Couples “Avoid”: Japan’s Legendary Spots Said to Cause Breakups

Tokyo Disneyland is not only a must-visit destination for travelers from China visiting Japan, but also a popular dating spot for Japanese couples. (Photo by Jian Yixin)

Some say the best way to see if two people are compatible is to travel together. Going abroad with your partner can be a wonderful experience, but many places around the world are known for being “forbidden zones” for couples. Japan is no exception—though these are just rumors, couples should think twice before visiting. Many go with the mindset of “better safe than sorry.” Travel search and comparison website FunTime has compiled a list of seven reportedly cursed tourist spots in Japan for couples, hoping that travelers can be more understanding of each other, reduce friction, and thereby greatly lower the chances of breaking up. Up!

%Shake? If a couple rides a swan boat on Shinobazu Pond, they will break up.

Ueno Park is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, covering an area of about 530,000 square meters and located near the Tokyo National Museum. Every spring, it attracts large crowds of tourists. But this popular destination is said to be cursed—if couples ride a swan boat on Shinobazu Pond together, they’ll break up.

Solution: Explore on foot. You can appreciate the beauty of Ueno Park more deeply and break the curse at the same time.

%Stomachache? Long queues at this spot may lead to arguments and breakups.

What?! Tokyo Disneyland is a must-visit for both kids and adults traveling to Japan. Such a magical, fairy-tale-like place is actually on the list of spots where couples break up. The reason is that with so many visitors, many couples wait in long lines, lose patience, and end up arguing—which can unfortunately lead to a breakup.

Solution: There are plenty of cute merchandise and food options inside the park. You can avoid the crowds and try other attractions first, or play some small games together while waiting in line to reduce the chance of friction due to impatience.

Tokyo-Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse has revitalized a century-old building, and its seaside scenery makes it a favorite date spot for couples. (Photo by Jian Yixin)

%Landmark Tower: Couples who visit the observation deck together will break up.

Couples love going up high to enjoy the night view. The Sky Garden observation deck at Landmark Tower in Yokohama, Kanagawa, sits 273 meters above ground and offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city’s nightlife. Its romantic atmosphere makes it a popular spot for couples. However, there’s a rumor that “if a couple visits the observation deck together, they will break up.” How heartbreaking.

Solution: You can choose to enjoy the night view from Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower instead.

%Enoshima Island: The goddess Benzaiten is jealous of couples’ happiness.

Have you seen the Japanese movie "Her Love Boils Bathwater"? It was filmed in part on Enoshima Island. The island features many scenic spots and is nicknamed the “Cat Island,” making it one of the favorite vacation destinations for Japanese people. With its vast ocean and natural landscapes, visiting during the holidays feels like washing away all your worries. The island is home to the Benzaiten goddess, and it’s rumored that she’s jealous of couples’ happiness—so visiting together can easily lead to a breakup.

Solution: If you’re superstitious, it’s better to just visit Kamakura, which also has various temples such as Hokoku-ji and Hase-dera.

%Osaka Aquarium: Rumor says riding the Ferris wheel together leads to a breakup.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is said to be the largest aquarium in the world. Once inside, it feels like diving into the deep sea—you can see the world’s largest whale shark, adorable penguins, and even have the chance to touch marine life. With over 620 species of sea creatures, it’s a popular dating spot for couples. But couples should never ride the attached Ferris wheel together, as it’s rumored that doing so will cause a breakup.

Solution: If you want to ride a Ferris wheel, head to the nearby Kobe Mosaic Square (also called Harborland) to enjoy the view of Kobe Port—it’s romantic too. Or, the Umeda Sky Building Observatory is another great option.

%Arashiyama: Couples who row a boat together will break up.

Kyoto’s Arashiyama is most famous for Togetsukyo Bridge. Looking down, you’ll see the Katsura River, and the beautiful scenery of all four seasons is truly refreshing—especially the vibrant red maple leaves in autumn. It’s a popular dating spot for couples. There are boat rental shops by the bridge, and many choose to paddle along the river to enjoy the landscape. But there’s a legend that “couples who row boats in Arashiyama will definitely break up,” and another that says couples shouldn’t look back when walking across Togetsukyo Bridge, or they’re bound to split up.

Solution: If you want a romantic boat date, consider Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture near Kyoto—it’s also a very famous attraction.

%Itsukushima Shrine: Rumor says couples who visit together will break up.

Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima has a history of over 1,400 years and attracts tourists from around the world every year. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shrine’s vermilion halls blend beautifully with the blue sea and the greenery of Mount Misen, making it one of Japan’s “Three Views.” But this stunning, elegant site—symbolic of the Heian period—is rumored to cause breakups among visiting couples.

Solution: If you really want to visit Itsukushima Shrine, it’s recommended that couples go separately. Up!

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