The 374 Honeymoon Guide: inside a stylist’s trip to Japan

21 JULY 2026

A stylist’s 14-day trip to the East Asian capital city, where she discovered onsens, ramen and referral-only restaurants

Best for: couples looking for culture, food and adventure
When to go: Spring, to catch the cherry blossom
Recommended route: Tokyo → Fujikawaguchiko → Osaka → Kyoto

Stylist Bliss and her husband decided to book the honeymoon of a lifetime after friends returned from Japan completely obsessed. Two weeks later, they arrived in Tokyo with their route mapped out, ready to experience the energy of the country’s neon-lit streets, the charm of its centuries-old temples and the breathtaking mountain scenery.

“I wondered whether Japan would live up to the hype,” says Bliss. “It absolutely did. It's not just the incredible food, beautiful scenery, or unbelievably efficient transport - it's the feeling you have while you're there. The culture is fascinating, every city has its own personality, and even the smallest everyday moments become memorable.”

Here, she shares her guide to 14 days in Japan.

Frequently visited bakery by the Biebers when they’re in Japan and I see why! Photo: Bliss Gubbins

If you can be patient, a trip to Tokyo Skytree is definitely worth it for the views! Photo: Bliss Gubbins

Tokyo

Best for: modern meets tradition, food lovers, unforgettable food

“We spent a total of four nights in Tokyo, which felt perfect. Tokyo is a paradox of modernity but deep-rooted tradition. It was manic in a way but also totally peaceful. Growing up in London, I loved how clean and efficient it was to get around. If ever you want to get a good feel of the city, I would recommend watching ‘Lost in Translation’ by Sofia Coppola.

Stay: Landabout, Ueno! It's got amazing transport links and a relaxed, but traditional vibe.
Don’t miss: book a private onsen after your flight. We visited KUDOCHI in Roppongi, where couples can reserve a private saunas alongside hot and cold plunge pools for two hours. It was exactly what we needed after a 14-hour flight.

Bliss’ tip: wake up early to take in the calm, focused energy of early-morning Tokyo before the crowds arrive. We loved watching the ‘salarymen’ head to work while sipping curbside matcha.

Hotel balcony in Fujikawaguchiko. Photo: Bliss Gubbins

If you squint, you might be able to see Mt Fuji in the distance. Photo: Bliss Gubbins

Fujikawaguichiko

Best for: Mount Fuji views, hiking and traditional hospitality

“Our next stop was Fujikawaguchiko, where we spent three nights nestled in the northern foothills of Mount Fuji. For walkers, it's one of the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes. We spent our days walking, soaking in our hotel’s onsen and admiring incredible views of Mount Fuji.”

Stay: at Fuji View Hotel, a ryokan-style hotel, where you’ll sleep on futons laid over traditional tatami mats and wake to a breakfast of grilled fish, rice and miso soup.

Don’t miss: Fuji-Q Highland amusement park, home to some of Japan’s most thrilling rollercoasters.

Bliss’ tip: grab a flaky, buttery French pastry from family-run bakery Bstone Bakers on the edge of Lake Kawaguchi before heading out for the day.``

The night after we experienced our first ever earthquake and bedtimes weren’t as happy on the 15th floor… Photo: Bliss Gubbins

We stumbled across this Katsu restaurant in Osaka where you could pick your spice level and had mild curries all round! Photo: Bliss Gubbins

Osaka

Best for: vintage sourcing, lively nightlife and memorable meals

“Osaka was next - Tokyo’s livelier younger sibling. It has all the energy but feels much easier to navigate. The shopping here was excellent and a fraction cheaper than Tokyo. We stayed for three nights, left with an empty suitcase and came back a little heavier - waistlines included.”

Stay: &Here, Namba which was great hub for food and nightlife in Osaka

Don’t miss: dinner at Yakitori Bird, an atmospheric Japanese pub or ‘izakaya’ with great cocktails and delicious sharing plates.

Bliss’ tip: vintage lovers should head straight to Vintage QOO and Hedy for beautifully curated vintage bags and accessories.

My husband is a keen fisherman and spotted them a mile off! Fishing in Kyoto. Photo: Bliss Gubbins

Faerie-like stepping stones at Tenju-an Temple. Photo: Bliss Gubbins

Kyoto

Best for: uthentic culture, scenic walks and next-level dining

“Kyoto was our favourite stop, and the place we wish we’d spent longer in. My husband grew up in the countryside while I'm a lifelong Londoner, and somehow Kyoto felt like it held both of our worlds at once. The city sits inside a natural bowl known as the 'Kyoto Basin' and is surrounded by dense, forested mountains. It has the atmosphere of an open-air museum, with culture around every corner.”

Stay: The Royal Park Hotel Iconic, Kyoto. We stayed in Nakagyo Ward which was right by the Kyoto national garden - highly recommended. We stayed in a hotel with an onsen and spa which was exactly what we needed at that point in the trip.

Don’t miss: the 10-course tasting menu at Farmoon, a referral-only farm-to-table restaurant. Taking a seat in the 16-seat room is like stepping into chef Masayo Funakoshi's home - she welcomed us like old friends and talked us through every dish in detail.

Bliss’ tip: Really embrace the slightly slower pace here. Go for walks in nature, enjoy the quieter temples and book a tea ceremony