Most travelers stick to the well-worn Shinkansen routes between Tokyo and Kyoto, but savvy couples are discovering that some of Japan's most romantic experiences lie just a bullet train hop westward. Izumo, where even the gods get together for an annual matchmaking summit, might just be Japan's best-kept secret for couples looking to spice their dating life up with some cultural flavor!
Legend has it that every October, all of Japan's eight million gods hold their annual meeting at Izumo Taisha, making it basically the divine version of speed dating. This has earned Izumo the title of Japan's spiritual capital of romance and matchmaking—sorry, Paris, but can you claim to host actual love gods?
Japan's oldest and most important shrine doesn't just impress with its massive architecture, it's got game in the romance department too. The proper prayer ritual here involves two claps instead of the usual three because, supposedly, your other hand is holding your partner's. Smooth move, ancient priests, smooth move.
Here's how to level up your shrine visit: First, donate a few coins (being stingy won't impress the gods), bow twice, clap twice (remember, save that third clap for less romantic shrines), and make your wish. Just maybe don't wish too loudly—your date's right there.
Forget about dinner and a movie, getting crafty together is the name of the game in Izumo. Nothing says "we're in this together" like attempting to make traditional Japanese washi paper without getting completely soaked. Local workshops offer couples' sessions where you can create matching paper pieces, perfect for writing each other soppy love notes.
You can also get your "Ghost" moment at one of Izumo's ceramic studios (minus the supernatural plot twist). Creating matching tea cups or sake sets gives you both something to remember the trip by, even if your creations end up looking more abstract than intended.
We all know the way to the heart is through the stomach, so never skip all the foodie offerings when on a romantic holiday. First, try to share a plate of the region's famous soba noodles for the ultimate umami fix. But remember, attempting to feed each other with chopsticks might seem romantic but usually ends with noodles everywhere. Maybe save that for private practice.
Once you have your stomach lined, it's time for a sake tasting! Because sometimes you need a little liquid courage to attempt to speak Japanese. Here, you can visit the shrine that is said to be the birthplace of this clear elixir and get to know the finer side of things with a sake sommelier.
No trip to Japan is finished without a trip to a teahouse and several ancient tea houses around Izumo Taisha offer couples’ experiences where you can learn the art of tea ceremony together. Nothing says "I trust you" like letting your partner serve you scalding hot tea in historical pottery.
Book a traditional ryokan with private onsen (hot spring) access. The Inata Onsen area offers several options where you can soak your shrine-hopping feet while stargazing together. Many ryokans also serve multi-course kaiseki dinners in your room, perfect for those "let's pretend we're sophisticated" moments.
If sleeping on futons isn't your idea of romance, several boutique hotels near Izumo Station offer Western-style rooms with Japanese touches. Look for places with rooftop gardens or lounges for evening views over the city.
The Ichibata Hotel overlooks Lake Shinji and offers Western-style rooms with sweeping city views. Their sleek interiors provide a perfect balance of modern amenities and subtle Japanese touches, while their top-floor restaurant makes an ideal spot for evening cocktails with panoramic views of the city lights. And did we mention the wild views from the comfort of the on-site hot springs? This is top-tier romantic!
For something more boutique, the Royal Hotel Izumo draws in couples with its premium rooms featuring both mountain and sea views. Located just a 10-minute drive from Izumo Taisha, it offers the convenience of a free shrine shuttle service and houses one of the area's most respected teppanyaki restaurants. Their recently renovated rooms combine plush Western beds with minimalist Japanese design elements.
Timing your visit to Izumo can make the difference between intimate moments and fighting through crowds for that perfect shrine photo. Spring steals the show from March through May, when cherry blossoms transform the shrine grounds and the walking weather couldn't be more perfect for hand-holding strolls. October or November brings its own magic during Kamiarizuki, the divine matchmaking season when all of Japan's gods supposedly gather for their annual meeting at Izumo Taisha. Just steer clear of Golden Week unless you're particularly skilled at finding romantic moments in a sea of domestic tourists.
Getting to Izumo is half the adventure. Express trains from Osaka and Kyoto wind through Japan's countryside, offering glimpses of rural life that feel worlds away from the urban buzz. Splash out on Green Car tickets (first class) if you want to start the romance before you arrive—those extra-comfy seats and enhanced service make the journey feel like a date in itself.
Before heading home, make your mark on Izumo's spiritual landscape. Pick up matching omamori (shrine charms) from Izumo Taisha—think of them as your relationship's spiritual insurance policy. Take time to write ema together, those wooden prayer plaques you'll see hanging around the shrine. There's something special about leaving your shared hopes and dreams in a place where even the gods come to find love. Plus, it gives you an excuse to come back and check if the deities have been paying attention to your wishes.
Izumo offers that rare combination of spiritual significance and hands-on experiences that make for perfect date material. Whether you're newly dating or celebrating decades together, there's something magical about exploring a place where even the gods come to find love.
And hey, if it's good enough for Japan's deities to hold their annual matchmaking convention, it's probably good enough for your next romantic getaway. But while the gods might be watching over your relationship, they can't help you with your pottery skills. That's all on you.
