Photo by Atul Vinayak on Unsplash
Tokyo, which is the capital city of Japan and the largest metropolitan area in the world, is a wonderful mixture of the ancient and the ultra-modern. You'll find serene gardens next to towering skyscrapers, and ancient stone shrines next to neon lit shops. When you're planning your proposal vacation, try to incorporate both aspects of Tokyo to get a real flavor of the city. Whether you're looking for a tall tower with a view of the city, a beautiful garden with bridges and waterfalls, or a more unusual spot for your proposal, Tokyo has it all.
Tokyo Proposal Ideas
Proposing with a view over Tokyo
There are plenty of tall buildings in Tokyo that provide a fantastic view and a great proposal location, but the most famous has to be the iconic red Tokyo Tower located at Shiba Park, Minato. Built in the late 1950s as communications tower as well as a tourist attraction, the tower has two observation decks at 150m and 250m. Try the higher deck for views as far reaching at Mount Fuji, or the lower deck at night for a romantic view of the city lights.
A more modern alternative for a bird's eye view of Tokyo is the observation deck at Tokyo City View. This is located on the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Three glass sky galleries are open until 11pm, while the open air roof deck itself is open until 8pm, weather permitting. Wander around the Mori Art Museum before you step out onto the deck to propose.
A third possibility if you're looking for a great view of the city is the Tokyo Sky Tree in Asakusa. Currently the world's highest freestanding broadcasting tower, the design is intended to be symbolic of a place where tradition and the future meet. Take the elevator up to the 450m Tembo Gallery, a spiraling glass tube style walkway that offers superb views of the surrounding area. Assuming she says yes you can celebrate at the lower Tembo Deck, which has an excellent restaurant.
Proposing in a Tokyo Garden
Although we picture Tokyo as a place of tall skyscrapers and modern buildings, there are also some beautiful parks that would make wonderful proposal locations. The Kokyo Higashi Gyoen Garden, or East Garden of the Imperial Palace would be a wonderful choice. This lovely garden is open to the public and contains the Ninomaru Garden, with trees representing every prefecture in Japan, and the historic Suwa no Chaya tea house. Originally the location of Edo Castle, you can still see moats, walls, and guardhouses from this time.
Many people consider Rikugien Garden to be the most attractive Japanese landscaped garden in Tokyo. Designed as a strolling garden around 1700, the name means Six Poems, and the garden is made up of 88 miniature scenes from well-known poems. As well as a central pond surrounded by hilly forests, there are many small streams with bridges and a number of tea houses. You can easily spend an hour wandering around the park and you're sure to find the perfect spot to propose. This park is at its most beautiful in the autumn.
If you'd like to get a little further out of the city for your proposal, consider the Sankeien Garden in Yokohama, which is just an hour's train ride from Tokyo. The tranquil gardens combine stunning sculpted foliage, with historic buildings collected from all over the country. Add in ponds, streams, bridges, pagodas, and walkways for a beautiful Japanese garden that is particularly attractive in spring when the cherry blossom is out.
Proposing at a Tokyo Icon
One of the iconic images of Tokyo is the Rainbow Bridge, a suspension bridge that crosses Tokyo Bay between Shibaura Pier and the Odaiba Waterfront. There are two walkways that run along the north and south sides of the lower deck and are open from 9am to 9pm in summer. From the northern walkway you will have a superb view of Tokyo Harbor and Tokyo Tower, while the south walkway looks out over Tokyo Bay towards Mount Fuji. At night the bridge lights up in red, white and green, using solar power collected during the day.
If you'd like to cross the Rainbow Bridge and propose once you get to the other side, Odaiba is a great place to do it. A man-made island in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba was originally built for defense purposes but is now one of the most vibrant areas of Tokyo for leisure, dining, and nightlife. Examples include the Venus Fort, a shopping mall in the style of an eighteenth century southern European town, and Decks Tokyo Beach which houses various theme parks. One of the most popular places to propose in Odaiba is at the top of the 115m giant Ferris wheel.
The Meiji Shrine in Shibuya is a serene and peaceful place for an iconic Tokyo proposal and is the best known Shinto shrine in Tokyo. Open from sunrise to sunset, the shrine is set within a 200 acre park. Make a wish for your life together and tie it to the prayer wall, or follow the locals by putting some yen in the offertory box, bowing your head twice, clapping twice, and bowing once more. If you visit the shrine on a Sunday you're likely to spot a wedding party which can only bring good luck for your own marriage.
Romantic Restaurants in Tokyo
If you enjoy fine dining then you're in for real treat in Tokyo. As one of the cities that is always near the top of the list for its number of Michelin starred restaurants, Tokyo is a foodie's paradise. Many of the best restaurants are tiny; tucked away in anonymous buildings with very little signage, so make sure you have the address and directions. They are also often very small so make sure you book well in advance.
While you're in Japan it's a good idea to try the traditional cuisine which based on rice or noodles with miso soup and a variety of side dishes. Miso soup is such a part of the culture that traditionally men would propose marriage by asking if their intended would make them Miso soup every day for the rest of their lives. Fish is particularly common in Japan, and may be grilled, simmered, or eaten raw in the form of sushi. Of course, if you want a chance from the local cuisine there are also plenty of international restaurants in Tokyo.
Japanese Restaurants in Tokyo
Esaki is a small but elegant restaurant located in the Aoyama area in the basement of an apartment block. It has earned its three Michelin stars for innovative dishes created from the freshest artisanal ingredients, and its menu is based on traditional kaiseki flavors with a modern twist.
