourselves with a smartphone or small camera do not need an application. Keeping your sightseeing day separate from your photo shoot day makes planning easier.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Leaves in Central Tokyo

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a large garden near Shinjuku Station where you can enjoy cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. The JNTO honeymoon guide lists Shinjuku Gyoen and Inokashira Park as places for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in spring.

According to the Ministry of the Environment's visitor information, admission is ¥500 for adults. From October 1 to March 14, the garden is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Mondays, except during the cherry blossom season and the chrysanthemum exhibition, when it opens every day. It is also closed over the New Year holidays, from December 29 to January 3, and advance reservations may be required on weekends and holidays during cherry blossom season.

One thing to note is that paying a professional photographer to take your personal commemorative photos is not permitted here. You are free to take photos yourselves as you stroll. On the day you hire a photographer, choose a different location.

Night Views and Evening Walks for Two in Tokyo

In the evening, watching the sky turn from sunset to city lights from an observation deck makes a memorable honeymoon moment. On the way back, you can also enjoy light shows and night walks. Many of these places are free, so you can choose according to your budget.

• Sunset Views From Tokyo Skytree or SHIBUYA SKY
• Free Night Views and Light Shows at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Odaiba
• Illuminations and Night Walks From November to February

Sunset Views From Tokyo Skytree or SHIBUYA SKY

To watch the sunset turn into night views, consider the observation decks at Tokyo Skytree or SHIBUYA SKY. GO TOKYO's page on Tokyo Skytree describes dusk, when the city lights come on one by one, as an especially romantic time.

Tokyo Skytree offers a night view ticket for entry from 6 p.m. that includes one alcoholic drink. It costs ¥2,400 and cannot be purchased by anyone under 20. At SHIBUYA SKY, online tickets cost ¥2,700 for entry until 2:59 p.m. and ¥3,400 for entry from 3 p.m.

SHIBUYA SKY tickets go on sale 2 weeks before the entry date. If you want to time your visit for sunset, buying them as soon as your dates are set gives you peace of mind. Note that prices are as of October 2026 and may vary by date.

Free Night Views and Light Shows at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Odaiba

For night views that cost nothing, consider the observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Odaiba. The observation deck is 202 m high and free to enter. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with last entry at 9:30 p.m.

From after sunset until 9:45 p.m., a free projection mapping show is projected onto the building's walls several times. No reservation is needed, so you could stop by before or after dinner in Shinjuku.

At Odaiba Marine Park, you can watch Tokyo Aqua Symphony, a fountain show that started in March 2026, for free. After sunset, the fountain, which reaches up to 150 m high, is lit up, with Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower in the background.

Illuminations and Night Walks From November to February

If you visit from November to February, you two can walk among street trees decorated with illuminations. According to GO TOKYO's page on Marunouchi, the tree-lined street is wrapped in LED lights from November to February.

GO TOKYO's guide to Tokyo at night also introduces the Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka illuminations and night cruises on Tokyo Bay. In 2025, the Keyakizaka illuminations ran from November 4 to December 25.

The same guide suggests night walks along the Meguro River in spring, from Asakusa to Tokyo Skytree, and from Odaiba to Tokyo Tower. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency's normal values, Tokyo's daily low from December to February is around 1 to 4°C, so bring an extra layer on nights you plan to walk.

How Many Nights to Stay and Day-by-Day Sample Itineraries for Tokyo

As a comfortable guideline, plan 4 to 5 nights if you stay only in Tokyo, or 3 nights in Tokyo if you also visit Kyoto or Hakone. Choosing one area per day, with sightseeing by day and night views or dinner in the evening, keeps you from rushing from place to place.

• Tokyo Only: 4 to 5 Nights for a Relaxed Pace
• A 3-Night Sample Itinerary With One Area per Day
• With 4 to 5 Nights, Add Hakone's Hot Springs or Kamakura
• Budget About ¥30,000 per Person per Night in Tokyo

Tokyo Only: 4 to 5 Nights for a Relaxed Pace

If you plan to enjoy only Tokyo, about 4 to 5 nights lets you fit in daytime and evening plans without cramming your schedule. In a survey of travel behavior in which the Tokyo Metropolitan Government asked 16,008 international travelers in the departure lobbies at Haneda and Narita airports in 2025, 4 to 6 nights was the most common length of stay in Tokyo, at 41.8%.

