The 20 Most Romantic Locations in Kyoto For Couples

More than the culture and welcoming of Japanese locals, Kyoto features a long list of tourist spots for all kinds of travelers, especially couples! Whether you’re visiting for your honeymoon or anniversary or simply to unwind, Kyoto boasts diverse locations perfect for hanging out!

From stunning natural parks to informative museums and lively shopping streets, prepare for an unforgettable couple’s vacation! When planning your next trip, remember to include these 20 of the most romantic locations in Kyoto.

And if you want to capture your romantic moments with your partner in Kyoto, make sure you book this Kyoto couple photoshoot! Your personal photographer will take you to gorgeous spots and you will create beautiful pictures together.

20 Most Romantic Locations in Kyoto for Couples

You will find below our full selection of our favorite 20 romantic locations in Kyoto that we highly recommend you to visit with your partner.

1. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
2. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
3. Kyoto Aquarium
4. Kyoto Botanical Gardens
5. Kimono Forest
6. Kiyomizu-dera
7. Kyoto International Manga Museum
8. Maruyama Park
9. Nishiki Market & Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
10. Kyoto Kimono Rental Rei
11. Gion Shirakawa Namisato
12. Kamogawa River
13. Kyoto Arashiyama Orgel Museum
14. Garden Museum Hiei
15. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
16. Suzumushidera Temple
17. Nidec Kyoto Tower
18. Shogunzuka Seiryuden
19. Ichijoji Ramen Street
20. Elmar Maizuru Museum

1. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most popular districts, featuring beautiful walkways and a money park for tourists. But if a romantic spot is what you’re looking for, head straight to the Bamboo Forest, a famous destination surrounded by towering bamboo stalks.

The 16-square-kilometer Arashiyama Bamboo Forest has a unique, calming aura, making it a perfect location for a romantic walk. It’s the right place to visit when you and your partner want to escape the bustling city life and relax with nature.

Besides strolling, take stunning photos with the bamboo trees enveloping the surroundings. There are also special spots for stopping by and enjoying an afternoon picnic session. Visit the bamboo forest during sunrise to witness breathtaking views with less crowd.

2. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Despite constantly getting packed with visitors, Fushimi Inari Taisha also has secluded and quiet spots for couples. This shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the God of Inari. If you want to experience this tourist spot with your partner, we recommend hiking to reach Mt. Inari, where it’s less crowded and more peaceful.

Fushimi Inari Taisha became more popular because of its orange torii gates that line the hike across the Inariyama Hills. Fall in love with the woodland forest trails while taking a leisurely stroll and enjoying scenic city views.

The hike to Mt. Inari is also packed with small shops and boutiques where you can purchase water and local Japanese snacks. Remember to try the ice cream when you reach the viewpoint.

3. Kyoto Aquarium

Who doesn’t love aquariums as dating spots? The classic Kyoto Aquarium features 9 marine life zones, including seals, penguins, dolphin shows, and a salamander exhibit. Aside from entertaining, this date spot can educate about Kyoto’s native marine ecosystems, waterways, and saltwater creatures.

At the end of your tour, visit the museum shop and score cute stuffed marine animals and sea creatures. The Kyoto Aquarium is also close to various Japanese restaurants with exquisite night views.

To avoid the long queues, we recommend purchasing digital tickets and showing them to the aquarium staff when you arrive.

4. Kyoto Botanical Gardens

One of the oldest tourist spots, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, is located in the city’s northern region on over 60 acres of vast land. Prepare to be amazed by more than 12,000 diverse trees, plants, and flowers! Many tourists flock to this place to visit the bamboo, rose, and sunken gardens.

All the plants are cared for by professionals, so you’re confident they are properly maintained and trimmed. What’s excellent about the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is that the views are mesmerizing, no matter which season you visit. There’s even a conservatory where you can check out different tropical plants and learn how they thrive.

This September, an all-new Acorn Forest opens, perfect for young-at-heart couples. If you’re visiting the botanical gardens, wear your comfiest shoes for an entire afternoon of appreciating flowers and plants.

5. Kimono Forest

Kimono Forest, known as the Yuzen Forest of Light, easily becomes one of Kyoto’s most romantic places because of its beautiful art installations. Surrounding the forest are about 600 2-meter-high poles of acrylic-wrapped Kyo-Yuzen fabric. You’ll be amazed by the diverse fabric patterns, making it look like you’re on a museum tour!

For a more spectacular experience, visit the Kimono Forest at night. The poles light up, so they look like giant lanterns. This forest also features the Pond of Dragons, or Ryu no Atago-ike. Legend says it can bring you lifetime happiness if you dip your hands.

6. Kiyomizu-dera

Interested in the different temples in Kyoto? Bring your partner to Kiyomizu-dera, a famous Buddhist Temple on Mount Otowa. Head straight to the expansive veranda and catch panoramic views of the entire city! But, of course, the center of attraction is the main hall, housing Kannon, a thousand-armed and eleven-faced mythical creature.

Inside the main temple complex are forest paths, a three-story pagoda, and a massive entrance gate. How can we forget about the Tainai-meguri, one of the temple’s darkest paths where you can make a wish?

7. Kyoto International Manga Museum

Couples who love reading manga series will love our next recommendation. Did you know the Kyoto International Manga Museum is Japan’s first and most exclusive mange library and museum? This establishment is a collaboration of the Kyoto Seika University and the City of Kyoto.

If you’re the type of couple who prefers indoor dates, you’ll love this spot. There’s a collection of about 300,000 mange comics, unique exhibitions, and other manga-related materials. Plus, the museum has a cafe frequently visited by famous mana artists. There’s even a wall dedicated to their signatures!

8. Maruyama Park

Another excellent outdoor date is Maruyama Park, Kyoto’s famous green space. It’s more than a nature park with lush trees and wildlife. You can visit the outdoor music hall, seasonal cherry blossoms, and bronze status. Of course, the park is most popular for its vibrant cherry trees. If you want to catch the best lush pink blossoms, visit during spring!

For a more thrilling experience, we suggest visiting Ninnen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, two well-preserved districts, before heading to Maruyama Park.

9. Nishiki Market & Shinkyogoku Shopping Street

Another great way to experience true Kyoto food scene is visiting Nishiki Market. Then take a sidetrip to Shinkyogoku Shopping Street to check out local boutiques selling traditional goodies and souvenirs.

Known as Kyoto’s Pantry, you can definitely taste anything Japanese at Nishiki Market. It’s right at the heart of Nakagyo Ward. This formerly public market is now home to bustling fish stalls and other local food shops.

Besides diverse food selections, admire beautiful artworks by Ito Jakachu, a famous local painter. You can also choose from a wide array of locally-grown vegetables to cook the heartiest dinner when you reach home.

10. Kyoto Kimono Rental Rei

What could be more romantic than renting Kimono outfits and strolling hand-in-hand in Kyoto? Kyoto Kimono Rental Rei is one of the go-to kimono rental spots because you can choose from different designs and fabric. Plus, rental prices are affordable!

Don’t forget to take unlimited photos while wearing your favorite Kimono outfit and visit nearby temples and shrines. Head straight to Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizudera Tenmple, and Chion-in. It’s also amazing how the staff at this rental place are friendly and approachable. You won’t get intimidated when choosing from thousands of Kimono designs, colors, and sizes.

Planning to rent a Kimono in Kyoto? Check out our list of the best Kimono rental shops in Kyoto here! Make sure you also read our guide on how to book a kimono photoshoot in Kyoto here.

11. Gion Shirakawa Namisato

Gion Shirakawa Namisato deserves to be on this list because of its traditional tea houses and stone-flagged streets. As one of Kyoto’s well-preserved and maintained districts, bring your partner and admire how past Japanese houses appeared as well as the beautiful cherry trees.

Should you decide to visit during spring, you’ll love how the area is lit-up from 6 to 10 pm, creating a more romantic atmosphere. A more unique experience awaits when you decide to dine while enjoying the Shiragawa River views. Witness your full kaiseki meal be prepared right in front of you by the local chef!

12. Kamogawa River

Another romantic spot for evening strolls is along the Kamogawa River. If you’re saving up or don’t want to spend too much on your honeymoon, you can catch surprisingly beautiful river views here for free!

What makes the Kamogawa River unique? For one, you’ll witness vibrantly red cherry blossoms during spring and momiji maple tree leaves during autumn. But if you’re planning to visit during winter, be one of the lucky tourists to find black-headed gulls flying across the Kamogawa River.

13. Kyoto Arashiyama Orgel Museum

Fancy hearing musical boxes? The Kyoto Arashiyama Orgel Museum has the Guido Reuge’s collection of music boxes and plays them when there are visitors. Find 150 musical boxes displayed around the museum, with a few of them coming from the European cultural and historical heritage. There’s even the oldest music box built in 1796!

To know more about musical boxes, join live tours and exhibits. As a couple, you can easily score a discount on admission fees known as the love discounts. Inside the Kyoto Arashiyama Orgel Museum is also a music box shop if you want to purchase one as a souvenir.

14. Garden Museum Hiei

Admire artworks and stunning lake views in one location by visiting Garden Museum Hiei. It’s right at the Mount Hiei peak, making it a pleasant surprise after hiking up the mountain. The garden has lively roses and aromatic plants and is surrounded by reproduced paintings of Van Gogh and Monet. These masterpieces were made of ceramic tiles.

Garden Museum Hiei is an open-air museum along the Hieizan Driveway. If you prefer driving, you can also take a sidetrip to Hieizan Enryakuji Temple and see Lake Biwa. Additionally, the museum also offers cable car services if you don’t want to hike the mountain.

15. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

With more than 100 hectares of land, Kyoto Gyoen National Garden has become a relaxing and romantic spot for couples. Inside this national park are Kyoto State Guest House and Kyoto Imperial Palance and was the previous home of Emperor Meiji.

Aside from being a historical and cultural heritage, Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is famous for its peach and plum trees. You can also join differelt historical festivals, including Aoi Matsuri or the Hollyhock Festival.

16. Okochi Sanso Garden

Okochi Sanso Garden offers a more peaceful garden experience because it rarely gets crowded. You can catch picturesque views of Kyoto or explore the walking trails with your partner. Plus, Okochi Sanso Garden often holds traditional tea ceremonies at the teahouse.

This romantic spot is most beautiful during the fall season, where you can catch lively colors of reds, oranges, and greens. The ticket price already comes with a free cup of green tea and one small Japanese treat.

17. Kyoto Tower

To cap off your entire day of exploring Kyoto, visit the Kyoto Tower, one of the most modern attractions in this traditional city. Head straight to the observation deck, 430 feet from the ground, and enjoy panoramic views of the city at night. Touring the tower comes with touch-screen guides and a pair of binoculars.

Kyoto Tower also has a food court packed with local Japanese dishes and a five-star hotel. There’s also a gift shop to score local finds and a cafe that serves the best matcha cappuccino! We highly recommend visiting the Kyoto Tower at night for the best lighting experience.

18. Shogunzuka Seiryuden

Another romantic spot that features a 360-degree view of Kyoto is Shogunzuka Seiryuden, where you can find Ao Fudo Myo-o, a famous painting hailed as a National Treasure. This is perfect for couples who enjoy sceneries, informative artworks, and outdoor adventures.

The perfect seasons to visit is spring and autumn, so you can join illumination events after the sun sets. If you reach the observatory deck, you can catch views of the Ginkakuji Temple, Mount Hieie, Jodoji Temple, and the Gozan no Okuribi Festival. Don’t forget to look for the first-class Buddhist painting!

19. Ichijoji Ramen Street

Ramen couple lovers should dare not miss out on this place! Ichijoji Ramen Street, more famously known as the ramen battleground, features diverse ramen shops that get jampacked on weekends.

The Ichijoji Ramen Street has also become a gourmet dating spot among lovers, especially couples who love bonding over authentic Japanese cuisine. We recommend coming here early, though, as the lines can get really long, especially during lunch or dinner time.

20. Elmar Maizuru Museum

Finally, for a luxurious yet romantic spot in Kyoto, visit Elmar Maizuru Museum, a facility of the Kansai Electric Power Company. It has three floors; each one has a planetarium and an interactive exhibit.

You and your partner will love will love how sophisticated the planetarium is, with a private theater for some romantic time! Plus, the observatory deck on the third floor lets you catch a panoramic view of the breathtaking Maizuru Bay.

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Need we say more? These prime romantic spots in Kyoto will definitely make your vacation with your partner an unforgettable experience! Casually stroll along trails and parks or learn more about the Japanese culture in different museums and shrines!

Let us know whether you visited any of our recommendations above on your next couple’s trip to Kyoto!

And if you want to take pictures with your partner, trust us at Photo Trips and book this Kyoto couple photoshoot.

Don’t miss out our guide on the most romantic locations in Tokyo.