Travellers have fallen in love with Japan, the country becoming one of travellers top destinations of choice. in 2019 over 38 million people visited the island country and expected to reach 40 million in 2020. And whilst we know some of the more iconic places to go and visit we went a little off track and discovered some real romance with Japan!

Located on the coastline of Japan’s main island, Ishikawa Prefecture is a short 2 hour 30 minute bullet train ride from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, where couples can discover authentic Japan whilst onsen bathing and watching the sun rise above Mitsukejima Island – said to be the Holy Land for Lovers. Here’s the top three romantic experiences in Ishikawa:

Make a wish and watch the sun rise at Mitsukejima Island – the Holy Land for Lovers, Noto Peninsula 

Soaring above Iida Bay in the northeastern part of the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa, Japan, is the uninhabited Mitsukejima Island – also known as the Holy Land for Lovers. Legend has it that love can blossom if the Matchmaking Bell on the shore is rung and a wish is made, which has led to many couples making the journey to this tranquil region of Japan. The most romantic time of day to capture the lovers island is at sunrise, when Mitsukejima is backlit in red as the sun rises from the sea. Visitors in spring are treated to the seasonal cherry blossom trees adorning the island, whilst in the summer months, couples can camp close by and enjoy swimming and beach activities. 

Couples can access the island via a path which extends from Mitsuke Beach, to catch a closer look, with the surrounding area, also known as “Enmusu (Matchmaking) Beach” being home to Ishikawa Prefecture’s finest dawns, calm waters and white sands – honeymoon bliss.

Bathe in the natural hot spring waters of Yamanaka Onsen Spa, Kaga 

Ishikawa is renowned for its hot spring (onsen) culture, with this traditional bathing method being a Japanese wellness ritual that has spanned centuries. Kaga Onsen is a collection of four traditional hot spring villages that is easy for couples to reach from the prefecture’s capital, Kanazawa, for a relaxing romantic bathe after taking in the local culture. Located along the Kakusenkei Gorge is the quaint village of Yamanaka Onsen where hot springs were discovered more than 1,300 years ago by a monk – it’s now known for producing some of the best waters in the region that are enjoyed by both visitors and locals year-round. Yamanaka Onsen is home to a selection of luxury ryokans that are ideal for honeymooners or that special romantic holiday. The Ryokan Collection’s Kayotei has private in-room bathing in a number of its suites, which are perfect for couples to relax in. In addition, the ryokan is home to shared onsen baths which are always open, with only ten guest rooms ensuring an element of exclusivity. The main bath at the property is surrounded by towering glass walls with soothing views of the surrounding forest bringing bathers close to nature, whilst traditional touches throughout the ryokan – such as hand painted screens and fine pottery adorning the halls – add a Japanese decadence that makes this property stand out.

Take a romantic stroll through Kenroku-en Gardens, Kanazawa 

Exuding beauty year-round, Kenroku-en Garden is one of the Three Great Gardens in Japan and provides a perfect setting for a romantic stroll in the historic and peaceful city of Kanazawa. Dotted with traditional tea houses, couples can take in the serenity of the landscape with matcha and Japanese sweets during a traditional tea ceremony. Extending more than 25 acres and designated as a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty, the garden was created by the Kaga Clan as a font of eternal life and used to be the outer gardens of the historic Kanazawa Castle. Kenrokuen, which translates as ‘having six factors’, was given the name because of the six attributes that bring out the perfect landscape of the garden, these being spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water and a magnificent view from the garden. Spring in the garden is synonymous with cherry blossom lined walkways, whilst autumn sees the colours transformed to gold and the winter months have a magical beauty, as snow coats the trees and pathways and ponds are frozen and glistening. 

For more information and to plan your romantic getaway to Ishikawa, visit www.hot-ishikawa.jp/english