Tokyo’s Romantic Valentine Spots

Jan 20, 2019

Tokyo’s Romantic Valentine Spots

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you may be wanting to find that perfect place to cozy up to your loved one and not sure of quite what to do about it. But fear not, because there are actually quite a few romantic spots in this fair city of ours.

Disneyland/Disney Sea

What could be more romantic than being in ‘the happiest place on earth’? Every Valentine’s Day, Tokyo’s Disney Resort is the destination for love-struck couples from all over Japan as they bask in the glow of the Disney magic. Those who want to get their already-beating hearts racing even faster should head to the attractions of Disneyland, while those looking for a more sedate time (perhaps with a glass of wine) should check out Disney Sea. Get involved in the fun by wearing matching outfits with your beloved, as many others will do. Though be warned, this is not the location for private romance. You will be far from alone…

• Where: Tokyo Disney Resort,1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba   (map)
• Website: www.tokyodisneyresort.jp

Tokyo Bay Night Cruise

For some, nothing gets the romantic juices flowing quite like undulating lights dancing on the water, and the sunset and city lights twinkling on the Tokyo Bay is certainly up there in the majesty stakes. If that floats your boat, there are a couple of night cruises that you can enjoy. The Tokyo Gate Bridge and Factory Night Cruise leaves from Tennozu Yamatsu Pier and will take you around the bay for two hours. However, if you want something really special, you can take the Symphony Tokyo Bay Cruise, on which you will depart from Hinode Pier, pass under the Tokyo Gate Bridge, and go around Tokyo Bay as you enjoy a luxurious dinner on the Symphony (it’s the name of the boat, so don’t expect an orchestral accompaniment).

The Tokyo Gate Bridge and Factory Night Cruise

• Where:  Tennozu Yamatsu Pier, 1-39-21 Higashi-shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, (map)
• Tel: 03-3454-0432

Symphony Tokyo Bay Cruise

• Where: Hinode Pier, 2-7-104 Kaigan, Minato-ku,  (map)
• Website: www.symphony-cruise.co.jp

Meiji Jingu Gaien

If you want to keep away from the crowds but don’t have the budget for the Grand Hyatt, thrifty lovers could do worse than spending a day in Meiji Jingu Gaien. Pretty much in the center of the city, the park is certainly not one of the most popular, but that takes nothing away from its beauty. The entrance is lined with enchanting ginko trees, and it is a delightful place to wander, huddled together for warmth. It is also ideal for couples with children who can run around as you steal a few brief romantic moments together.

• Where:  Shinjuku-ku Kasumigaokamachi, No. 1 (map)
• Website:  www.meijijingugaien.jp

Eyes in the sky – observation decks and helicopter rides

There is something inherently romantic about a sprawling, glittering view and Tokyo has this in spades. With so many high rise buildings having observation decks, you are almost spoilt for choice when it comes to dramatic panoramas. Just check out our post here for a few ideas of where you might fancy.

But if you really want to get a good romantic view of the city, a large-windowed helicopter is the way to go. For 17,000 JPY per person, you can take your loved one up over Rainbow Bridge, Tsukiji Market, and The Imperial Palace; take in The Sumida River, Tokyo Skytree and The Arakawa River; and skirt past Tokyo Tower and Kasai Rinkai Koen, before returning, all loved up, to Tokyo Heliport.

• Where:  Tokyo Heliport, Koto, Shinkiba 4-7-28 (map)
• Website: www.govoyagin.com

Mark Guthrie

Image by Hidetsugu Tonomura (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via flickr.com (modified)

Image by Andrew H (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via flickr.com (modified)