Mixing tradition, culture and nature, Japan offers lovers some of the most beautiful backdrops to romantic moments. While in Japan, enjoy a moment with your partner by going on a Yakata cruise down the Sumida River, taking a private hot spring bath in a traditional Japanese inn or enjoy the night view of Tokyo or Hakodate from your hotel. Or visit some of the following locations known in Japan for their romantic atmosphere.

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ROMANTIC GETAWAYS

The Enoshima Island – take a short trip out to this island-home of the goddess Benzaiten, who is found naked in the Enoshima Shrine. Located in the Sagami Bay , this calm and serene destination is known for its gardens, small restaurants and many local myths of love. At night, many of the parks and restaurants are lit with white light, making the evening even more enchanting.

Lover's Cape (Koibito Misaki) – located in the Izu Peninsula, which is known for its many private onsen (hot springs). Lovers take walks to the Love Call Bell at the observatory searching for eternal love. Ring the bell three times while calling your lover’s name and the Lover's Cape office will issue a certificate of your eternal love.

Otaru - situated in the western part of Hokkaido, facing Ishikari Bay, has nostalgic, old-fashioned mood which is enhanced by its architecture and layout. When night falls, oil lamps on the cobbled streets are lit, couples take walks along its canals, while looking at glassworks shops, coffee shops, restaurants and shopping malls.

Udo Shrine - located inside a cave beside the ocean in the Nichinan Coast, it is dedicated to Emperor Jimmu's father, Yamasachihiko. It is a popular stop for cpuples and newlyweds because of its mythical offerings and spectacular views. Drinking the water that drips from its rocks is thought to be beneficial for those hoping or in the process of having children. Outside the cave, on a terrace overlooking the ocean, couples throw small ceramic lucky balls into a target for good luck.

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ROMANTIC ACTIVITIES

Hokkaido Sounkyo Hyoubaku (Ice Water Fall) Festival
(January - March)
Large ice sculptures are made by freezing water around wooden frames. Illuminated ice sculptures attract many visitors every year. Firework displays take place every night at 8:30 p.m.

Gotenba Kogen Resort Winter Illumination
(November – March)
Spend a fun day or two at Tokinosumika, a large resort with hotels, hot springs, sports facilities, and more. The winter illumination attracts many visitors every year.

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GETTING MARRIED

If you wish to marry in Japan, the process can be very simple and most paperwork can be completed in one day. Japanese law requites that marriage ceremonies must be done by a Japanese municipal government office. Ceremonies performed by religious or fraternal bodies in Japan are not legal marriages.

Japanese law requires all foreigners who marry in Japan to first prepare a sworn Affidavit of Competency to Marry, affirming they are legally free to marry, from their own country's embassy or consulate in Japan. Civil Code stipulates that male partners must be 18 years of age or older and the female must be at least 16, but must have parent’s approval if person is under 20 years of age.

Once a sworn Affidavit is obtained from a notary showing that you are able to be married it must be brought to the appropriate Japanese municipal government office. To avoid any disappointment, be sure to confirm local marriage procedures and rules directly with municipal government officials. (For example, depending on the jurisdiction, you may be required to submit a certified copy of your birth certificate and its Japanese translation.)

Once the marriage procedures are completed, the municipal government office issues a Japanese language "Certificate of Acceptance of Notification of Marriage" (Kon-in Todoke Juri Shomeisho) for 350 yen each.

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WEDDING TRADITIONS

Japanese are not very religious; as a result, many couples have opted for more Western style ceremonies, even holding Christian-style weddings instead of traditional Shinto ceremonies. Shinto ceremonies are attended by immediate family members and the go-betweens and are traditionally held in family shrines, although today, most hotels have them. The ceremony is short. A priest offers prayers to the deities (in classical language), the groom makes his marriage oath, and the ceremony ends with the couple performing the sansan-kudo exchange of nuptial cups. The larger bridal party takes place after the ceremony.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THE JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION