Romantic Places in Kyoto: 19 Spots That Are Perfect for a Date

Romantic Spots in Kyoto Recommended by Local Residents

Kyoto is a city that's always bustling with sightseeing visitors, so finding a good dating spot can be challenging. When the two of you are lost in a crowd it's difficult to spend quality time together.

But there are actually many spots in Kyoto—away from the crowds—where you can enjoy a relaxing date or exciting date!

Our writer, a romance novelist, asked a Kyoto-born-and-raised MATCHA staff member where the city's best dating spots are. Today we introduce a variety of places including little-known hideaways, spots perfect for a rainy day or the evening, and even spots where you can spend some enjoyable time in a kimono.

Romantic Spots in Kyoto

Dating Spots in Central Kyoto

Though central Kyoto (Rakuchu and nearby areas) has an image of always being crowded, in actuality, there are also many places where you can enjoy a leisurely date.

So, in a place with convenient transportation, yet also a place where just the two of you can spend time together in private, why not try getting to know each other better?

1. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

The view from Mt. Inari　Photo by Pixta

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a shrine famous for Inari Okami, or the God of Inari. Though the shrine is always packed with sightseeing visitors, it also has some little-known spots.

As you go deeper into Mt. Inari the number of visitors decreases. So if the two of you visit the area on a date, you can spend some relaxing time together.

Fushimi Inari houses the kami (god) of the Bountiful Harvest of Five Grains, so even in Kyoto it's a leading power spot. With the help of God you might even be able to make your love come true.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Location: Kyoto, Fushimi, Fukakusa Yabunouchicho 68 (Japanese google map)
Business Hours: 8:30-16:30 (Prayer reception)
Official Homepage: Fushimi Inari Taisha

2. Kimono Forest

Photo by Pixta

The Kimono Forest stands along Arashiyama Station's Hannari Hokkori Square. It features 600 poles beautifully decorated with Yuzen textile patterns—standing just like a grove of trees. These poles line up in many places including Arashiyama Station's platform and near the train tracks.

If you step out in a kimono or yukata (summer kimono) that matches the beautiful Yuzen pattern, you'll feel a sense of elegance.

Partway along the narrow path you'll see Ryu no Atago-ike, or the Pond of Dragons. It's said that dipping your hands in the pond will bring you happiness.

Kimono Forest
Location: Kyoto, Ukyo, Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichi-cho 20-2 (Japanese google map)
Official Homepage: Kimono Forest

3. Kyoto International Manga Museum

Photo by pixta

The Kyoto International Manga Museum—Japan's first specialized manga museum and library—was jointly established by the City of Kyoto and Kyoto Seika University.

The museum boasts a collection of more than 300,000 manga comics. Of these, about 50,000 are kept on the shelves as books. In addition, there are special exhibitions and permanent exhibitions, and visitors can also view various manga-related materials.

The adjoining cafe features the signatures of manga artists who have visited the museum. Manga lovers will find this an irresistible attraction.

This spot is perfect for couples who prefer to stay indoors and also for rainy-day dates.

Kyoto International Manga Museum
Location: Kyoto, Nakagyo, Kimbukicho 452 (Japanese google map)
Business Hours: 10:00-17:00
Official Homepage: Kyoto International Manga Museum

4. Nishiki Market & Shinkyogoku Shopping Street

Photo by Pixta

Nishiki Market, also called "Kyoto's pantry," sits in the heart of Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward.

It's been said that this area was a public market since the Heian Period (794-1185). Today it's home to a bustling fish market and many other shops.

Here you can enjoy a date by simply walking around and sampling different kinds of food. Before the business day begins, it's also possible to experience Nishiki Market like a connoisseur—by admiring the artwork of famous painter Ito Jakuchu that decorates many of the store shutters.

Most locally-grown Kyoto vegetables are available here, so you can prepare for a dinner date at home by picking up your favorite ingredients.

We recommend the market for a walking and eating date before becoming a couple, after you've become a couple, and even for a unique early morning or evening date.

Nishiki Market
Location: Kyoto, Nakagyo (Japanese google map)
Official Homepage: Nishiki Market

5. Kyoto Aquarium

Picture courtesy of PR Times

The Kyoto Aquarium is a classic dating spot. Here you can see dolphin and penguin shows and have a relaxing date with cute creatures.

It's easy to go on a date even on rainy days because it's close to Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station. Also, Kyoto Tower with its exquisite night views is nearby. There are also plenty of restaurants so you can have fun all day from the morning until night!

