Even Disney isn't safe from the curse? 7 Japanese tourist spots rumored to break up couples

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Many attractions in Taiwan have legends about being “forbidden places for couples,” and it’s no coincidence that Japan also has many well-known tourist spots with similar rumors. Among them are even popular destinations loved by Taiwanese travelers. Below are 7 Japanese tourist spots rumored to cause couples who visit to break up. While there’s no concrete data, many people still prefer to err on the side of caution.

▲ Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is a must-visit dating spot for many couples, but it has a legend of being a couple’s forbidden place. (Photo / from the official Kaiyukan fan page)

1. Osaka – Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan boasts the world’s largest indoor aquarium tank, where you can see over 620 species of marine life. During certain seasons, you can also enjoy the classic sight of penguins waddling around. It’s a popular attraction in Osaka. But for some reason, the Ferris wheel at the aquarium has a rumor that “couples who ride it together will break up!” So if you want to take in the night view of Osaka’s city lights with your partner, you might need to prepare yourself.

▲ Enoshima Island, known as Cat Island. (Photo / taken by reporter You…)

2. Kanagawa – Enoshima
Enoshima is not only known as a famous “Cat Island,” but its vast ocean and natural landscapes make it a popular tourist destination. The island is home to the shrine of the deity Benzaiten. Although visitors can pray here for wealth and good fortune, legend says that Benzaiten is a goddess who may become jealous of couples and break them up, making it a rumored couple’s forbidden place.

▲ Ueno Park, beautiful in all seasons, is a renowned Tokyo sightseeing spot. (Photo / taken by reporter Huang Shiyuan)

3. Tokyo – Ueno Park
Ueno Park covers a vast area where you can visit the Tokyo National Museum, go to Ueno Zoo, and it’s also a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing. The park’s Shinobazu Pond offers swan boats for visitors to enjoy. Beautiful in every season, Ueno Park is a must-visit spot when exploring Tokyo.

But legend has it that couples who ride the swan boats on Shinobazu Pond will break up, somewhat similar to the legend surrounding Bitan in New Taipei City.

▲ The night view of Yokohama from the Landmark Tower Sky Garden observation deck is highly popular among travelers. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

4. Kanagawa – Yokohama Landmark Tower

Going up high to enjoy the night view is always a classic date activity for couples. The Sky Garden observation deck at Yokohama Landmark Tower allows visitors to take in a 360-degree panoramic view of Yokohama’s nightlife from 273 meters above ground, making it one of the city’s top attractions. But for some unknown reason, there’s a rumor that couples who visit the observation deck together will break up.

▲ The iconic red torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, also listed as one of Japan’s Three Views. (Photo / taken from a 45-degree angle by a female photographer)

5. Hiroshima – Itsukushima Shrine
With a history of over 1,400 years, Itsukushima Shrine is located on Miyajima Island (formerly known as Itsukushima) in Hiroshima Prefecture. Its iconic large red torii gate makes it one of the “Japan’s Three Views.” When the tide is out, visitors can get close to the torii gate and look up at its majestic presence.

But there’s a legend that couples who visit Itsukushima Shrine together will break up. Another version says that visiting Miyajima Island, where the shrine is located, with a partner can also lead to a breakup.

▲ Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

6. Kyoto – Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a must-visit for travelers in Kyoto, known for cherry blossom and autumn foliage viewing, along with popular sites like the Sagano Romantic Train and the Bamboo Grove. Togetsukyo Bridge offers a distant view of layered mountains and forests, making it another great spot for leaf peeping. But legend says that once couples walk across Togetsukyo Bridge, they must not look back—or else they’ll break up.

▲ Tokyo Disneyland, loved by both adults and children. (Photo / taken by reporter Chen Ruizhong)

7. Chiba Prefecture – Tokyo Disneyland
The dreamy kingdom loved by both adults and children—Tokyo Disneyland—should be a joyful place for anyone who visits. But there’s a sad rumor: because many attractions involve long wait times, couples often end up arguing and eventually breaking up. Therefore, it’s advised that couples going on their first date avoid choosing Disneyland.