3 Tokyo Valentine’s Date Ideas for a Romantic Day in Japan
Valentine’s Day in Japan
Japan’s unique Valentine’s Day traditions have found interest overseas via anime and manga series featuring homemade chocolates and White Day celebrations, but a good old-fashioned Valentine’s Day date is at the heart of this romantic holiday even in Japan. So if you’re planning to spend Valentine’s Day in Tokyo, where should you take that special someone? The easiest option is a fancy meal or a night on the town, but if you want to go the extra mile for an extra special date with your darling, there are plenty of great destinations within the city of Tokyo or day-trip distance. So check the Japankuru event calendar for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or check out these three date recommendations that won’t let you down.
Tokyo Date ①: Marunouchi After Dark
Looking for a romantic evening in the heart of Tokyo? Head to Marunouchi, the area to the west of Tokyo Station, where glittering lights transform a bustling neighborhood into a dreamy wonderland. From November to February, the streets are adorned with champagne-colored lights for this illumination, casting a warm glow over the city. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic moment after a busy day of seeing the sights with your favorite person.
The shimmering lights create a magical atmosphere, perfect for cozying up with your valentine on a chilly February evening. Plus, this enchanting experience is free of charge, making it an accessible and unforgettable way to celebrate the holiday. Grab a hot drink from one of the vendors along the sidewalk, and stroll hand-in-hand along the kilometer-long stretch of sparkling trees on Marunouchi Naka-dori Street, lit by over a million (eco-friendly) bulbs.
▷ Find out more about the Marunouchi Illumination here!
Marunouchi Illumination (丸の内イルミネーション)
Marunouchi Area, Tokyo
Event Dates: November 14, 2024 — February 16, 2025
Hours: 16:00–23:00
Official Website (en)
Tokyo Area Date ②: Enoshima Aquarium
Aquariums are beloved date destinations in Japan, and if you’re ready to devote the whole day to this Valentine’s Day experience, you can experience the romance of a Japanese drama for yourself! Enoshima Aquarium provides the ultimate aquarium date experience, with dreamy atmosphere and world-class exhibits. Don’t miss the Jellyfish Fantasy Hall, where enormous tanks curve around the organically shaped walls, or the open-air Sea Turtle Beach, where baby turtles enchant visitors before being released back into the ocean to aid local conservation efforts. The romantic lighting and mesmerizing displays create the perfect ambiance for couples, which is probably why this real-life aquarium has been featured in multiple different Japanese drama and anime series. Steal a kiss in front of the aquarium’s glowing fish tanks, and let the magic of the day unfold.
After your aquarium visit, you can make the most of your time in Enoshima and Kamakura by exploring the surrounding area. Stroll hand-in-hand along the beach, grab coffee at a cozy cafe, or visit the island’s scenic spots for a Valentine’s Day straight out of a romantic flick.
▷ See more of Enoshima Aquarium here!
Enoshima Aquarium (新江ノ島水族館)
2–19–1 Katasekaigan, Fujisawa, Kanagawa
Hours: 10:00–17:00
Official Website (en)
Tokyo Area Date ③: Kairakuen Garden
For couples looking to escape the city, Kairakuen Garden is a stunning destination steeped in history. Known as one of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens,” it was designed by daimyo Tokugawa Nariaki in the 1840s as a place for the general public to enjoy nature. The name Kairakuen literally means “a garden to enjoy together”, making it a fitting Valentine’s Day spot.
In mid-February, with a little luck from the heavens, visitors will get to witness the garden’s 3,000 plum trees bursting into bloom at the start of their season. Kairakuen’s 100 varieties of plum blossoms create a spectacular display, so beautiful that it has inspired the yearly Mito Plum Blossom Festival, a month-long celebration that begins shortly before Valentine’s Day. This park is about 2~3 hours from the city, but it’s worth whisking your date off to the countryside to soak in the romantic atmosphere. Sip on umeshu (Japanese plum wine) as you and your partner wander beneath the vibrant flowers.
Kairakuen Garden (偕楽園)
1–2 Tokiwacho, Mito, Ibaraki
Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2023: February 11 ~ March 19
Official Website (jp)
Find the Perfect Tokyo Date for You and Your Special Someone
Tokyo is full of incredible date spots, with something special for every couple, whether you’re the kind of people who want to explore the cozy cafes of Shimokitazawa, visit Sensoji Temple to pray for eternal love, or watch the sunset from the breathtaking heights of Tokyo Skytree. The city offers endless opportunities for romance, with new events and attractions added to the calendar all the time. So grab your special someone, and let Tokyo set the scene for a day to remember!
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