How Japan Celebrates Valentine's Day 2025 | Private Tour Guide Japan

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Valentine’s Day is a global celebration, but in Japan, the day is marked with unique customs that make it stand apart from other countries. While many associate Valentine’s Day with the exchange of romantic gifts between couples, Japan's celebration is a diverse tradition, with interesting cultural twists, different traditions for men and women, and a special follow-up holiday in March. As a Private Tour Guide, I’ll take you through how the Land of the Rising Sun celebrates love, both on February 14th and beyond.

Valentine’s Day in Japan: A Day for Women to Show Their Affection

Unlike Western traditions where both partners often exchange gifts, in Japan, Valentine’s Day is primarily a day for women to express their love for men. Women typically give chocolates to their romantic interests, friends, colleagues, and even bosses. While this might sound odd to outsiders, there’s a deeper cultural significance at play here.

Giri-choco (義理チョコ) – Obligatory Chocolate

On Valentine’s Day, women give giri-choco, or “obligatory chocolate,” to men. This is a way for women to show appreciation and kindness to their colleagues, friends, and superiors. Giri-choco doesn’t carry romantic implications but rather serves as a polite gesture of goodwill, commonly shared among coworkers.

Honmei-choco (本命チョコ) – Chocolate from the Heart

Then there’s honmei-choco, the true expression of love. This is the chocolate women give to the man they are romantically interested in. Typically, the women will choose higher-end, handmade chocolates for this special gift. Honmei-choco can be a deeply meaningful gesture, representing a romantic confession, or a way to further strengthen an existing relationship.

Credit: Reporting Live from Osaka Japan

White Day: The Male Response to Valentine’s Day

Here’s where the real twist happens! On March 14th, Japan celebrates White Day, a tradition that is just as important as Valentine’s Day. While Valentine’s Day in Japan is about women giving gifts to men, White Day is the day when men are expected to return the favor. Men who received gifts on Valentine’s Day will give gifts back to women on White Day, typically chocolates, sweets, or even jewelry.

What makes White Day even more interesting is that men are often expected to give gifts that are of equal or greater value than what they received. This can lead to some interesting dynamics in relationships, particularly when it comes to gifts between close friends or romantic partners.

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The Rise of "Galentine's Day" and Celebrating with Friends

While Valentine’s Day is traditionally a day for couples, more recently, Japan has seen the emergence of "Galentine’s Day." Just like in the U.S., where women celebrate their friendships on February 13th, Japanese women are starting to gather with friends to exchange gifts and enjoy each other's company. It’s a heartwarming celebration of female empowerment and friendship.

Credit: The NewsHouse

Valentine’s Day in Japan will be a special occasion to experience the love and appreciation that the Japanese people feel towards their friends, family, and partners. From the traditional giving of chocolates to the exciting celebration of White Day, the romantic experiences and cultural twists surrounding the holiday offer a unique way to enjoy the season of love.

If you're visiting Japan, or if you're a local looking to experience the best of this celebration, Tokyo offers countless romantic spots. Whether it's the vibrant streets of Shibuya, the serene gardens of the Imperial Palace East Garden, or a romantic evening overlooking the Tokyo skyline, there's something special around every corner. For a romantic day trip, consider taking a tour from Tokyo to nearby destinations like the scenic hot springs of Hakone or the charming waterfront views of Yokohama. These nearby locations offer a perfect getaway for couples looking to enhance their Valentine's experience.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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