The museum shop is fully stocked with cute stuffed animals representing various sea creatures. This is the ideal spot for picking up a gift to make your date memorable.

If you purchase a digital admission ticket on your smartphone you also can avoid aquarium lineups.

Kyoto Aquarium
Location: Kyoto, Shimogyo, Kankijicho 35-1 (inside Umekoji Park-Japanese google map)
Business Hours: 9:00-19:00
Official Homepage: Kyoto Aquarium

6. Along the Kamogawa River

Photo by Pixta

The Kamogawa River flows through Kyoto from north to south. There are spots along the way where couples can enjoy relaxing together without having to spend money.

The river is famous for its beautiful red cherry blossoms (beni-shidarezakura) in the spring and the momiji maple tree leaves in autumn. So let's sit side by side on the riverbed and enjoy a relaxing date.

In the winter, when you look out at the black-headed gull flying along the river, you can also show off your charm by intelligently pointing out, "That's the city bird that Ariwara Narihira and Izumi Shikibu wrote about in their poems."

So how about a leisurely conversation with your date by the river where you can enjoy the changing seasons?

Kamogawa River
Location: Kyoto (Japanese google map)
Official Homepage: Kamogawa River (Japanese)

7. Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Photo by Pixta

In 2024, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. On the park's expansive grounds there are many plants and flowers.

In addition to famous plants and trees such as cherry tree blossoms, roses, lotuses, and momiji maple trees, you can also see more unusual species such as Queen of the Night (cactus) and Baobab (tree). A date that satisfies your intellectual curiosity is perfect for university students who want to enjoy an intelligent conversation.

The garden is filled with beautiful flowers in full bloom, so a photo of the two of you will look great. In September, 2024 the Acorn Forest will open, allowing you to spend time feeling like a child again.

If you'd like to enjoy a relaxing date looking at all the flowers, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Location: Kyoto, Sakyo, Shimogamohangicho (Japanese google map)
Business Hours: 7:30-17:00
Official Homepage: Kyoto Botanical Gardens (Japanese)

8. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

Photo by Pixta

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is a large park covering more than 100 hectares. It's also home to the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Kyoto State Guest House.

For more than 1,000 years—from the Heian Period until the Meiji Period—Kyoto Gyoen National Garden was where the Emperor lived and conducted politics.

It is currently maintained as a park according to Emperor Meiji's wishes. It has become a place of relaxation where visitors can enjoy groves of plum and peach trees.

It's also a park where the Hollyhock Festival (Aoi Matsuri) and historical festivals are held. So it's a place that can be used for more than one kind of date: as an ordinary peaceful park and also as a park bustling with a festival atmosphere.

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Location: Kyoto, Kamigyo, Kyoto Gyoen 3 (Japanese google map)
Official Homepage: Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

9. Shogunzuka Seiryuden

Photo by Pixta

Shogunzuka Seiryuden sits at the summit of Higashiyama and offers impressive views of Kyoto City. It's home to Ao Fudo Myo-o, a famous painting that's been designated a National Treasure. We recommend Shogunzuka for those who want to see beautiful scenery, and also for couples who enjoy museum dates and other similar excursions.

During the spring and autumn there are illumination events after the sun goes down. This makes the perfect place for creating a good mood for your date.

Some MATCHA staff members also apparently deepened ties with their significant other while watching the night view here.

Shogunzuka Seiryuden
Location: Kyoto, Yamashina, Zushioku-Kachocho 28 (Japanese google map)
Business Hours: 9:00-17:00
Official Homepage: Shogunzuka

10. Arashiyama (Bamboo Forest Path, Monkey Park, etc.)

Photo by Pixta

Arashiyama, with famous sightseeing spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, is also a hidden spot where you can enjoy a quiet date.

When you walk down a 400-meter-long path lined on both sides with bamboo groves, you can enjoy breathtaking mystical scenery.

Partway along this forest path you'll find Nonomiya Shrine which honors the God of Love and Marriage. We recommend this shrine for couples who want to start dating, as well as couples who are praying for success in love.

Arashiyama Monkey Park is a park with Japanese monkeys scattered all over the mountain. So even high school students and university students can enjoy a fun date without spending very much money.

