As much as we can tout Paris or Venice for being romantic cities, they have fierce competition. And don’t forget Tokyo’s reputation that it has everything and can be anything you want. After all, even in the best city, it’s crucial to find a romantic bar or restaurant for a complete experience. Once you have the perfect person and the perfect romantic spot, you’ll soon forget which city you’re even in!
So, you’re in Tokyo and in need of a romantic setup. You want to steer clear of izakaya watering holes, (no matter how fun they are), or tiny sushi counters where you eat quickly and scram. For a romantic date, you need to have space, time to lounge and chill, and something to treat yourself to. Here are a few suggestions popular with Tokyoites, from more well-known spots to the downright hidden.
TOP 5 Romantic Restaurants In Tokyo
1. Park Hyatt Hotel’s New York Bar in Shinjuku
Let’s start with what is probably a well known romantic bar by now, the New York bar in Park Hyatt Hotel Tokyo. Whether you’ve seen “Lost in Translation” or not, this skybar is iconic and breathtaking. Located on the hotels’ 52nd floor, the New York bar boasts one of the best views of Shinjuku, surrounded by towering skyscrapers. Going just before sunset ensures both dramatic fiery skies, as well as blinking nighttime views. The whole sexy vibe is completed with jazzy tunes and expertly made drinks. Whether they want to emulate the faithful meeting between Scarlet Johansson and Bill Murray’s characters or just treat themselves to a fancy night out, couples often choose this bar for special occasions. So make sure to dress up and pay more!
Note: Make sure not to confuse it with the New York Grill or The Peak Bar on the 41st floor in the same hotel.
Working hours: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm (drink last order)
*9:30 pm for food last order
Address: 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, 163-1055
Telophone: +81 3 5323 3458
Website: https://restaurants.tokyo.park.hyatt.co.jp/en/nyb.html
2. Hacienda Del Cielo, in Daikanyama
There is something super fascinating about sweeping urban views, so here’s another romantic spot perched on a rooftop. Unlike the previous entry and indeed most fancy hotel restaurants, in Hacienda Del Cielo you have the chance of taking in both the view and fresh air. A large portion of this modern Mexican dining restaurant is on a terrace, complete with a fire pit where you can watch the flames dance on a chilly night. The place has a great vibe, and its not only for couples. For a more private romantic date there’s the possibility of booking one of the more special seats on the edge of the terrace. Finally, the food is amazing, as well as the freshly made sangria.
Advance reservations are crucial to ensure a good spot, especially on a weekend.
Working hours: as of May 1st, 2020 – 11:30-20:00(L.O drink 19:00/food 19:30)
Address: 〒150-0033 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Sarugakucho, 10−1, Mansard Daikanyama, 9F
Telephone: 03-5457-1521
Website: https://www.huge.co.jp/restaurant/modern-mexicano/hacienda
3. Prince and Princess, Thai Restaurant in AquaCity Odaiba
If you want a romantic spot it’s hard to make a mistake with a seaside view in general. Gazing over Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge in Odaiba while eating authentic Thai cuisine is an excellent combo for a romantic date. Prince and Princess restaurant in Aqua City doesn’t let the terrace view do all the work, they help out with accessories like candles and great authentic food to boot. You can even daydream about being on a trip to Bangkok, or New York if you let yourself believe that the Statue of Liberty copy in Tokyo Bay is the famous one on Liberty Island.
Working hours: 11am – 11pm (last order 10pm)
Address: 1-7- Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Aqua City Odaiba 6F
Telephone: 03-6457-1153
Website: http://siamfoodinter.com/PrinCeandPrinCess.html
4. Pierre Gagnaire restaurant in ANA Intercontinental, Minato
Nothing says ‘special occasion’ like an exquisite Michelin star-rated meal. However, it gets hard to choose in the city that has the largest number of Michelin starred restaurants in the world! In which case, you’d be delighted to know that there’s a Pierre Gagnaire restaurant in Tokyo, the chef that all the Michelin starred chefs picked as the best among them in 2015. While you dine on the best of the best, you also have a view of Tokyo Tower, so close you feel you can almost reach out to it. Alternatively, you can opt for a private dining room if you value utmost privacy.
*Note that the dress code is smart casual, children under 7 are not permitted in the restaurant, and they will accommodate your dietary needs of you inform them in advance.
Working hours:
Lunch 11:30a.m. – 1:30p.m.
Dinner 6:00p.m.-8:30p.m.(L.O.)
Closed on Mondays.
Address: ANA InterContinental 1-12-33, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Telephone: 03-3505-9505 (10:00a.m.~9:30p.m.)
Website: https://anaintercontinental-tokyo.jp/pierre_gagnaire/eng/
5. TENKU LOUNGE Top of Tree, Solamachi, Sumida
The TENKU LOUNGE Top of Tree restaurant in Solamachi is an excellent restaurant for cozying up to Tokyo’s newer signature building, the Tokyo SKYTREE tower, and it’s still somehow a local secret. Tokyo SKYTREE itself has a restaurant with a view, but you can’t see the SKYTREE when you’re on it, can you? All of this confusing naming aside, simply go in the Soramachi 31st floor to find the Top of Tree restaurant. In addition to the great view and vibe, they serve amazing French fusion cuisine, and you can order the set that arrives on a mini Skytree tray!
Working hours:
Lunch 11:00 ~ 16:00 (last order 15:00 Food / Drink 15:30)
Dinner 17:00 ~ 23:00 (last order Food 22:00 / Drink 22:30)
Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo Tokyo Sky Tree Town Soramachi 31F
Telephone: 03-5809-7377
Website: http://www.top-of-tree.jp/
Bonus: Enoshima Island Spa
This one is our wild card. Not exactly in Tokyo, but a one-hour train ride, this romantic spa sits at the cliff of the tiny Enoshima island. The island itself has a romantic dating spot image among Japanese that can be traced back to legends about the Love Goddess Benzaiten and evident in the heart-shaped symbols in the shrines on the island. The Enoshima Island Spa has a restaurant with a view, as well as a bar from where you can grab a drink in between soaking. Unlike virtually all other Japanese hot-springs and spas, the swimming pools here are mixed, and you can soak together with a swimming suit on. Couples can splash in the heated outdoor pools while watching the sunset and the outline of Mt. Fuji on most days. This romantic place feels like a far far getaway while still being close to Tokyo and Yokohama.
*Please Note: children in elementary school are welcome every day except Sunday, and there is a strict no tattoo policy enforced at the spa. Also, Enoshima Island Spa offers a device-free experience, so please leave all cameras, phones, and electric devices in your changing area locker.
Working hours: Open every day, time differs depending on season.
Address: Enoshima 2-1-6, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan 251-0036
Telephone: +81 (0)466-29-0688
Website: https://enoshimaislandspa.com/
Are we missing any romantic restaurants in Tokyo? Let us know in the comments!