In the same survey, 3 nights accounted for 17.9%. Honeymoon plans sold as of October 2026 by 2 overseas travel companies specializing in Japan also spend 3 or 4 nights in Tokyo and the rest in Hakone or Kyoto.

To make the decision easier, plan on 4 to 5 nights if your whole trip is in Tokyo, or 3 nights in Tokyo if you will visit several places around Japan.

A 3-Night Sample Itinerary With One Area per Day

With 3 nights, a simple approach is to assign one area to each day. GO TOKYO's 3-day sample itinerary also divides the days by area: Asakusa, Meiji Jingu and Shibuya, and Shinjuku.

If you include a kimono photo shoot, placing it on Day 2 as in the table lets you move it to Day 3 if rain forces a postponement. For tips on choosing the shoot day, see our guide to a honeymoon with a kimono photoshoot.

With 4 to 5 Nights, Add Hakone's Hot Springs or Kamakura

If you have 4 nights, you can add 1 night at a hot spring in Hakone to the 3-night itinerary, or stay 1 more night in Tokyo and take a day trip to Kamakura. Either way, you get both city time and quiet time. With 5 nights, you can include both Hakone and Kamakura.

To reach Hakone, the Romancecar limited express takes about 80 minutes from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto. The limited express fee is ¥1,200 one way for adults, and the base fare is charged separately.

Seats go on sale at 10 a.m., 1 month before the travel date, so reserve early once your dates are set. You can look for kimono photo shoot locations in our Hakone kimono photography guide and photographer list.

According to JNTO's Kamakura page, Kamakura is 55 minutes from Tokyo Station on the JR Yokosuka Line. You can visit on a day trip without changing hotels, so it suits couples who would rather not move their luggage. You can look for photo shoot locations in our Kamakura kimono photography guide and photographer list.

Budget About ¥30,000 per Person per Night in Tokyo

On average, expect to spend about ¥30,000 per person per night in Tokyo. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government survey mentioned above, travelers from the United States stayed an average of 6.8 nights and spent ¥204,865 per person in Tokyo, which works out to about ¥30,000 per night.

Travelers from the United Kingdom spent ¥196,151 over an average of 6.5 nights, and those from Australia spent ¥208,310 over 8.2 nights, or about ¥25,000 to ¥30,000 per night. These figures do not include international airfare. For 4 nights as a couple, plan on about ¥30,000 × 4 nights × 2 people, or about ¥240,000.

A honeymoon often means upgrading your hotel or adding a kimono photo shoot, so expect to spend more than the average. If you are going on a package tour, see our guide to choosing a honeymoon package for how to think about the total cost.

How to Add a Kimono Photo Shoot to Your Tokyo Itinerary

If you plan a kimono photo shoot in Tokyo, the basic approach is to check the price range and location permits first, then schedule the shoot for the first half of your trip. Photos in bridal wear such as shiromuku become a lasting keepsake of your honeymoon.

• Photo Shoot Plans Range Widely, From About ¥90,000 to ¥730,000
• Popular Gardens Restrict Wedding Photo Shoots
• 6 Things to Check With Photographers Before Booking

Photo Shoot Plans Range Widely, From About ¥90,000 to ¥730,000

Across 4 example plans published by Tokyo studios, wedding venues, and hotels as of October 2026, kimono photo shoot prices range from about ¥90,000 to about ¥730,000. The differences come from the length of the shoot, the number of outfits, and whether a meal or cultural experience is included.

• Photo studio in Asakusa: about ¥90,000 to ¥130,000
• Photo studio in Ginza: about ¥130,000 to ¥230,000
• Wedding venue with a garden: ¥350,000 to ¥500,000
• Hotel pre-wedding photo plan: about ¥730,000

The Asakusa example is a discounted price marking the studio's opening, and the regular price is about ¥100,000 to ¥150,000.

