Recommended 7 Tourist Spots Around Awazu Onsen Perfect for Couples and Married Partners!

Awazu Onsen, located in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is the oldest hot spring town in the Hokuriku region, dating back to the Nara period. It is also known as a "Lover’s Sanctuary." The origin of this title lies in a love story called the “Osshobe Love Legend,” a tale of romance between a male and female servant at a ryokan (traditional inn), passed down for about 400 years. Around Awazu Onsen, you can still find tourist spots associated with the couple. Naturally, Awazu Onsen is a charming destination where people of all ages — couples and families alike — can deepen their bonds and enjoy the area. This time, we’ll introduce some of the captivating tourist attractions around Awazu Onsen!

1. Awazu Onsen - North Park (Pocket Park)

On the north side of the Awazu Onsen town, near the Awazu Onsen Tourism Association, there is a small park. In this park stands a statue of "Osue and Takematsu," the protagonists of a romantic tale passed down in the Awazu Onsen area.

Osue, a maid working at a hot spring inn, fell in love with Takematsu, a man working at an inn across the street. One night, unable to suppress her desire to see him, Osue tried to reach his room by climbing a pine tree. However, she fell from the tree, causing quite a commotion. This incident made Takematsu aware of her feelings, and the two were eventually united. Today, their statues seem to bless and watch over couples visiting Awazu Onsen, sharing a piece of their happiness.

A recommended activity for couples is the "Koi Mikuji" (Love Fortune). At a small shrine nearby, you and your partner can pull the fortune-telling rudder together and receive a chart of your future voyage in love. Definitely worth a visit!

2. Osshobe Park

Osshobe Park is said to be the meeting place of Osue and Takematsu. It is located near Daiōji Temple, southeast of the street lined with Awazu Onsen inns. The park is loved by families as a place to relax, and it's also a recommended tourist spot for couples and married pairs.

Inside this open park, where you can enjoy the changing nature of the seasons, there is a "Bell of Happiness." It is said that ringing it once brings new love, three times brings true love, and five times revives old feelings. Feel free to ring it as many times as you wish with your own wish for happiness.

After ringing the bell, don’t forget to write your wishes on an ema (a wooden plaque) and hang a love padlock to symbolize your affection. You can purchase both the ema and the padlock at inns in the Awazu Onsen area along with the Goma-wood from Daiōji Temple. Some inns also give them as complimentary gifts to their guests.

The park features a grassy lawn and a koi pond, offering a tranquil atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to spend a peaceful moment during your trip to Awazu Onsen.

3. Yōrōzan Daioji Temple

Located at the starting point of the "Path of Prayer," Yōrōzan Daioji is a temple founded 1,300 years ago by the Buddhist monk Taichō Daishi, following a divine message from the god of Mount Hakusan, a sacred mountain for training. He opened the hot spring of Awazu based on this revelation. The temple was established in 718 to enshrine the protective deities: the Medicine Buddha (Yakushi Nyorai), which Taichō wore around his neck, and the Sho-Kannon Bosatsu (Sacred Avalokiteshvara) that he personally carved, to safeguard the Awazu Hot Springs.

Climbing about 80 stone steps brings you into the temple grounds, where you’ll find the main hall in a serene forested setting. The slow and calming atmosphere offers a different experience from the bustling Awazu Hot Spring town, giving visitors a sense of peace.

Daioji Temple is also home to numerous cultural assets, including a seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai, designated a cultural property by Komatsu City. Every Thursday is known as "Daioji Open Day," offering various experiences throughout the day such as Heart Sutra meditation, sutra copying, and ikebana (flower arranging). It’s a well-loved destination for both locals and tourists visiting Awazu Onsen.

There’s also a designated box for accepting gomagi (wooden prayer sticks). Visitors who have a gomagi or a wish plaque (ema) can write their wishes and request a gomadaki (fire ritual) prayer. The sacred flames of the gomadaki are believed to empower visitors and help bring their wishes to fruition.