Arashiyama Monkey Park
Location: Kyoto, Nishikyo, Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho 61 (Japanese google map)
Business Hours: 9:00-16:00
Official Homepage: Arashiyama Monkey Park

11. Ichijoji Ramen Street

Photo for illustrative purposes only　Photo by Pixta

Just north of the Takano intersection in Kyoto City's Sakyo Ward you'll find Ichijoji Ramen Street, also known as a "ramen battleground."

On weekends, the ramen shops along Higashioji-dori Street have long lines of hungry people waiting to get in. It's not just popular among ramen lovers, but is also a trendy gourmet dating spot for couples.

Some couples waiting in line have been known to get into an argument. This is due to their efforts to keep the conversation going when the line isn't moving ahead. However, if a couple can manage to have a friendly conversation even when they're hungry and irritable, there's a good chance that they'll be able to stay together for a long time.

This recommended dating spot is for couples who want to enjoy some delicious food after overcoming a challenge.

Ichijoji Ramen Street
Location: Kyoto, Sakyo
Business Hours: Depends on the shop

Kyoto City Suburbs and Outlying Areas

There are also many dating spots in the suburbs of Kyoto and the outlying areas. Many of these places are blessed with beautiful natural surroundings. So in addition to those people who would like to start dating, even couples who have been together for a while can enjoy their time together.

12. Shoju-in Temple

Photo by Pixta

Shoju-in is a temple also known as Furinji Temple. During the Furin Matsuri (Wind Chime Festival), more than 2,000 wind chimes are displayed. When these gently sway in the breeze they create a beautiful sound.

Ujitawara-cho, where Shoju-in Temple is located, is cooler than central Kyoto City so it's also a great place to escape the summer heat. Here, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, we recommend spending some quiet time with that special someone while listening to the gentle, soothing sounds of the wind chimes.

The guest room features a heart-shaped inome mado, or boar's eye window. Through this window, guests can enjoy the picturesque view of the beautiful garden. For a period during the summer, a heart-shaped shadow is cast in the room, making this spot especially popular among couples.

Shoju-in Temple
Location: Kyoto, Tsuzuki, Ujitawaracho, Okuyamada, Kawakami 149 (Japanese google map)
Business Hours: 9:00-16:30
Official Homepage: Shoju-in Temple (Japanese)

13. Sagano Romantic Train & Hozugawa River Boat Ride

Photo by Pixta

The Sagano Sightseeing Railway Company operates a sightseeing train in Kyoto City's Sakyo Ward that connects Saga Station with Kameoka Station.

The Sagano Romantic Train covers a 7.3 kilometer route. So while admiring the exquisite scenery of the Hozugawa River Valley, you can have a special experience with that special person.

Also at Saga Station up until August of 2024, anyone can try playing a famous luxury-brand piano such as Bosendorfer, Allen Organ, and Harpsichord. This is an interesting way of using musical instruments to approach people you're attracted to.

There's also the Hozugawa River Boat Ride. So please enjoy an outdoor kind of date by hopping on board the Romantic Train and taking the boat ride.

Sagano Romantic Train & Hozugawa River Boat Ride
Business Hours: 10:00-17:00 For details please refer to the schedule.
Official Homepage: Sagano Romantic Train

14. Kifune Shrine

Kifune Shrine enshrines the God of Water and is famous for being the head shrine for water god shrines in Japan.

Yui no Yashiro is one of three shrines on the precincts. It was ranked as (Kanpei)-Chusha, meaning that it stood in the second rank of government supported shrines. It enshrines the God of Matchmaking, so it's famous as a dating spot where couples can receive love-related powers.

Also, in the Japanese world of Noh theater there's a famous play called Kanawa ("The Iron Crown") in which Kifune Shrine is mentioned.

In this story it's said that a woman appears around midnight ("hour of the ox") at Kifune Shrine. This angry woman strongly resents a man who has rejected her and taken a new wife. According to the story, the man is afraid of her and asks a famous diviner called Abe no Seimei to pray for him. In the end, he and his wife manage to escape danger.

Perhaps it might seem like an unlucky shrine for couples, but there's another back story. Apparently, the famous poet Izumi Shikibu also visited Kifune Shrine with concerns about her marriage, and was able to reunite with her estranged husband.

So we'll leave it up to you to decide which of two rumors to believe: "couples who visit the shrine together will break up," or that "couples who have a strong bond will actually become closer."

Kifune Shrine
Location: Kyoto, Sakyo, Kurama Kibunecho 180 (Japanese google map)
Official Homepage: Kifune Shrine

15. Kuramadera Temple

Photo by Pixta

When Minamoto no Yoshitsune (12th century samurai) was a youngster, he entered Kuramadera Temple under the name Ushiwakamaru. While forest bathing here you can worship at Kuramadera, and in the spring the cherry blossoms in full bloom are also beautiful.

