Top Ideas for Valentine’s Day in Kansai

Jan 27, 2025

Top Ideas for Valentine’s Day in Kansai

You’re in luck if you are in Kansai over Valentine’s Day. The region may not be known for being among the most romantic destinations globally, but there are definitely some great spots for a unique date.

Take a Spa Day at an Onsen Resort

There are many onsen (hot springs with bathing and hospitality facilities) across Kansai, ranging from simple baths to luxurious spas. For Valentine’s Day, it’s worth purchasing a day ticket or booking a stay at a lodge where you’ll have your own private hot spring bath. Search for onsen in the region here.

Enjoy a Romantic Meal on Kobe Harbor

With its lantern-lit streets in the evening, Kobe’s Harborland makes for the perfect Valentine’s evening spot. You can stroll along the waterfront and take in the breath-taking views of the port. There are plenty of dining options including the Sky Bar Grill Table, Teppanyaki Zenso, and the Kobe Cook World Buffet.

Enjoy the Views from the Sagano Romantic Train

The Sagano Romantic Train runs along the 19th century railway in western Kyoto. You’ll pass through the scenic countryside, including forests, mountains, and the Hozugawa river gorge. Depending on how much time you have, there are several routes to choose from. One option is to disembark at Kameoka Torokko station and take the two-hour river cruise back to Saga Torokko station, from where you can easily reach Kyoto station.

Have a Leisurely Lovers’ Stroll in Osaka

If you want to make an afternoon of it, head out to Osaka’s beautiful Tenmangu Shrine and follow this with an amble along Tenjinbashisuji. This is the longest shopping arcade in Japan and stretches over 2.5 kilometers. You can find a range of cafes and quirky stores here. If you have time, you might want to pop into the nearby Osaka Museum of Housing and Living to check out how things looked in the city in the past. As evening approaches, you can cap things off with a meal or drink in one of the many restaurants or bars in the area.

Head to the Romantic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Another option for an outdoor date in Kyoto is the towering bamboo grove of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. If you want to spend more time outdoors, continue your walk to Okochi Sanso Garden. It’s one of the most beautiful gardens in all of Kyoto. Plus, entry includes tea and cake at the end of your walk to complete your date.

Sample Some High Culture at the Takarazuka Revue

Fancy something a bit more highbrow? The Takarazuka Revue theater company gives performances at its home base in Hyogo prefecture, as well as in venues across the Kansai region. The all-female cast performs adaptations of Shakespeare as well as modern musicals.

Streetdeck, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons