3 Parks Near Tokyo Perfect for Your Next Date

It’s time to say goodbye to the sweat that ruined the hair you spent hours styling, and put on that fancy jacket you weren’t able to wear during the scorching summer season! Finally, the weather is cool enough for an extra decorative layer of clothing, but not too cold that you have to bundle up like a dumpling! Yes, autumn is the perfect season to capture your crush’s heart with your fashion sense and a romantic day or night on the town.

So, where is the perfect spot to spend a special day with your special someone? Today, I’d like to introduce you to some lesser-known parks in and around Tokyo that could be the perfect location for your next date.

You probably know of Tokyo Tower, but did you know that, just a short walk from this famous tourist spot, there’s a lovely park where you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the tranquility while admiring the iconic tower?

Located in the center of the metropolis where many offices and government buildings sit, Shiba Park is truly an oasis of calm amidst this bustling business district. To no surprise, you’re likely to spot a few salarymen enjoying their lunch hour here, a scene you may be familiar with from the Japanese TV dramas you may have watched with your companion. As I come from a culture in which employees often spend their lunch hour in large groups in the office with takeaway food, or at a small restaurant nearby, office workers in suits sitting on a park bench with a bento lunchbox is almost like a scene from a manga or TV drama come to life. Though I can’t promise you’ll be as amazed as I was at this typical Japanese daily life scene, I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s a delightful sight.

Shiba Park is also famous for its foliage, and walking through the tunnel of golden ginkgo trees that leads towards Tokyo Tower is a must. Don’t forget to take a moment to sit on one of the benches under these ginkgo trees. Bring along a homemade bento from your significant other, and have a bit while looking out upon Tokyo Tower and the stunning foliage surrounding you, and you’ll be in heaven.

Looking for even more autumnal splendor? Head to the park’s Maple Valley area, where you’ll find breathtaking crimson foliage alongside a charming natural waterfall and picturesque valley. If you’re looking to take your special someone for a small walk surrounded by natural beauty without travelling too far, Shiba Park is an ideal destination.

Right next to the park, you’ll find Zojoji Temple and the Shiba Toshogu Shrine, which together offer a fascinating fusion of modernity and tradition. Historical religious structures with a lit-up modern tower as a backdrop is a rare and soul-stirring sight sure to charm your partner. As someone who loves traditional architecture but also wants to show off Tokyo’s modern side to my friends, I consider this a must-see and the ultimate social media spot. If you’re here with the love of your life, this will surely be the ultimate excuse to get a photo together!

Looking for somewhere to quietly stroll along the seashore while sharing stories with your companion? Check out Kasai Rinkai Park, the largest park in Tokyo, located right on the border with Chiba Prefecture to the east. This park offers one of the best views of Tokyo Bay, where you can share a romantic moment with your date while looking out at the boundless coastline.

If your date is an animal lover, be sure to stop by the aquarium and bird observation zone where you can get an up-close look at a variety of exotic creatures. Not your cup of tea? Bring a picnic mat and sit on the large lawn area, where you can share a bite to eat or drink with your date while enjoying the gentle breeze brushing across your faces.

While you’re there, don’t miss out on your chance to wrap up your day with a ride on Japan’s largest ferris wheel―the Diamond and Flower Ferris Wheel! Enjoy the time alone with your date high up in the sky as you admire magnificent views of Mount Fuji, Tokyo Tower, the Rainbow Bridge, and other striking sights just outside the window. Take a ride at night, and you’ll be treated to an otherworldly view of the glowing city lights under your feet.

Although you’ll have to travel a little farther from Tokyo’s city center, Yamashita Park―one of Yokohama’s most well-known destinations―is more than worth a visit. If you’re like me―always searching for dreamlike locations for Lolita fashion photo shoots―this is one that has to be on the list. Even if you’re not into alternative fashion, this park is the perfect place to break away from everyday scenery and spend an ethereal time with a special someone.

Start your day in Yokohama’s famous Chinatown with some authentic Chinese cuisine for a change from your usual restaurant date. Once your stomach is full, walk just a few minutes to Yamashita Park to start your dreamy excursion to this urban oasis. In contrast with the lively, oriental atmosphere, Yamashita Park offers a peaceful ambience with historical monuments including the “Indian Water Tower” and “Guardian of Water” statues―elegant artistic creations that will surely make a gorgeous background for photographs as a memento for your special day.

Next, don’t miss the enormous museum ship mooring at the park. This sumptuous ship, Hikawa Maru, is the only surviving Japanese large cargo-passenger liner that was built in 1930. Although Hikawa Maru is no longer in service, she has been refurbished and opened to the public as NYK HIKAWARU. Please enjoy her state-of-the-art diesel engine and the beautiful Art Deco interior of bygone days. Be sure to head over to the deck for a picturesque cityscape of Yokohama with your own beloved Jack or Rose!

Right in front of the historical Hikawa Maru, you’ll find a rose garden boasting an incredible 160 different species of roses. Whenever I’m in Yokohama, this is one of the places I always visit. While I enjoy dressing up in aristocratic fashion no matter where I go, here in this rose garden, I can feel truly exquisite as I casually stroll between these elegant roses in my rococo style dresses with my prince. If you’re looking for somewhere to snap a singularly extraordinary photo, this is it!

Perhaps you spent too long wandering around the charming city and arrived at the park in the dark? Not to worry! Stroll along the waterfront for a superb night view of Yokohama Bay, with the strikingly modern Minato Mirai area and the colorful Yokohama Bay Bridge lit up in the background. Then have a seat on one of the benches along the harbor, take in the enchanting view, and whisper to your special someone, “tsuki ga kirei desu ne” or “the moon is beautiful”―a phrase the novelist Natsume Soseki used to express adoration towards a beloved person. The subtle, imaginative Japanese romanticism will surely impress them!

So there you have it―three spots close to Tokyo, each which are sure to offer their own romantic experience. Which one is your favorite?  Depending on the season, the parks can offer a completely different experience―cherry blossoms in spring, crab fishing and sea bathing in summer, foliage in autumn, Christmas illumination in winter―so you’ll want to come back with your significant other throughout the year to appreciate the ever-changing scenery. Looking for more seasonal recommendations in this romantic city? Stay tuned for our upcoming articles!