Valentine’s Day is a great chance to go on a special date with your special someone or invite your crush on a sneaky date. Keep in mind you can do any of these things with your friends too! Here are a list of places to go to and things you can do to make it unique and romantic:

1. Go ice skating.This popular winter sport can be done in many places around Tokyo. Akasaka Sacasu is a great place because it is Tokyo’s largest outdoor ice skating rink. At Midtown in Roppongi, you can ice skate while enjoying a great view of the illuminations. Toshimaen can also be a lively place to go ice skating as the rink is located right in the centre of the amusement park, where you can enjoy some of the rides as well.
2. Round one. Round One can be found in Odaiba’s Diver City. At Round One, you and your date can enjoy sports such as bowling, basketball, badminton, rollerblading, soccer, golfing, and table tennis. Or if competing defeats the purpose of romance, you could do other recreational activities such as karaoke, billiards, riding mini motor bikes, riding mechanical bulls or going to the arcade.
3. Have a romantic dinner. You could picnic at a park or dine at the classic Barbacoa located in Omotesando, Shibuya, Roppongi, and Otemachi. Although this restaurant may be a bit above your normal price range for dinner, it is definitely worth trying, especially for Valentine’s Day. Barbacoa is known for their wide range of juicy meat that customers can choose from. In addition, Barbacoa has a huge salad bar so there is no need to worry if you are a vegetarian.
4. Go on a hunt for some sweet junk food. In Tokyo, there are many cute shops like Max Brenner, Cookie Time, or Bella’s cupcake where you can feast on sweets. Although Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love, it’s also a cheat day to eat all the chocolate and candy you want.

Even if you don’t have a “special someone” to spend your Valentine’s day with, there are still many ways to enjoy this holiday. One way is to make handmade gifts for your friends, teachers, or even yourself!

Do It Yourself gifts:

Valentine’s cards

For a simple, yet meaningful gift, make your own Valentine cards. Get inspired by these card designs from Real Simple.

52 Reasons Why I Love You

This is a gift for someone you really care about. It is more time consuming to make, but we guarantee a heartwarming gift your loved one will surely appreciate.

You will need:

-One deck of playing cards.

-Two pieces of ribbon.

Directions:

1. Think of 52 reasons why you love your Valentine.
2. Write one reason on the face of each card.
3. Hole punch two holes on each card.
4. Tie the ribbons through the holes of all the cards.

Read this tutorial for more in depth directions, and photos.

Candy Bar Puns

This gift is easy, affordable, and punny! All you need is a little creative thinking.

You will need:

-A chocolate bar of your choice.

-A good pun to go with your chocolate bar.

Directions:

Write your pun on a card or post-it note, and attach it to your chocolate bar.

Here are some candy bar pun ideas.

Recipes for Valentine’s Day Treats:

Pinkie Bars

Instead of baking the typical brownies, bake pinkie bars this Valentine’s Day. It’s easy and festive!

Pink Chocolate Oreos

This recipe is for those who want a quick, and easy Valentine’s treat.

You will need:

-Oreo cookies

-White chocolate

-Red food coloring

-Sprinkles of your choice.

Directions:

1. Melt the white chocolate by microwaving, or double boiling. After the white chocolate has melted, add a drop of red food coloring to make the chocolate pink.
2. Dip each Oreo cookie halfway into the melted white chocolate.
3. Put the dipped Oreo cookies on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle the cookies with decorative sprinkles of your choice.
4. Put the cookies in the fridge until the chocolate hardens.

Even with or without a valentine, by trying some of these tips, you are bound to have a lovely (pun intended) Valentine’s Day!