Yep, Valentine’s Day is a big deal here, perhaps even more so than other countries.

So, with February being the season of Valentines, what are some of the most romantic places to take your loved one during a day out in Kobe?

If you and your significant other are travelling together in Japan around February 14th, you're already well on your way to having a unique Valentine's Day. The Nunobiki Herb Garden would be more suited for those looking for a low-key, quietly intimate day.

We have all noticed the increase in sweetness these days. We have all stopped by the shelves and had a look at the different packaging. We have all started to think about whom to give sweets to. We have all wondered why so early.

The clever designs and tight collaborative efforts with many a familiar Japanese character, thank you Sanrio and Disney for those, jostle unashamedly for your attention. Somewhere between the Meiji chocolate bars and the Valentines appropriate heart-shaped moulds, I found a treasure chest of Japanese special edition goodness.

When one thinks of romantic city breaks, the likes of Rome, Paris, and other such European capitals frequently come to mind. It’s fair to say the grey, metallic metropolis of Osaka doesn’t enter most minds in this regard. That being said however, Osaka certainly has no shortage of prime locations for a nice, romantic date, provided that you know where to look.

If you are living in Japan and want to give gifts to your host family, coworkers, or housemates, or if you are just visiting and want to buy things to take home with you, here are some inexpensive suggestions.

Let's take a look at the customs and social guidelines that make up the phenomenon of Valentine’s Day in the Land of the Rising Sun.