Beyond the temple's impressive main gate, you'll see the Kondo (main hall) standing proudly. You can reach this point either on foot or by ropeway.

Kuramadera Temple is also the location for author Takafumi Nanatsuki's youth novel, "My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday." So this spot is ideal for an exhilarating hiking date.

Kuramadera Temple
Location: Kyoto, Sakyo, Kurama Hommachi 1074 (Japanese google map)
Business Hours: 9:00-16:00
Official Homepage: Kuramadera Temple (Japanese)

16. Hieizan Driveway

Photo by Pixta

If you have a driver's license we also recommend going for a driving date along Hieizan Driveway. Hieizan Driveway is a toll highway that connects Kyoto City with Shiga Prefecture's Otsu City. The highway offers commanding views of Kyoto and Lake Biwa.

There are a variety of interesting spots along Hieizan Driveway including Hieizan Enryakuji Temple. While taking a break at Garden Museum Hiei or Yumemigaoka, let's go for a drive with your date in the fresh mountain air.

Hieizan Driveway
Location: Shiga, Otsu, Yamagamicho, Nagarayama 776-30 (Information Center-Japanese google map)
Official Homepage: Hieizan Driveway (Japanese)

17. Kyoto Miyama

Photo by Pixta

We also recommend Miyama as a dating spot. It's located in Kyoto Prefecture's Nantan City and features many traditional thatched-roof homes. The area was designated a Nationally Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and is also home to a folk museum and a Quasi-National Park.

Among the many activities available here, you'll find crystal-clear streams for catching ayu sweetfish as well as daytrip hot spring facilities. Miyama allows you to enjoy a date experiencing satoyama (*1), a place blessed with abundant fresh water.

Many families also come to see this area. So when you visit with your loved one, you might even be able to imagine what your future together will look like.

*1 satoyama: literally means village in the mountains and reflects a traditional way of life in which people live sustainably with their natural surroundings.

Kyoto Miyama
Location: Kyoto, Nantan, Miyamacho-kita (Japanese google map)
Official Homepage: Miyama

18. Hiyoshi Dam

Photo by Pixta

Hiyoshi Dam, located in the middle section of the Katsura River, is also a little-known place that can be a good dating spot. Here you'll see beautiful cherry blossoms and momiji maple trees. In addition to this, Hiyoshi Dam is the largest of the dams along the Yodo River (merges with the Katsura River), so nearby it's also possible to fish for bass.

At Springs Hiyoshi, a roadside rest area connected to Hiyoshi Dam, visitors can enjoy activities in a heated pool. There's also a place where you can spend some relaxing time having a barbecue. So it's ideal for couples who want to have an activity-based date.

There's also a hot spring facility where you can try different kinds of baths. The local area isn't just for outdoor types. Couples who prefer the indoors can also spend time enjoying the soothing natural waters.

Hiyoshi Dam
Location: Kyoto, Nantan, Hiyoshicho, Naka Mikogadani 68 (Japanese google map)
Official Home Page: Springs Hiyoshi (Japanese)

19. Elmar Maizuru Museum

Photo by Pixta

Elmar Maizuru Museum, a PR facility for the Kansai Electric Power Company, can also be used as a dating spot.

Elmar Maizuru is the name of a ship that's moored at Maizuru Shinkai Park. From the basement first floor to the basement third floor of this facility, there's an interactive exhibit on electricity, as well as a planetarium on the sea.

The planetarium is just like a private theater and feels luxurious, so it's possible to spend some romantic time here with your favorite person. Then, from the third floor observatory deck, you can also get a panoramic view of Maizuru Bay.

Maizuru is far from the center of Kyoto City so it's perfect for an overnight date as well.

Elmar Maizuru Museum
Location: Kyoto, Maizuru, Chitose 897-1 (Maizuru Shinakai Park-Japanese google map)
Business Hours: 9:30-17:30
Official Homepage: Elmar Maizuru (Japanese)

Enjoy a Dating Spot in a World With Just the Two of You!

Surprisingly there are many dating spots in Kyoto that aren't too crowded. So please avoid the crowds and head out—just the two of you—and make your love come true!

Whether it's someone you want to start dating today, or whether it's someone you want to deepen your love with, this will definitely be a fun date!