Japan is one of the few countries in the world that celebrates Valentine’s Day not once but twice. On February 14, women give chocolates to men they admire, and on March 14, known as White Day, men return the favour. However, before you embark on your own romantic adventure, let us explore Valentine’s Day in Japan together.
History of Valentine’s Day in Japan
Believed to have been introduced to Japan from the West by the confectionery and retail industries in the mid-1950s, Valentine’s Day has since evolved into a holiday with its unique Japanese customs and traditions. From women being the primary gift-givers to the emergence of distinct Japanese practices, the country’s Valentine’s Day is both different and fascinating.
From “giri choco” given to male colleagues and “tomo choco” given to male friends to “honmei chocolates” exchanged with significant others to confess romantic feelings, Valentine’s Day in Japan is a day dedicated to expressing affection and challenging traditional gender roles.
Best places to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Japan
The Sagano romantic train
The JR Sagano Line offers a picturesque journey aboard the Sagano Scenic Railway in Kyoto. This 17-minute ride on an old-fashioned train weaves its way across scenic landscapes, including lush forests and lofty mountains. It is the perfect setting for Valentine’s Day celebrations in Japan. Enjoy pretty landscapes and travel over a scenic river canyon with your partner.
A ryokan in Asakusa
A ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn often featuring a private outdoor bath, provides a tranquil setting for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Asakusa is home to some of the finest ryokans, where guests can admire breathtaking views of mountains and lush forests while indulging in a romantic warm bath in the privacy of their cottages. Conclude the evening with a traditional multi-course Kaiseki dinner served in your room, or relax in stunning common areas where you can socialise with other guests.
Hikes
Japan offers stunning views on short hikes, making it an ideal destination for adventurous couples. Embark on a one-day short hike to destinations like Mount Takao and Koburi Pass near Tokyo for a distraction-free Valentine’s Day spent in Japan’s nature. Spending a day on a trek or enjoying a leisurely afternoon stroll is one of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Japan.
Love shrines
For a more spiritual Valentine’s Day experience in Japan, consider visiting a love shrine with your special someone. There are several such shrines across Japan, such as the Hikawa Shrine in Saitama and the Imado Shrine in Tokyo, where couples can receive good luck charms or tie knots to strengthen their bond. Couples also pick up paper fortunes, known as Omikuji, for future predictions.
Find Hikawa Shrine and Imado Shrine on Google Maps.
An ikebana class
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Experience the art of flower arranging, known as ikebana in Japanese, with your loved one on Valentine’s Day. Taking part in an ikebana class enables couples to enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by vibrant blooms from around the globe, embracing the uplifting energy of nature. And the best part? Most classes allow you to take your creations home! What could be better than a beautiful self-arranged flower display that will brighten your home for days?
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Natural hot springs
Indulge in a leisurely soak at a natural hot spring in Japan with your loved one for a truly romantic Valentine’s Day experience in Japan. Numerous spas offer couples the chance to enjoy the healing properties of hot springs, where water bubbles up from over 1500 metres underground, promoting relaxation and wellness.
A romantic cruise
End your Valentine’s Day celebrations with a luxurious cruise offering gourmet meals, cultural performances, and scenic views of Tokyo, Kobe, and Yokohama. Afternoon or evening cruises on luxury yachts provide a memorable way to conclude the day. Among the most popular cruises for couples is the Tokyo Bay afternoon tea cruise, where you can relish scenic views alongside delightful tea-time snacks.
Winter illuminations
Experience the enchanting winter illuminations in Tokyo, where whole streets are adorned with vibrant displays of fairy lights in diverse shapes, colours, and designs. A stroll before or after dinner amidst the illuminations creates a romantic ambience, ideal for capturing unforgettable moments.
Picnic under the plum blossoms
For an outdoor Valentine’s Day date in Japan, consider having a picnic beneath the fragrant plum blossoms. Local parks and hilly orchards provide a charming backdrop adorned with light-pink, five-petalled beauties. Pick up a couple of bento boxes and a blanket, and find the perfect spot to savour the moment together.
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Best Valentine’s Day food in Japan
Valentine’s Day treats
Indulge in limited-edition luxury chocolates and other sweet treats from renowned brands such as Lindt, GODIVA, Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, and KitKat. Anticipate heart-shaped, centre-filled treats adorned with sweet messages engraved upon them, adding a touch of romance to your celebrations.