In the Asakusa studio example, the shoot takes 30 to 60 minutes, so you can fit it into a sightseeing day. Wedding venue plans take 4 to 7 hours, and some include a Japanese course meal or a tea ceremony experience, so plan to set aside a full day. For more on costs, see our guide to kimono photo shoot costs.

Popular Gardens Restrict Wedding Photo Shoots

Popular gardens in Tokyo restrict when and how wedding photos can be taken. According to the photography guidelines for Hama-rikyu Gardens, wedding photos require an application in advance. Applications are not accepted during the cherry blossom, autumn leaf, and summer seasons, and in 2026 this also covers October 17 to December 6.

At Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the Ministry of the Environment's photography guidelines do not allow paying a professional to take personal commemorative photos, regardless of the season. Meiji Jingu also prohibits photography at the main shrine building, video recording without permission, photography for promotional purposes, and the use of drones.

If you want to shoot in Tokyo during the scenic seasons, it is more reliable to choose a location where your photographer can get permission, or an indoor studio or a wedding venue's garden.

6 Things to Check With Photographers Before Booking

Before you book, check the following 6 points with photographers, focusing on location permits, extra fees, and what happens if it rains. Terms differ by photographer, so asking each one the same questions makes them easier to compare.

Some plans at wedding venues with gardens require booking at least a month and a half before the shoot date. Once your dates are set, compare options early in our directory of kimono photographers.

When to Go and Where to Stay for a Tokyo Honeymoon

For scenery, go in late March for cherry blossoms or late November for autumn leaves. To avoid rain and heat, November or winter suits a Tokyo honeymoon. Choose where to stay based on how easily you can get there from the airport and how you want to spend your evenings.

• Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms Peak in Late March, Autumn Leaves in Late November
• November or Winter to Avoid the Rainy Season, Extreme Heat, and Typhoons
• Choose Where to Stay by Airport Access and Your Evening Plans

Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms Peak in Late March, Autumn Leaves in Late November

In Tokyo, cherry blossoms usually peak around the end of March, and autumn leaves in late November. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency's observations, Tokyo's cherry blossoms reach full bloom on March 31 in a normal year, and in 2026 they did so on March 28.

For autumn leaves, the normal date for maple leaves turning red is November 28, and for ginkgo leaves turning yellow, November 23. Both dates are based on trees observed at the weather office, so peak timing at famous spots may differ slightly.

The JNTO honeymoon guide cautions that planning your trip around the cherry blossoms is a gamble, since bloom dates are hard to predict. Famous cherry blossom spots also get crowded, so if you two dislike crowds, compare the autumn leaf season and winter as well.

November or Winter to Avoid the Rainy Season, Extreme Heat, and Typhoons

To avoid rain and heat, November or the winter months from December to February are comfortable times to visit. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency's normal values, Tokyo's rainiest month is October, with 234.8 mm, while November drops to less than half that, at 96.3 mm.

The rainy season, called tsuyu, normally runs from around June 7 to around July 19. Typhoons approach the Kanto region (the area around Tokyo) most often in September, at 1.2 in a normal year. Summer heat is also severe. According to a handout from the Japan Meteorological Agency's Tokyo Regional Headquarters, Tokyo had 29 extremely hot days with highs of 35°C or above in 2025, the most on record.

According to JNTO, the long holidays from late April to early May are a time when accommodation and transport become very hard to book and expensive. Winter brings plenty of clear days, with 192.6 hours of sunshine in January, so it also suits photo shoots if you dress for the cold. During the autumn leaf season, some public gardens do not accept applications for wedding photos, so consider indoor studios and wedding venue gardens for your shoot as well.

Choose Where to Stay by Airport Access and Your Evening Plans

To decide where to stay, consider whether the area shortens your travel on arrival and departure days, and how you want to spend your evenings.

The Tokyo Station and Marunouchi area and Ginza are about 60 minutes from Narita Airport on the Narita Express and 55 minutes from Haneda Airport by limousine bus. They are also convenient if you plan to continue on to Kyoto by Shinkansen (bullet train).

