Valentine's day in Japan may be a little different from what you're used to. Here it is more a day for the men, than a couples' holiday. 'For' the men in that it is the women who shower the men with gifts and chocolates. And, it is not only the boyfriends and husbands who get spoiled. At the office, women bring their male bosses and colleagues chocolates and other confectionaries.

If you're a woman, don't worry. Here in Japan Valentine's day has a counter-holiday: "White Day" on March 14th. It's on this day that men return the favor and buy the women chocolates and gifts.

If you want to buy candies you don't have to look very far; you generally can't avoid passing by a display of sweets openly reminding you to buy them. But, if you're struggling to come up with what more to do or are still unsure about how to spend your Valentine's day, here are some culinary ideas for where to take that special someone.

Romantic Dining in Tokyo

Restaurants with City Views

The Oregon Bar & Grill in Shiodome, Tokyo
Nirvana New York in Roppongi, Tokyo
Aqua in Shiodome (Shimbashi), Tokyo
Shunju in Akasaka (Tameike-Sanno), Tokyo
Mango Tree Tokyo in Marunouchi, Tokyo

Restaurants with Romantic Settings

Il Buttero in Hiroo (Ebisu), Tokyo
Riva degli Etruschi in Omotesando, Tokyo
Galopin in Kichijoji, Tokyo
Lawry's The Prime Rib in Akasaka, Tokyo
Kazan in Ginza, Tokyo

Ristorante Stefano, Italian Cuisine

If it's something Italian that you're looking for, Restaurant Stefano is a cozy restaurant in Kagurazaka owned by a very talented and passionate chef. Stefano Fastro makes fresh pasta, bread, sausages, and desserts, and also smokes his own fish, duck, and cheeses to achieve a delicate balance of flavor. Also choose from a selection of Northern Italian wines in this intimate aristocratic Italian setting. To see his carefully crafted Valentine’s menu go to http://occasioni-ristorantestefano.blogspot.com.

6,300 yen - Ristorante Stefano in Kagurazaka, Tokyo

El Castellano, Spanish Cuisine

If you're looking for a more lively atmosphere, try El-Castellano in Shibuya. This Spanish restaurant was Tokyo's first to be owned and operated by a Spaniard. You can enjoy rich home-style cooking from different regions served in portions perfect for two, and live music on Mondays and Tuesdays. Treat that special someone to a serenade at this Spanish village in the middle of Tokyo.

4,000 yen - El Castellano in Shibuya, Tokyo