In the evening, when the beach is painted in pinkish hues by the setting sun, the landscape becomes is fantastic display of mother nature's awesomeness. Together with Cape Irago Lighthouse, the beach and its surrounding areas are a certified "Lover's Sanctuary" (Koibito-no-Seichi), all year long attracting couples that come to make or renew their romantic vows. They do it by ringing the Eternal Love Promise Bell (Eien no Ai wo Chikau Kane), thoughtfully installed on a structure in the shape of a gate that bears to the general direction of the rising sun, and by clipping shut a Wish-Granting Padlock (Negai no Kanau Kagi) on a fence especially built in order to allow the lovers to leave proof of their visit and promise at this marvelous place.

The legend and the place

Koijigahama literally means "Beach of the Love Path", and with a modern-sounding name like this, the place is often misunderstood as being named recently in order to appeal to the younger public. However, this is far from the truth. The name of this place can be found in written documents dating back to the Edo Period, which makes it truly worthy of its Love Sanctuary status. Interestingly enough, the name itself comes from a legend surrounding this place, a story that accounts of a noble man who fell in love with a peasant maiden, a forbidden act amidst the customs of the great city where he dwelt. This caused him to be expelled, and after wandering the land in despair, he ended up at Koijigahama where he swept the loss of his love until his final days. A touching fable that adds even more to the magic of this spot.

*: Hi'i no Sekimon Island sunrise - from mid-October to mid-February, see the morning sunrise through this stone gate, eroded by wind and waves. A highly popular spot on New Year's Day to see the first sunrise of the year.

Sand, Sun, Sea, Surf and Love on Atsumi Peninsula

Aichi Prefecture is said to look like a south-facing crab, with the Chita Peninsula as the left pincer and the Atsumi Peninsula on the right, enclosing Mikawa Bay. Most of the Atsumi Peninsula is part of the Mikawa-Wan Quasi National Park, with some of the most beautiful coastlines and ocean views in Aichi. It is also noted for its temperate climate, due to the warm Kuroshio Current just offshore, making it a popular summer retreat. Fascinating rock formations along the tip of the peninsula add to the breathtaking beauty of the area.