If you stay in Asakusa, the Skyliner takes about 45 minutes from Narita Airport to Ueno. It suits couples who want to walk the old town in the morning.

Shinjuku and Shibuya stay lively until late at night, and from Shinjuku you can take a limited express to Hakone. These areas suit couples who want to enjoy night views and dining.

What to Prepare Before You Arrive in Tokyo

Before you leave, sort out 3 things: visa requirements and entry procedures, a transit IC card (a prepaid card for trains and buses), and how to send your luggage. Then you can enjoy your time together from the day you arrive. You can confirm all of these in official guides.

• Check Visa Requirements for Your Nationality
• One Transit IC Card Covers Trains and Buses
• Send Large Luggage From the Airport to Your Hotel the Same Day

Check Visa Requirements for Your Nationality

Citizens of some countries and regions can enter Japan without a visa for sightseeing stays of up to 90 days. According to JNTO's visa information, the limit may be shorter for some countries, such as 15 or 30 days, so check the conditions for your nationality.

You can register for immigration and customs procedures in advance on Visit Japan Web from Japan's Digital Agency. Registration is not mandatory, but it makes airport procedures and tax-free procedures easier, so completing it before you leave gives you peace of mind.

Tax-free shopping changes for purchases made on or after November 1, 2026. According to the Japan Tourism Agency, you will pay the tax-inclusive price at the store, and the consumption tax will be refunded after customs at the airport confirms you are taking the goods out of Japan when you depart.

Getting travel insurance is another step that JNTO strongly recommends. This is because foreign visitors who leave Japan without paying their medical bills may be refused entry on their next visit.

One Transit IC Card Covers Trains and Buses

In Tokyo, one transit IC card lets you ride both trains and buses. TOURIST PASMO, a card for international visitors, went on sale in May 2026 and can be used for 28 days from the date of purchase. No deposit is required, and any remaining balance is not refunded.

On days when you visit several places by subway, the Tokyo Subway Ticket is convenient. Following the price increase on March 14, 2026, it costs ¥1,000 for 24 hours, ¥1,500 for 48 hours, and ¥2,000 for 72 hours. JR trains are not covered, so check which lines you will use before choosing.

Relying only on cards can cause problems at times. In a survey in which the Japan Tourism Agency collected 4,110 responses from international visitors at 5 airports from November 2025 to January 2026, 10.7% had trouble using cards. Restaurants were the most common place for trouble, so carrying a little cash is a good idea.

Send Large Luggage From the Airport to Your Hotel the Same Day

If you send large suitcases from the airport to your hotel, you can explore Tokyo with light bags. According to JNTO's luggage guide, same-day delivery and delivery on a specified date and time are available from Narita and Haneda to your hotel.

As a guide, items can be up to 160 cm in total length, width, and height, and weigh up to 25 to 30 kg. Fees are a few thousand yen per item and vary by size, airport, and whether delivery is same-day or next-day. Valuables and fragile items cannot be sent, so keep them with you.

If you travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen, luggage with a total length, width, and height over 160 cm requires reserving a seat with an oversized baggage area. Bringing it on board without a reservation costs ¥1,000, so also consider sending your luggage from hotel to hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most travelers arrange their trips independently, and if you photograph a bridal procession at Meiji Jingu, the basic rule is to keep your distance and be discreet. If you can't decide between Tokyo and Kyoto, you can also plan an itinerary that covers both by Shinkansen.

• Do More People Book Tours or Plan Independently for a Tokyo Honeymoon?
• Can We Photograph a Bridal Procession at Meiji Jingu?
• Is Tokyo or Kyoto Better Suited for a Honeymoon?

Do More People Book Tours or Plan Independently for a Tokyo Honeymoon?

Most international travelers to Tokyo arrange their trips themselves. In a survey of 16,008 people conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government at Haneda and Narita airports in 2025, 73.7% made their own arrangements without a tour, while 7.0% used a package tour. Among travelers from the United States and the United Kingdom, about 80% arranged their trips independently. These figures are not limited to honeymoons, so compare the options that suit you two in our guide to choosing a honeymoon package.

