If you're planning a honeymoon in Japan, it's tempting to see as many cities as you can. But changing hotels every day or two wears you out faster than you'd expect.

With one or two weeks, we recommend a few days in Tokyo, two or three nights in an onsen area, then on to Kyoto or Osaka. Hakone, Mishima and the Izu area are good places to break the journey between Tokyo and Kansai: hot springs, Mt Fuji, good food and a bit of local culture.

Along the way, you can make something together, write a wish at a shrine, or just leave a day completely free.

Tip	What to check
Stay 2–3 nights in an onsen area	Book private-bath rooms early
Tell the ryokan it is your honeymoon	Ask about cakes, flowers or special meals
Make something together	Check local workshops
Plan transport in advance	Combine trains, private cars and luggage delivery

1. Pace yourself

Japan is full of places you'll want to see: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and more. You don't have to fit every major city into one trip.

For example:

Tokyo → Hakone / Eastern Shizuoka / Izu → Kyoto or Osaka

With one or two weeks, we'd spend two or three nights in an onsen area. Stay in Hakone, or use Izu Nagaoka as a base and visit Mishima or Atami during the day.

2. Book your most special stay first

If a private onsen matters to you, book this part of the trip before anything else.

There are two common kinds of private bath:

Kashikiri-buro: a private bath you reserve for a set amount of time.
A room with its own open-air bath: a bath inside or attached to your room.

Rooms with private baths are limited and sell out faster than standard rooms, especially in cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. If you're after a special ryokan stay, look for a private bath or a good view.

If you're looking for somewhere to book a private onsen stay, Izu Nagaoka Yoshiharu is one option. The ryokan has rooms with private open-air baths as well as private baths that can be reserved.

Izu Mitohama Shoutoukan is another option, with rooms that include private semi-open-air baths.

Do check the room type when booking, as not every room includes a private bath.

3. Tell the ryokan or hotel it's your honeymoon

Say so when you book, and ask whether they can arrange a cake, flowers, an anniversary meal or a message. Some of these cost extra and not every property offers them, so ask before you arrive.

4. Choose one special dinner

Many ryokan serve a multi-course Japanese dinner as part of the stay. If you'd like a quieter one, look for a ryokan with in-room dining or a private dining room.

5. Make a souvenir together

Japan has meoto-bashi, a pair of chopsticks used by a married couple, and they're sometimes given as wedding gifts.

Netsugi Shoten in Mishima runs a permanent chopstick-making workshop, where you can shape your own chopsticks using a Japanese hand plane. The workshop takes about one hour and costs ¥1,500 per person.

Chopsticks are easy to pack, and you'll keep using them long after the trip.

6. Leave a wish together

When you're in Mishima, you can stop by Mishima Taisha. At Japanese shrines, visitors write a wish on a small wooden plaque called an ema and leave it there. Write something about your future together, or make one shared wish for the trip.

You can also buy omamori (charms) for relationships, good fortune or everyday wellbeing.

7. Check dietary requirements before booking a ryokan

Ryokan dinners are usually a set course, so big changes on the day are difficult. If you're vegetarian, vegan, halal, have food allergies or follow other religious dietary requirements, contact the property before you book, or as early as you can.

Japanese meals can include things like dashi, seasonings, mirin and cooking sake. Check that the ryokan can accommodate your requirements before you book.

8. Plan your luggage and transport before you go

Getting around Japan's public transport with large suitcases can be a hassle, especially outside the major cities. Trains work well between major cities, while a private car is useful for countryside stops.

Tokyo to Hakone or Izu

If you want to travel straight from your Tokyo hotel and stop somewhere on the way, a private car is a good option. It also helps when you want to see several countryside spots in one day.

TokudAw offers private vehicle travel and customised itineraries, so you can ask about including Tokyo to Hakone or Izu in your trip.

Send large luggage ahead

Spending only two or three nights in an onsen area? Send your large luggage ahead to Kyoto or Osaka and take a smaller bag to Izu.

Example: a 3-night Izu stay between Tokyo and Kansai

Add a few nights in Izu between Tokyo and Kyoto or Osaka. For example:

Tokyo 4–5 nights → Izu Nagaoka 3 nights → Kyoto / Osaka 4–5 nights

Day 1: Tokyo to Izu Nagaoka

After a few days in Tokyo, head to Izu Nagaoka. If the route fits your itinerary, a private car from your Tokyo hotel is another option. If you've sent your larger luggage ahead, you only need a small bag.

After checking in, keep the rest of the day simple: onsen, dinner, ryokan.

Day 2: Explore Mishima

Take a day trip to Mishima. Visit Mishima Taisha, write an ema together. Or try a chopstick-making workshop. Mishima Skywalk is another option if you still have time and the weather's good.

You don't have to do everything, so pick what interests you most.

Day 3: Do very little, or visit Atami

Leave the third day mostly open. Stay at the ryokan, use the onsen again, walk around, or have a slow morning. If you feel like going out, Atami works for a short day trip: sea views, cafés or a spa.

Day 4: Izu Nagaoka to Kyoto or Osaka

After breakfast, continue to Kyoto or Osaka by train. If you've already sent your larger luggage ahead, you only need your smaller bag.

FAQs

How many nights should I stay in an onsen area? For a one- to two-week honeymoon, two or three nights is about right. You get to enjoy the ryokan without spending most of the stay on transport.

When is a good time for a honeymoon in Japan? Spring and autumn are popular for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. Winter can work too if you're after onsen and Mt Fuji views, though clouds can hide the mountain at any time of year.

Can I use an onsen if I have tattoos? It varies. Some public baths restrict tattoos, while others allow tattoo covers. A private bath, or a bath in your room, may also be an option. Check the rules before you book.

Can I stay at a ryokan if I have dietary restrictions? It depends on the property and what changes you need. Contact the ryokan before booking. If they can't accommodate you, consider a breakfast-only or room-only plan.

Should I use a private car or luggage delivery? Luggage delivery is handy when you want to send a large suitcase straight to your next hotel. A private car is useful when you want to visit several places outside the main cities, or stop somewhere between destinations. You can use both on the same trip.

Plan your Japan honeymoon with TokudAw

Let TokudAw handle the logistics for you.

TokudAw offers private vehicle travel and customised itineraries between Tokyo, Hakone, Izu and other areas. Trains work well between major cities, while a private vehicle makes countryside travel easier.

How Can You Plan a Relaxing Honeymoon in Japan?