As the days get shorter and colder, the instinct to hibernate at home gets stronger. But while we're big fans of streaming the latest movie with a big bowl of popcorn and family, snuggled on the couch, there are so many great things to enjoy in Tokyo — especially if you want to spend time together with that special someone!

Date nights, with your spouse or as a solo "date night" to treat yourself, are important ways to reconnect and decompress. After the last few years of inconsistency and stress, making time for regular date nights is essential self-care.

And not all date nights need to break the bank, either! While there are plenty of opportunities to spend big in a city like Tokyo (and we've included some below), there are just as many ways to have inexpensive fun.

See below for some of our favorite date night ideas. Whichever you choose, remember that a CareFinder babysitter is always the best option for taking care of the kids while you enjoy a night out!

Autumn Illumination Events

The autumn leaves in Japan often play second fiddle to the pastel blossoms of hanami season, but they are truly a gorgeous sight to behold. In addition to the many beautiful destinations around Japan for kouyou, there are lots of spots around Tokyo to enjoy the reds, yellows, and oranges of the season. And as a bonus, some even offer nighttime attractions!

At Mejiro Teien in Toshima, the autumn leaves will be lit in the evenings from November 19 through November 27, 5p - 9p. Admission is a steal at 300 yen, but entry is timed, so the closer you arrive to 5p, the more likely you are to get in.

Head to Showa Kinen now through November 27 for the gingko and maple leaves' bright colors in the sunshine and stay for the nighttime illumination! Regular entry costs apply.

Rikugien is comparatively more expensive, at 1,000 yen a ticket, but it's worth it! Not only can you enjoy the lovely, lit-up fall foliage, the park's teahouse will stay open late, offering matcha and other treats until 8pm.

Concerts & Shows

Now that Japan is officially open to foreigners again, more and more opportunities to enjoy your favorite artists or performances from abroad are available. Plus, local legends are also getting gigs on the calendar. Date nights don't always have to be romantic strolls through the parks or candlelit dinners; sometimes, the sweetest nights are spent screaming song lyrics from the front row!

From The Black Crows and Avril Lavigne to Justin Bieber, Kiss, and Maroon 5, no matter your favorite genre, there's a concert coming to Tokyo for you! Costs will vary, depending on the star power, but you can start saving now to see Niigata native Rina Sawayama perform in January!

If you're looking for laughs, you should be able to find some at Tokyo Comedy Bar (no promises, though!). Enjoy an array of domestic comedic talent, plus a biru or two, every Friday night. American Iliza Shlesinger and Australian Jim Jefferies will also make tour stops in Tokyo in the coming months.

Eat & Drink

If it isn't broken, why fix it? A night spent wining and dining with your sweetheart is never a bad idea. And there are plenty of places, at all price points and for all tastes, in the giant metropolis of Tokyo to enjoy a meal.

We'll count food-focused "festa" in this category and there are a bunch to enjoy in the weeks ahead. From Fish (November 17-20 — check with your date ahead of time, as this is a pungent event!) and Nabe (November 25-27), to Belgian Beer (December 6-11) and International Wines (December 10-25), there's something for every palate.

Picking a restaurant in Tokyo can be difficult; there are just too many delicious choices. Whether you're craving pizza, soul food, yakitori, sashimi, Korean fried chicken, or maybe all of them, you can find a place to suit your needs. Our suggestion? Try them all. This list from Eater is a great place to start. You can even make it a challenge: all 38 in a year!