Can We Photograph a Bridal Procession at Meiji Jingu?

If you take photos, do so discreetly from a distance without blocking the procession's path. The Japan Tourism Agency's commentary asks visitors who come across a procession to make way and keep the occasion solemn. The Japan Tourism Agency's travel etiquette guide also asks travelers not to photograph people without permission, so avoid close-up shots of faces. Photography itself is not allowed at the main shrine building, so use your camera in places such as the sando, the approach path to the shrine.

Is Tokyo or Kyoto Better Suited for a Honeymoon?

Tokyo suits couples who want to enjoy both city night views and tradition, while Kyoto suits couples who want to immerse themselves in temples and historic streets. The two cities are about 2 hours apart by Shinkansen, so you can also plan an itinerary that covers both. In a survey of 2,485 advisors in more than 50 countries, released in October 2025 by the travel agency network Virtuoso, Tokyo ranked 2nd and Kyoto 4th among popular cities for 2026. This ranking is not limited to honeymoons. To see how the two differ, read our Tokyo vs. Kyoto comparison.

Summary

On a Tokyo honeymoon, experiencing tradition at Meiji Jingu, Asakusa, and the gardens by day, then enjoying observation decks and light shows at night, lets you make time for just the two of you, even in a big city. Plan on 4 to 5 nights for Tokyo alone, or 3 nights in Tokyo if you also visit Kyoto or Hakone. If comfort is your priority, November or winter is a good time to go.

Start by deciding the length and timing of your trip, then write out a day-by-day plan based on the sample itinerary table. If you also want kimono photos to remember your honeymoon, compare options in our directory of kimono photographers and ask about the 6 checklist items before you book.

References

• JNTO: Honeymoon Guide to Japan
• Japan Tourism Agency: Multilingual Commentary (Shinto Weddings at Meiji Jingu)
• Meiji Jingu: Opening Hours
• GO TOKYO: 3-Day Sample Itinerary for Tokyo
• Senso-ji Temple: Visitor Information
• GO TOKYO: Kimono Rental Experience in Asakusa
• Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association: Hama-rikyu Gardens
• Ministry of the Environment: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Visitor Information
• GO TOKYO: Tokyo Skytree
• Tokyo Skytree: Night View Ticket
• SHIBUYA SKY: Tickets
• GO TOKYO: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
• GO TOKYO: Tokyo Aqua Symphony
• GO TOKYO: Tokyo Station and Marunouchi
• GO TOKYO: Guide to Tokyo at Night
• GO TOKYO: Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Illuminations
• Japan Meteorological Agency: Normal Values for Tokyo
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government: 2025 Survey on the Behavior of International Travelers by Country and Region
• Odakyu Electric Railway: Romancecar Limited Express
• JNTO: Guide to Kamakura
• Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association: Photography Guidelines for Hama-rikyu Gardens
• Ministry of the Environment: Photography Guidelines for Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
• Meiji Jingu: Visitor Etiquette
• Japan Meteorological Agency: Cherry Blossom Full Bloom Dates
• Japan Meteorological Agency: Maple Leaf Coloring Dates
• Japan Meteorological Agency: Ginkgo Leaf Yellowing Dates
• Japan Meteorological Agency: Start and End of the Rainy Season in Kanto-Koshin
• Japan Meteorological Agency: Typhoon Normal Values
• Japan Meteorological Agency Tokyo Regional Headquarters: Changes in Tokyo's Climate (Lecture Handout)
• GO TOKYO: Access From Narita Airport
• GO TOKYO: Access From Haneda Airport
• JNTO: Visa Information
• Digital Agency: Visit Japan Web
• Japan Tourism Agency: Refund System for Tax-Free Shopping
• JNTO: Travel Insurance in Japan
• PASMO: TOURIST PASMO
• Tokyo Metro: Tokyo Subway Ticket
• Japan Tourism Agency: Survey on the Travel Environment for International Visitors
• JNTO: Storing and Sending Luggage
• JR Central: Seats With an Oversized Baggage Area
• Japan Tourism Agency: Travel Etiquette for the Future
• Virtuoso: 2026 Luxe Report