Azabu Yukimura is another exclusive restaurant with three Michelin stars, which specializes in Kyoto style Japanese cuisine, with ingredients imported from Kyoto. The tiny restaurant located in Minato is designed so that you can watch the chefs as they prepare your meal.
Sushi Saito is another member of the three star club and can be found in Askasaka opposite the U.S. Embassy. Offering fresh sushi at its very best with seafood that is full of flavor and rice that is seasoned perfectly, the food is prepared as you eat.
Kamon is aptly named for a post proposal dinner, as it means 'gate of celebration'. Located in the Ginza and Hibiya area on the 17th floor of the Imperial Hotel, it beautifully combines traditional Japanese style with ultra-modern technology. You will be seated around one of many grills where a chef will prepare teppanyaki as you watch.
International Restaurants in Tokyo
L'Osier is probably Tokyo's best French restaurant, and is located in the Ginza and Hibiya area. The service is superb and the menu features classic French dishes such as sea bass with braised fennel, or foie gras de canard, along with a superb selection of French cheeses and desserts,
Peter, a grill and restaurant, is located on the 24th floor of the Peninsula Hotel and offers international cuisine including steak, salads, and seafood. The view is as much of an attraction as the excellent menu and romantic atmosphere.
Legato is a great choice if you are looking for Italian cuisine, although they do also serve Asian inspired dishes as well. Located in the Shibuya area at the top of a tower in Dogenzaka Hill, the theatrical décor of this popular restaurant make it a perfect choice for a special occasion.
Romantic Activities in Tokyo
Once your proposal is all arranged you might feel the need to add a few more activities to your vacation itinerary to ensure the trip of a lifetime. Here are some suggestions for fun and romantic things to do in Tokyo and the surrounding areas. Remember to mix modern and traditional to get a real flavor of Japan.
- Stroll around the ancient Asakusa Temple on the banks of the Sumida River
- Ride the Aqua Bus that runs along the Sumida River from Asakusa to Odaiba
- Visit Oedo Onsen Monogatari an onsen or hot spring theme park located in Odaiba
- Eat a sushi breakfast at Tsukiji, the world's busiest fish market
- Watch a sumo contest at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo's National Sumo Hall
- Take a one day bike tour around all the major sights of the city
- Make a trip to Hakone National Park, home of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi
Where to Stay in Tokyo for Your Proposal Trip
As a major business and tourist hotspot, Tokyo has a fantastic selection of hotels. All the top hotel chains are represented, such as the Four Seasons, the Ritz-Carlton, the Grand Hyatt, and the Mandarin Oriental, as well as the less well known-hotels listed, so you'll be spoilt for choice of you're looking for a touch of luxury.
For an authentic Japanese experience you can also choose to stay at a ryokan, a kind of traveler's inn. This will allow you to experience traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality, and you will find Tatami floors, futon beds, and Japanese style baths. These are not necessarily luxurious as rooms are unlikely to have their own bathroom, but spending one night of your stay at a ryoken can be romantic as it will give you a sense of the real Japan.
Luxury Hotels in Tokyo
Hotel Okura Tokyo is a traditional hotel in Roppongi with elegant gold décor, and a low key ethos of 'harmony and hospitality.' There is a tea ceremony room with a view of the Japanese garden, where guests can experience this unique ritual. In the main lobby you will see the Okura Lantern which has never been switched off since the hotel opened in 1962. Make use of the hotel's excellent spa facilities.
The Peninsula prides itself on being Tokyo's landmark hotel and is located opposite the Imperial Palace in the Ginza area. The five star hotel has contemporary earth toned décor designed to complement the views over the Imperial Palace Gardens or Hibiya Park from the large windows.
Hotel New Otani is a luxurious hotel located close to the Aksaka Palace, surrounded by a 400 year old Japanese garden complete with bridges and waterfalls. With an incredible 32 dining options as well as a spa and wellness center with indoor pool, you'll feel like you never need to leave the hotel.
Hotel Nikko Tokyo is located in the waterfront area of Odaiba, which is ideal if you plan to propose on the Ferris wheel or Rainbow Bridge. Ask for a room with a Tokyo Balcony, offering fantastic views of the city and enjoy the tastefully decorated guest rooms and well as the spa and pool.
The Conrad Tokyo is a contemporary skyscraper hotel located in Minato. Book a bay view room for spectacular views over the Royal Hamarikyu Gardens and Tokyo Bay. The room interiors feature cheery blossom designs in the headboards and flooring, lantern style lamps, and white marble bathrooms for a taste of modern Japan.
Hotel Century Southern Tower allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, while still enjoying fantastic views over the city. The hotel occupies the 19th to the 35th floors of the tower which is located in Shinjuku, and is accessed by a glass elevator. The newly renovated rooms are decorated in calming earth color tones for ultimate relaxation.
Ryokan in Tokyo
Homeikan is a fantastic choice if you want to stay at an authentic Japanese ryokan, and is made up of three separate buildings as well as a private Japanese garden. Located close to Tokyo University in Ueno, this would be a wonderful place to spend one night of your stay relaxing soaking up the atmosphere.
The Ryokan Asakuse Shigetsu in Asakusa is another good example of a ryokan, although this does also have some western style rooms for those that prefer them. Enjoy the view of the Asakusa five story temple from the Japanese baths on the top floor. This ryoken includes a traditional restaurant if you wish to eat here.
