8 Holi-Date Ideas in Tokyo
For some reason, it is an unwritten rule that the Christmas season is spent with your partner, and New Year’s is spent with family and close friends. In the West, it’s the other way around! I guess there is no such thing as a New Year’s kiss in Japan, especially not in front of family.
.Here are some date ideas you can do in Tokyo!
Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest in Kanagawa (Day trip)
Design a custom ring in Shimokitazawa
Nezu Museum Date in Omotesando
Cozy up to Oden Date in Sangenjaya
Harry Potter Theme Date in Akasaka
Hiking date at Mt. Takao
Illuminations or hot drink in Shibuya
Takoyaki Home Party
1. Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest Date in Kanagawa
This was the most insane illumination park with 6 million LED lights I’ve ever been to! This park was on crack. It even has rides that can give you an adrenaline rush. There is also an onsen nearby where you can relax and have dinner.
The ropeway (pictured above) is a separate fee. 400 yen one way or 700 round trip per ride.
Best recommended coming by car if you’re ever going to road trip to Kanagawa from Tokyo… or maybe come here on a double date and hopefully invite someone that can drive?
For admission fee, you can pay when you enter.
Adults: 1,900 ～2,300 yen
Kids and seniors: 1,200 ～1,600 yen
Pets dogs are welcome (1,200円～1,600yen, second one additional 500 yen).
(depends on high season, see schedule for ticket pricing here)
2. Design a custom ring in Shimokitazawa
This might be a cheesy idea because this is what high school kids worldwide do for reach other, but WHY NOT?!
unu glänta shimokitazawa store is located in Shimokitazawa. Custom rings start from 2000 yen depending on the width and you can get brass or silver. They also have bangles, bracelets, earrings etc. My ring looked super homemade for 5000 yen, but it has its “not-perfect” charm about it. For an additional 500 yen, I was able to engrave a name (up to 5 letters) in the inward side of the ring, or you can pay extra for additional letters. This small detail made it much more special plus it came from someone’s wallet that I love. I think it’s even great for a holiday present for yourself! The process is really quick because you leave it up to the professionals, so you can take it home and check out within less than 30 minutes.
I chose this wavy design with partial glitter which they pounded to get that effect!
However, if you yourself want to make the rings, you can check out Ringram in Omotesando/Harajuku, where other content creators checked out. You not only get to choose the design but you get to make it with your bare hands! It will be ready to take home within 2 hours. The silver ring pair course is from 1.5mm｜1 piece 5,500 yen (tax included) to 5.0mm｜1 piece 9,500 yen (tax included), which is not a bad price for the experience.
So it’s totally up to you based on how much time and budget you want to spend on this.
3. Nezu Museum Date in Omotesando
This museum houses a private collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art of Nezu Kaichirō.
Be prepared to see a lot of ancient Chinese history and Buddhism which Japan got most of their influence from. Nezu Museum is located in Omotesando which is next to Harajuku.
It was about 1000 yen at the door. You can also reserve tickets online for 100 yen cheaper, but there is a risk of no cancellations or rescheduling.
Nezu Museum has a beautiful backyard garden which would be beautiful during autumn or spring.
Before or after checking out the art, stop by the cafe for some meat pie! It is a great light lunch. Their matcha latte was really good, and their desserts are very popular. However, if you are European and you’re from a country that has mastered meat pie… don’t get it in Japan because you’re only going to be disappointed due to the lack of taste and butter. Japanese like their food bland with no punch. I only thought it was good because it’s not common for Japan to offer this on their menu. The vibe was nice and be prepared to wait a little bit at the cafe before seating.
4. Cozy up to Oden Date in Sangenjaya
When it comes to winter time, Japanese people are in the mood for oden soup. It’s healthy and warms the tummy and pairs well with beer. Japanese like existing in tight small spaces for some reason. They feel comfortable and cozy. I found this great oden spot in Sangenjaya! It’s called Oden Gakuen. Back in the day, oden carts used to be stationed outdoors with lanterns, but this shop crammed a cart right in the middle of it’s store. It’s a one-man show with 9 customers at a time. To break the ice, he interacts with his customers by asking to reach the beer bottles in the fridge near the front entrance because the shop is so small.
There are better places to go other than Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai, which they use cheap leftover meats because they know the foreign tourists will buy it. It’s dirty, cheap, and overrated in my opinion. However, if my guests want to go, I won’t say no!
5. Harry Potter Themed Date in Akasaka
The holidays make me want to watch Harry Potter for some reason. The Harry Potter Cafe in Akasaka do require reservations so make sure to do that in advanced.
*You can chance it and do a walk-in just in case there are cancellations.
Even if the cafe is not available, there are plenty of things to do in the area! There is a shop, movie theatre, outdoor grassy space and photo ops nearby. It’s worth checking out if you’re a fan and bring your cloak if you have one! The new Harry Potter attraction just opened this year in Nerima. I haven’t gone yet, but I head it’s a great date spot!
6. Hiking date at Mt. Takao
Mt. Takao (高尾山, Takaosan) is located in west Tokyo. It’s a nice escape from the city. Lot of seniors hike here, but don’t underestimate that it’s an easy hike because it wasn’t a nice stroll. I’ve seen the ladies struggle in their heels as they walk uphill and climb the stairs, so be prepared to dress for comfort.
You have a choice to ride the cable car or chair lift. The chair lift is more romantic in my opinion. Be prepared for your photo to be taken at the end of the ride.
490 yen (one way) / 950 yen (round trip)
During the hike, you’ll see a crowd of Totoros, an energetic monkey, food stalls and a shrine. It is customary to eat a soba. There is also an onsen at the station if you want to get rid of your hiking fatigue before you head back into the city. Admission is 1000 yen.
I really enjoyed this date a lot because I got some exercise in, got to see Mt. Fuji a little bit and ate some delicious mochi and grape ice cream!
7. Hot drinks and Illuminations Date in Shibuya
Cozy up to your date with these popular hot drinks! I recommend the hot apple ginger and hot wine. Make sure to bring cash just in case for the food stalls.
There are plenty of illuminations around the city. The one in the video (see photo above) is “The Blue Cave” in Shibuya near NHK Hall. Be prepared for a crowd of people getting in your shots. Free admission.
There will be plenty of Christmas markets around town that also have beautifully lit up Christmas trees and towers! Make sure to check if there is an admission fee or if you need a reservation in advanced. Last time I checked, Hibiya Christmas Market charged 1000 yen for entry when I went for free the year prior!
Here is a list of 2023/2024 illuminations in Tokyo you can check out
8. Takoyaki Home Party
Invite your date only or some friends to your house and make your own potluck! After everyone passes out and goes home, you two have a reason to have your own takoyaki party…
Here is the exact one that I have that’s available on Amazon.
It’s super convenient because you can make three types of dishes using one pan. Takoyaki, yakisoba, okonomiyaki! We are so proud of our takoyakis! I love to drizzle cheese on mine. Nothing beats the one your date makes.
