Hi all,
Not sure where to post this (here or JapanTravel) but I’ll try my luck here first.
Currently residing in Kumamoto (6 years now), and will be heading to Osaka / Kyoto for shogatsu at the end of the year. Thing is I’m planning a surprise proposal for my girlfriend, and I want to do it around 1st – 3rd Jan 2023 in Kyoto.
I’m aware that everywhere will be crowded, but does anyone have any recommendations as to where would be a suitable spot for a romantic proposal which is much less crowded?
Thank you.
5 comments
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Congratulations!
(Not my idea, actual this is how my cousin was proposed) Her husband took here to Jishu Shrine, in Kiyomizu dera.
Jishu shrine is dedicated to love and at the shrine there r these 2 love stones (placed a couple meters apart) in front of the shrine. The tradition behind the stone goes, you stand at one rock n your partner at the other. While eyes closed, you try to find way to one another.
Anyways, while my cousin was blindly trying to find her way, but husband snuck up to her ring and hand, so that when she opened here eyes it was the first thing she saw.
Isn’t there somewhere with lovely memories and that has actual meaning to you both closer to home? Everywhere in Kyoto is packed, nowhere is suitable for a romantic proposal on a freezing evening at the beginning of the year hah. Even if you book an expensive restaurant, you’ll be sat next to some upper manager and his side piece taking Instagram pictures of all the food.
[Kinkaku-ji](https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/kinkakuji/) iconic, but crowded.
[Imperial Palace](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3917.html)
[Shogunzuka Seiryuden](http://www.shogunzuka.com/english/seiryuden.html), has a great deck overlooking Kyoto.
[Heian Shrine](http://www.heianjingu.or.jp/) has a beautiful garden.
Good luck!
Kyoto is almost always overloaded with tourists. It really won’t be someplace quiet and romantic, especially during new years where everyone has time off work. If you are going to propose do it somewhere that you both have good memories from (maybe where you first met or first big date) or something that you both enjoy. Enjoy Kyoto for what it is but I don’t think the places you’ll come to see will pair nicely as an engagement, but that’s just me!