4. Path of Prayer

From the vicinity of the Bell of Happiness deep within Oshshobe Park, a promenade stretches past Hakusan Shrine all the way to Daiōji Temple. This walkway is called the "Path of Prayer". Along it, 33 Jizō statues sit serenely as if watching over travelers. The path begins from the Daiōji side, where the first statue is located and numbered accordingly. It is said that if you walk the path while praying at each statue in order, you will receive blessings. Be sure to walk it prayerfully when visiting Awazu Onsen.

At the top of the gently sloping path is an observation deck offering a panoramic view of the Awazu Onsen town and a statue of the monk Taichō Daishi, who is credited with founding Awazu Onsen. The path also connects to a trailhead that leads to Mount Take, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed nature walk. This forested trail near the Awazu Onsen area offers peace and serenity—perfect for couples or spouses seeking a small pilgrimage-like journey.

5. Hakusan Shrine

Hakusan Shrine is the main shrine of Awazu Town, located near Daiōji Temple. Remarkably, it is said to have watched over this region—where Awazu Onsen now spreads—since the Nara period. The shrine’s origin traces back to the mountain worship associated with the sacred Mount Hakusan, which overlooks Ishikawa Prefecture.

Later, the revered monk Taichō, who opened the Awazu Onsen, enshrined a divided spirit (bunrei) of Kukurihime-no-Mikoto, the goddess of matchmaking, based on his syncretic teachings blending Buddhism and Shinto.

Because of this connection, the shrine is now cherished not only by locals but also by tourists as a place of divine matchmaking. Surrounded by trees, the shrine’s grounds also feature a seated statue of Taichō, offering a calm and peaceful atmosphere. It has become a popular spot known for spiritual matchmaking energy.

6. Yunokuni no Mori

Located just south of the Awazu Onsen district, Yunokuni no Mori is an interactive tourist spot surrounded by forest. Spanning over 130,000 tsubo (approximately 43 hectares), the area is filled with galleries and hands-on workshops featuring traditional Kanazawa crafts.

You can experience over 50 types of activities, including Wajima lacquerware, Kutani porcelain, Yuzen dyeing, gold leaf application, soba noodle making, and traditional confectionery crafting. There’s also a museum where various craftworks are exhibited, allowing visitors to appreciate and interact with artisan techniques.

The buildings in the village are traditional houses relocated and reconstructed here, harmonizing beautifully with the natural surroundings to create an old-fashioned Japanese atmosphere. Cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage provide scenic views throughout the year. With on-site dining available, a stroll while enjoying the seasonal beauty is highly recommended.

7. Natadera Temple

If you're visiting Awazu Onsen as a couple or married partners, be sure to extend your trip to include Natadera Temple. Within its spacious grounds is the deity known as “Kōshin-san,” revered for having the power to ward off various misfortunes.

This temple is also long known as a place for enshrining a deity of love and matchmaking. You are encouraged to chant “Namu Shōmen Kongō” three times and make a prayer. Every year on the second Saturday of January, a Matchmaking Festival is held.

There are many other highlights at Natadera. Passing through the temple gate, which reflects the traditions of Mt. Hakusan's mountain worship, you'll find a path lined with 100-year-old camellia trees guiding visitors into the temple grounds.

On the side of the approach path is the Kondō Keō-den Hall, which houses a statue of the Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon. Once inside the grounds, you’ll discover the nationally designated scenic spot called Kigan Yūsenkyō, showcasing the profound beauty of nature. Deeper inside lie the main hall and a three-story pagoda, both designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

◎ Summary

Awazu Onsen, popular as a “Lovers’ Sanctuary,” is a hot spring town with a history of about 1,300 years. While the traditional inns and hot springs are must-visits, it’s also worth exploring the surrounding areas of Awazu. The nature, culture, and history that have been passed down in this region for centuries are deeply enriching. It’s a wonderful destination not only for couples and married partners, but also for families and friends. It would be a waste to visit without sightseeing.

Walking around while imagining which scenes of the World Heritage site Skellig Michael appeared in which parts of the movie is also a lovely idea. It’s a thrilling destination, especially for movie lovers and fans of “Star Wars.”

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Recommended 7 Tourist Spots Around Awazu Onsen Perfect for Couples and Married Partners!