The fall season brings along many new and exciting things: foods like sweet potatoes, mushrooms, chestnuts, apples and freshly harvested rice, a brand new school year, cooler and more enjoyable weather, changing leaves, etc. More time, however, is not one of them. We don't need to reiterate the statistical benefits of a date night to convince you that you need a night away from the kids for just the two of you. But just in case a date night feels a little too selfish, luxurious, or outrageous on your current schedule, know that studies have shown couples who have regular date nights have better communication and fewer conflicts. That means a better home environment for not just you and your spouse but for your children as well.

 

CareFinder is here to support your family to make it possible. With CareFinder, finding a babysitter is made easy, safe, flexible and affordable.

 

To help you along on your regular dates, we've come up with a few ideas for a fall date night!

 

 

 

 

Who says dates are only for after sundown? Get active and try something new with your partner by going hiking. If you're in Tokyo, hike up Takao-san. The mountain is easily accessible as it is only 50 minutes away on the Keio Takao Line from Shinjuku. Every year, the mountain celebrates the changing leaves with a month-long Momiji (Maple) Festival in November where you can enjoy seasonal specialties like sake, live music and dance. Not into hiking? no problem. Take the ropeway up the mountain and still enjoy the views. After a day at the mountain, enjoy freshly made soba or a hot spring bath at the base of the mountain.

 

 

 

 

Missed out on the summer festivals? The autumn season is also full of festivals throughout Japan. Festivals are a great way to experience Japanese culture while eating some great food, watch lively dances, and play some traditional Japanese festival games. From traditional festivals to food and foliage festivals, the months of October and November are full of events that are sure to tickle your fancy.

 

Traditional Festivals:

- Nihonbashi-Kyobashi Festival (Nihonbashi) 10/28 

- Tori-no-Ichi (Asakusa) 11/1, 13, 25 

 

Other Festivals:

- Gyoza Festival (Nakano Shiki no Mori Park) 10/31-11/4 

- Tokyo Ramen Show (Komazawa Olympic Park) 10/31-11/4 

- Rikugien Autumn Illumination (Bunkyo) 11/17-12/9 

 

 

 

 

In Tokyo, the weather is perfect for a picnic in October and November. Bring a sweater or a blanket, make an obento box or buy one from the many delicious delis in the city, get a babysitter for your kids and head over to one of the many parks to enjoy the cool autumn air and colorful leaves. In Tokyo, we recommend Inokashira Park, Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku Gyoen for enjoying the season.

 

 

 

 

There's a saying in Japanese shokuyoku no aki which directly translates to "Appetite of Fall." It indicates how in Japan, fall is considered the best season to have a good appetite because of the autumn harvest which provides us with great fresh seasonal foods. Some of the best foods in autumn include Sanma fish, matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, gingko nuts, persimmons, pears, apples, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. Have a romantic dinner at a Japanese restaurant and enjoy all that the season has to offer. Don't forget to try Japan's favorite chestnut cake Mont Blanc for dessert!

 

 

Meanwhile, what will your children be doing? Having an awesome time with their CareFinder babysitter of course. At CareFinder, we are committed to meeting all of your babysitting needs whether you are looking for just an evening babysitter, an international babysitter, a hotel babysitter, a weekend babysitter, an overnight babysitter, a great au pair or a summer babysitter. Sign up on CareFinder to begin your search!