50th Wedding Anniversary Ideas: Celebrate Yours in Japan
If you think Paris and Venice are the only romantic destinations in the world, then you’ve been sleeping on a gem of beauty and culture. Japan is full of many well-known spots and special sights for couples who want to cherish their 40th or 50th wedding anniversary here.
So, if you’re planning to celebrate your day in Japan, we have a handful of 50th wedding anniversary ideas to make the trip special and memorable.
Why would you love to celebrate your anniversary in Japan?
Elderly couple roaming in a park. Image Credit: Freepik
You must be wondering why Japan is best for your anniversary celebration, right? It’s because Japan is the sort of place where every corner holds something unique.
Spend quality time on the busy streets of Tokyo—glowing with neon lights.
Gaze at the beautiful Hakone’s hot springs with Mt. Fuji in the background.
Enjoy a luxurious private anniversary dinner in a skyscraper or a picnic under cherry blossom trees.
These experiences will add more joy to your 50th anniversary’s charm.
5 ways to celebrate your 40th or 50th wedding anniversary in Japan
Japan has several places that can give you a thrilling experience to enjoy with your partner on the anniversary day. You will also get to spend quality time with your better half away from life’s hustle and bustle. Here are the best ways to celebrate your anniversary in Japan and enjoy some quality time with your partner.
1) Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto
What if you can walk hand in hand with your partner through a bamboo forest? It’s possible in Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where tall bamboo stalks sway gently. Walking through this enchanting place feels like stepping into a green, peaceful world, away from the city noise.
Bamboo embodies the merits of strength and flexibility—much like the qualities of a long-lasting marriage. Here, you’ll share a quiet, intimate moment surrounded by the natural beauty of the bamboo grove. It's a perfect place to reflect on the years you've spent together and to look forward to the journey ahead.
2) Enjoy a private dinner with a view of Tokyo’s skyline
Have yourselves a romantic private dinner while enjoying Tokyo's stunning and iconic skyline. Sit at a beautifully set table, just the two of you, with the glittering city lights spreading below like a carpet of stars. Many high-rise restaurants in Tokyo provide private dining options and serve Japanese and other international dishes. The city's breathtaking view will be your backdrop as you dine, adding glamour and romance to your special evening.
Here are some of the best dining destinations with a view:
Sky restaurant 634 (Musashi) serves French-inspired cuisine and provides scenic views of Tokyo from 345 meters up.
New York grill serves premium steaks and seafood—with a stunning view.
Kozue serves traditional Japanese cuisine with stunning views of Mount Fuji and Shinjuku’s skyline.
Enjoy Ukai teppanyaki in an art-nouveau meets Japanese-style space, where dedicated chefs cook before you in private rooms.
Udatsu is a Michelin-star restaurant with an exclusive dining experience that provides vegan options.
Atelier Morimoto XEX is another top-tier restaurant where world-renowned Chef Masaharu Morimoto presents signature cuisine in a versatile setting perfect for a private celebration.
Funasei can give you an intimate dinner boat ride around Tokyo Bay.
No matter your restaurant of choice, you can reach it in a private car using a VIP transportation service and delight in even more one-on-one time with your partner.
3) Visit the ‘floating’ Torii gates in Japan
Celebrating your anniversary at the floating Torii Gate at Miyajima is undeniably one of Japan's most magical experiences. Known as one of the country's most iconic scenes, this vermilion gate (part of Itsukushima Shrine) appears to float on the water during high tide, creating a magnificent view.
Its natural beauty and spiritual significance make it the best spot for couples seeking a magical and meaningful celebration. As the sun sets or rises, you can exchange renewed vows or share a quiet moment with the majestic Torii Gate in the background.
The surrounding area of Miyajima also has charming streets, traditional shops, and the presence of friendly deer, adding to the experience of your anniversary celebration.
4) Relax in a luxury onsen in Hakone
Another great way to make your 50th wedding anniversary special is to relax in a luxury onsen in Hakone.
Hakone, known for its scenic beauty and hot springs, has many Ryokans that cater to different budgets. If you’re looking for some wedding anniversary ideas on a budget, consider visiting during the off-peak season when prices will be a bit lower than usual.
Many Ryokans also offer day-use hot spring options for those not staying overnight. This is an affordable way to experience the luxury of a private onsen bath. Above all, it makes for a great surprise for your partner, and they will thank you for giving them such a relaxing experience.
5) Go on a romantic cruise around Japan
Going on a cruise around Japan with Princess Cruises is the adventure of a lifetime at any age. Set sail on a journey where each day brings a new destination to explore, from the busy streets of Tokyo to the peaceful gardens of Kyoto. As night falls, the cruise ship transforms into an entertainment hub, complete with activities to suit every taste.
Whether you're in the mood for a live show, a cozy movie night under the stars, or dancing the night away, there's something for everyone as you explore the country. In between the days on land, your days at sea are the perfect opportunity to rest and relax alongside your spouse.
6) Get a professional photo shoot, dress up in a kimono, and ride in a rickshaw
What better way to commemorate such a milestone than with even more memories to share as a couple? Dress up in traditional kimonos and take a rickshaw ride through the historic streets of Asakusa. It will make your pictures more fun with a stunning backdrop for an anniversary photo shoot.
Let a professional photographer find you the perfect spots to capture the magic. It's a unique way to celebrate your love and take home memories that will last a lifetime.
7) Try your hand at Japanese handicraft
How about taking something home to remind you of your anniversary trip? At the Edo Kiriko workshop, participants can try their hands at the delicate art of glass cutting, creating their glassware in classes available from Tuesday to Saturday.
You can even go to Aritaware Pottery Experience, known for providing a detailed look into the world of Japanese ceramics. You’d also love Chopstick-making in Okachimachi, where participants learn traditional woodworking, allowing them to craft their chopsticks.
Afterward, take a short trip to the Kiso Toy Museum and participate in woodcraft workshops. Here you can learn to make bracelets and wall hangings directly from skilled artisans.
8) Have a tea ceremony and learn about matcha-making
Celebrating your anniversary is even more lovely with a traditional tea ceremony. Both Tokyo and Kyoto are home to many tea houses, including the Maikoya Tea Ceremony venue, which allows guests to experience the ceremonial drinking of matcha. Visitors come here dressed in traditional kimonos, adding a deeply personal touch to the experience.
These tea ceremonies are practiced in the spirit of 'wabi-sabi’, a Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection and appreciates life's simplicity, modesty, and history.
If you or your partner loves matcha, Uji will be your perfect spot. Known as the heartland of matcha with the most exquisite tea leaves, Uji explores the world of green tea and offers a wide variety of matcha-infused delicacies.
Start planning your personalized anniversary tour to Japan
Can’t wait to put these 50th-anniversary ideas into action? TokudAw can help. We can take you to your favorite spot so that you can celebrate your anniversary to its fullest. Bring your wedding anniversary ideas to us, and watch as we transform them into reality.
