How much cash should we bring?

Start with $300-400 cash per person. Many restaurants and small shops don't take cards. You can withdraw more from 7-Eleven ATMs using foreign cards.

Do we need to speak Japanese?

No, but learn basic phrases like arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) and sumimasen (excuse me). Most signs have English in major cities. Google Translate camera feature works well for menus.

Is the JR Pass really worth it for couples?

Yes if you travel Tokyo-Kyoto-Tokyo or make any long-distance trips. Two round-trip shinkansen tickets cost more than the 14-day pass. Local trains are also covered.

Should we book everything in advance?

Book ryokans and special dinners (omakase, kaiseki) 2-3 months ahead. Most other activities and restaurants work fine with day-of or next-day booking.

What if we want more time in one place?

Tokyo could easily fill 7 days for couples who love food and city exploration. Kyoto works well for 5-6 days if you add day trips to Osaka or Nara. Adjust the itinerary to your interests.

How to Plan a Couples Trip to Japan

Plan 10-14 days mixing Tokyo's urban energy with Kyoto's traditional charm and a relaxing hot spring retreat. Book flights 2-3 months ahead, get a 14-day JR Pass, and reserve ryokan accommodations early. Focus on shared experiences like cooking classes, temple visits, and onsen soaks.

Choose your season and book flights. Spring (March-May) offers cherry blossoms but crowds. Fall (September-November) has perfect weather and autumn colors. Book flights 2-3 months ahead for $800-1200 per person from the US. Avoid Golden Week (late April-early May) and Obon (mid-August) when everything is packed and expensive.
Get your JR Pass before you go. Buy a 14-day JR Pass for $438 per person online before departure. This covers all JR trains including most shinkansen routes. Pick it up at the airport when you arrive. Don't buy individual tickets — the pass pays for itself with one Tokyo-Kyoto round trip.
Plan your base cities. Split time between 2-3 cities max. Tokyo (4-5 days) for urban experiences, Kyoto (3-4 days) for temples and tradition, plus one smaller destination like Hakone for hot springs (2-3 days) or Nara for day trips. More cities means more packing and less couple time.
Book accommodations strategically. Mix modern hotels in Tokyo with a traditional ryokan experience in Kyoto or Hakone. Book ryokans 2-3 months ahead — they fill up fast and many don't accept same-day bookings. Expect $200-400 per night for decent ryokans including dinner and breakfast.
Plan romantic experiences. Book a couples cooking class in Tokyo ($80-120 per person), reserve private onsen time at your ryokan, plan sunset at Tokyo Tower or Fushimi Inari shrine, and book omakase dinner for two ($150-300 total). These create shared memories beyond just sightseeing.
Download essential apps. Get Google Translate with camera function, Hyperdia for train schedules, and IC card app for subway payments. Download maps offline before arrival. Most signs have English but restaurant menus often don't.

How much cash should we bring?: Start with $300-400 cash per person. Many restaurants and small shops don't take cards. You can withdraw more from 7-Eleven ATMs using foreign cards.
Do we need to speak Japanese?: No, but learn basic phrases like arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) and sumimasen (excuse me). Most signs have English in major cities. Google Translate camera feature works well for menus.
Is the JR Pass really worth it for couples?: Yes if you travel Tokyo-Kyoto-Tokyo or make any long-distance trips. Two round-trip shinkansen tickets cost more than the 14-day pass. Local trains are also covered.
Should we book everything in advance?: Book ryokans and special dinners (omakase, kaiseki) 2-3 months ahead. Most other activities and restaurants work fine with day-of or next-day booking.
What if we want more time in one place?: Tokyo could easily fill 7 days for couples who love food and city exploration. Kyoto works well for 5-6 days if you add day trips to Osaka or Nara. Adjust the itinerary to your interests.