Lovers' Day

Today, and November 11th annually, is Lovers' Day, 恋人たちの日 in Japanese. There is a bit of debate over why November 11th was chosen for the anniversary of "Lovers' Day", but what is clear is the origin of the anniversary. The anniversary was established by Shizuoka Prefecture to promote "Lovers Cape" 「恋人岬」, which is a known tourist spot in Izu City.

"Lovers Cape", Koibito Misaki in Japanese, is a cape that juts out into the sea at the tip of the Fujimi Promenade, in Izu (Shizuoka). If you go up several flights of stairs to the look out point there is a bell that is known as a love bell. It is said that if you ring the "love bell" three times while saying your lover's name here, love will come true. The Koibito Misaki / Lovers' Cape Secretariat, where the bell of love rings, also issues a "lover declaration certificate". Cape Koibito is popular among lovers and tourists as a love spot in Izu.

It is a beautiful walk with a sea view and worth the visit if you are in the area. I visited a long time ago, but unfortunately at a time when I wasn't in the habit of photographing everything! It is a good excuse to go back, and get a photo this time!