Dinner date
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Elevate your Valentine’s Day with a memorable dinner at elegant, Michelin-starred restaurants. Establishments like Sézanne at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo or The Apollo at Tokyu Plaza Ginza are sure to impress your date and offer some of the finest dining experiences in Japan.
Sake
Embark on sake-tasting tours to discover the diverse flavour profiles and varieties of sake from across the country. Visit local sake breweries in Fukushima, Tokyo, or Kyoto, where knowledgeable sommeliers will guide you through the beverages and recommend ideal food pairings for a complete sensory experience.
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All-you-can-eat fruits
Add a delightful twist to your dinner date by embarking on an all-you-can-eat fruit-picking adventure with your significant other. Depending on the season, some farms offer strawberry or apple-picking activities around Valentine’s Day. Spend quality time together picking and indulging in ripe fruits straight from the vine, immersing them in the provided chocolate sauce or condensed milk for an extra touch of sweetness.
Arashiyama in Kyoto
If you are in Kyoto on Valentine’s Day 2025, don’t forget to explore Arashiyama, a place full of scenic spots, beautiful temples, imperial villas, historical sites, and opportunities to express your love for your partner. The region is recognised as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government, and rightly so. Anticipate lush bamboo groves that provide the perfect backdrop for stunning selfies, delightful shoots in traditional kimonos, and various self-guided walking tours. You can enjoy boat rides, discover the vibrant Kimono Forest, and savour authentic Japanese cuisine.
Japanese whiskey
If you and your partner appreciate the intricate flavour profile of fine whisky, there is nothing quite like embarking on a whisky-tasting tour on Valentine’s Day. Numerous tours across Tokyo offer an exhilarating experience where you can savour some of the finest whiskies from around the globe, including Japanese specialities such as Hakushu, Yoichi from Suntory Yamazaki, and Hibiki, among others.
Valentine’s Day 2025 events in Japan
Enjoy Valentine’s Day at Roppongi Hills
From January 24 to February 14, 2025, Roppongi Hills, Azabudai Hills and Toranomon Hills will host Hills VALENTINE’S DAY 2025. Anticipate a stunning fusion of fine wines, sumptuous chocolates, luxury goods, and breathtaking floral arrangements. From caviar-infused sweets to scented candles to artisanal chocolate boxes to Mt Fuji-inspired wagashi, expect premium romantic experiences.
Visit Tokyo Solamachi
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Kickstart your Valentine’s Day with a visit to Tokyo Solamachi, a multilevel retail complex hosting a special chocolate fair from January 24 to February 14, 2025. Explore limited editions of various chocolates, witness the opening of new stores, and indulge in a unique showcase of sweets, both chocolate and non-chocolate, at two special venues. From 1 February 2025, limited-time Valentine’s Day shops will also join the festivities!
Go ice-skating
Embrace romance and athleticism with ice skating at Toshimaen outdoor rink in Tokyo, illuminated in neon shades for Valentine’s Day. Other options include the Edogawa Sportsland Rink, the Tokyo Midtown Rink, and the Yokohama Akarenga Rink, where you can twirl and slide with your beloved by your side.
Climb Tokyo Tower
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Join the Love Step Up event at Tokyo Tower, where couples can ascend the stairs to the first observation deck instead of taking the elevator. Enjoy a romantic stroll together and take in panoramic views of the city from the viewing area.
Salon du Chocolat 2025 at Isetan JR Kyoto
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Expect a blend of innovative and classic chocolates, with 103 brands showcasing their products at the Salon du Chocolat 2025. This year’s theme is “Moment/Infinity with Chocolate”, and top chocolatiers from around the globe will present some of their most exquisite collections, including terrines, fondants, sables, and more.
(Feature image credit: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos/Pexels)
Related: The Most Scenic Road Trips To Take In Japan This Valentine’s Day
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
In Japan, Valentine’s Day differs as women primarily give gifts, and men reciprocate on White Day, March 14.
Men who receive chocolates on Valentine’s Day in Japan typically reciprocate threefold on White Day or with items of less value, indicating their level of interest.
Yes, foreigners are welcome to participate in Valentine’s Day traditions in Japan.
Gifting chocolates is a longstanding tradition associated with Valentine’s Day in Japan.
Traditionally, men reciprocate on White Day (March 14) in Japan, not on Valentine’s Day.
Women are expected to give chocolates on Valentine’s Day in Japan.
“Giri choco” is obligatory chocolate given to male colleagues and friends, while “honmei choco” is reserved for romantic partners.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelEsha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More
