I lived in Japan for over two years. I went to study for my master's. Eventually, I fell in love! Almost nine months after the start of my program, I started to date my current Japanese husband! We were both students with low incomes. Therefore, we always tried the most to enjoy and discover our region!

I stayed in Kyoto, and the dates with my husband started in the city. I will guide you to some of our favorite spots with good access and natural surroundings.

Arashiyama

It is located at the west of Kyoto, characterized by its rich nature and traditional surroundings. It is easily accessible. You can come, by JR bus, Randen, or Hankyu. Other than buses, it should not take you more than 20 minutes to arrive!

Activities that you can enjoy with a group or couple include, walking by the river, going to the bamboo forest, and even a kimono. All these three are free and beautiful at different seasons of the year.

Keage Incline

This is a former railway track that became a pedestrian area. You should visit in spring and Sakura season. My suggestion for you is to take it as a complementary activity, after reaching Kawaramachi (which is accessible from almost all points of the city).

Kiyomizudera Temple

This place is a perfect destination by the east. Being one historic site of Kyoto, it also has a small shrine for lovers "Jishu". The entrance to the site costs 400 yen (3.4 dollars). Here, there is a belief that if you can walk with your eyes closed from one part and find your love, it means good luck! I did that and it was so funny!

And last for Kyoto city, around Kiyomizu-dera you can find the Yasaka Kōshin-dō

This is not purely designed for lovers, but you can ask for wishes! The decorations are so beautiful and although being small, you can enjoy them! It is said to be enjoyed a lot by young people.

In Kyoto, not the city but the prefecture, there is another different place with an incredible landscape to enjoy.

Amanohashidate

This is one of Japan's best scenic views. It is in the north of the prefecture. Transportation costs around 4000 yen (34 dollars), and the bus takes two hours. Although it is a little far, you can enjoy many restaurants and traditional areas.

To go up and enjoy the view of the pine-filled sandbar, you must pay for the chairlift/monorail. The total fee is 850 yen (7 dollars), which can be somewhat pricey, but you will not be disappointed.

Going west in Kansai's region, there is Hyogo Prefecture

There are several places worth mentioning, including Kobe (the capital). Within Kobe, you can find shopping centers, tall buildings, and European-style neighborhoods.

The Ikuta Shrine is in the center of the city! Besides being one of the oldest in the country, it is dedicated to the goddess of "connections". It is known as a popular spot for love and prayers. If you walk inside, you can find one pound close to a place for "Ema" (絵馬), wooden plaques with written wishes.

There are many "Ema", with heart-shapes and many prayers for success in relationships or finding soul mates. This place is a must, being close to the Sannomiya area of the city, famously known for its beach.

During one visit in August, I entered the beach and spent my day wandering around the city. The visit to the temple was romantic and the sea refreshing, helping us overcome the heat of summer.

All of what is written in this article are suggestions for you to go with your loved one, even with friends, or alone. These places are well known, but perhaps some activities for couples not.

Please, take the opportunity to visit these places with new eyes and enjoy them at every time of the day or year.