Have a romantic autumn escape in regional Japan with your love

Pictures from Takachiho Gorge look like something out of a nature documentary, but travellers in Japan will be pleasantly surprised that the jaw-dropping destination is on the island of Kyushu. Rent a traditional rowboat (hot tip: do this in advance as they sell out quick) and cruise by the Manai Falls that pour out into the gorge. The surrounding foliage makes you feel like you’re in a whimsical woodland fairytale and, if you travel in autumn, you’ll witness incredible red, orange and yellow colours. 

It’s not a trip to Japan without some sake tasting. But we’ll help you do one better than sampling it in a restaurant – try it from the historic breweries of Takayama’s old town. The historic Edo Period buildings that line the street are not only classic and beautiful, they have a big history selling rice. When rice prices were high, they would sell as much as they could, and when prices were low, they would use stock to make sake. Flit between breweries for different sake specialities. 

If a sky full of hot air balloons competing with each other over three tournaments doesn’t sound magical enough, wait for the finale, when a cluster of 50 balloons becomes a light show, complete with a fireworks show. Hot air ballooning is actually considered a sport, and it’s one of the largest events of its type in all of Asia. You can watch the spectacle for free, and you can get there via train. Watch balloons take to the sky from as early as 7am all the way through to 5pm, when the flames of their burners illuminate the sky and bands play live music below. 

With structures tracing back to the 1500s, Matsumoto Castle is one of the oldest castles in the whole country. Explore and discover features like openings for archers to defend the castle or drop stones on intruders, an observation deck with beautiful vistas, and a moat, just like in the fables. Time your visit with cherry blossom season in April so you can witness the surrounding gardens in bloom. 

Onsen are pretty key to Japanese culture. Normally, public onsen are split by gender, but you can up the romance factor by booking in for a private session. Many ryokans (traditional Japanese accommodation with futons and beautiful timber rooms) have onsens attached. In Kusatu, you won’t have trouble finding one you can book in just for you and your special someone. 

Kenrokuen has everything you could imagine in a mystical garden: ponds, water fountains, tea houses, traditional sculptures and even a waterfall. It’s no wonder the garden is so perfect – its creation follows the six principles of Japanese landscaping, and it used to be the grounds of Kanazawa Castle. Visit multiple times throughout the year to experience the beauty of all the seasons. 

Most people bypass the fact that Japan is home to some of the most gorgeous tropical islands in the world. With its iridescent waters, Okinawa looks like something straight off a desktop screensaver, and it doesn’t get more romantic than snorkelling one of the world’s most abundant coral reefs or exploring the glow of Blue Cave. Plus, you can take a boat trip out to discover the famed white sands of Hatenohama Beach. 

The Netflix series Drive to Survive quickly created a lot of “F1 couples” – some for the racing, others for the drama. Regardless of your motivation, you can check out the exhilarating motorsport in Mie Prefecture. Visit any time of the year to enjoy the thrills of Suzuka Circuit, or come in March for the Japanese Grand Prix and snap up a paddock pass to soak up all the action and watch the drivers battle it out for pole position.

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