A World of Blue and White: A Collection of Spots Referred to as "Japan's Santorini"

Popular Honeymoon Destination: "Santorini Island"

When it comes to popular honeymoon islands, "Santorini Island" floating in the Aegean Sea of Greece is a top choice.

With its pristine white townscape, blue churches, blooming bougainvillea everywhere, the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, and breathtaking sunsets known as the most beautiful in the world, it captivates couples from around the globe who wish to spend a romantic honeymoon in a tranquil resort.

@ai.wed

Although Santorini is a highly sought-after destination for honeymooners, getting there requires at least two flights, taking a minimum of about 17 hours one way.

Since it's not a conveniently accessible distance and time, many people might think, "I want to go, but the travel time is just too much... I can't take that long of a break from work."

For those who feel this way!

There are actually spots within Japan known as "Japan's Santorini," so let me introduce them to you♡

While it's far to go to Santorini, it would be delightful to enjoy a similar atmosphere within Japan♩

Japan's Santorini ① Villa Santorini @ Kochi

The first place I want to introduce is "Villa Santorini," a hotel located in Kochi.

This hotel perfectly replicates the cave-style hotels of Santorini. If you showed your friends photos saying, "I just came back from Santorini~~♡," they probably wouldn't realize it was in Japan.

Villa Santorini stands majestic in Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture, built along the coastline, just like Santorini.

The night view is also romantic and charming♡

At Villa Santorini, you can hold weddings and request photo plans. You can take pictures that truly feel like you have gone to Santorini♩

Prices start at 37,400 yen for two people.

➡【Rakuten Travel】Book Villa Santorini here＊

➡【Ikkyu】Book Villa Santorini here＊

Japan's Santorini ② Yuki Suite Kourijima @ Okinawa

Next up is "Yuki Suite Kourijima," a hotel located on Kourijima Island in Okinawa.

This villa, inspired by Santorini, features a pure white cave-style design and has only six rooms. Its private atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for honeymoon trips♡

The interiors are, of course, all white.

Depending on the season, bougainvillea blooms within the hotel, enhancing the Santorini vibe♡

Prices start at 26,600 yen for two people.

➡【Rakuten Travel】Book Yuki Suite Kourijima here＊

➡【Ikkyu】Book Yuki Suite Kourijima here＊

Japan's Santorini ③ Epicurus @ Wakayama

Just a 20-minute drive from Wakayama Station, you'll find "Epicurus," a hotel by Wakayama Bay.

The hotel has a total of 28 rooms, 16 of which come with an outdoor hot spring on the terrace♡

Enjoying an outdoor hot spring while soaking in the Santorini atmosphere is just the best…!

The rooms are inspired by the living spaces of captains sailing the Aegean Sea, featuring stylish white and blue interiors.

All rooms also offer ocean views, which adds to the appeal!

This stunning view can also be enjoyed from the restaurant.

Prices start at a budget-friendly 19,360 yen for two people.

➡【Rakuten Travel】Book Epicurus here＊

Shima Mediterranean Village @ Mie

A resort hotel that recreates Mediterranean townscapes is "Shima Mediterranean Village."

Inside the village, you’ll find areas themed around Mykonos (an island near Santorini, known for being the backdrop of Mamma Mia!), Meruka Island, streets inspired by the Alhambra's hammam, and more, spreading across various sections, making it fun just to walk around the hotel♡

The village features cafes, restaurants, salons, spas, pools, and select shops.

At Shima Mediterranean Village, you can also hold weddings♡ The concept is "overseas weddings without needing a passport." Having a wedding in a beautiful European town recreated to the extent that you forget you're in Japan would be so wonderful.

➡【Rakuten Travel】Book Shima Mediterranean Village here＊

➡【Ikkyu】Book Shima Mediterranean Village here＊

Prices start at 29,560 yen for two people.

Japan's Santorini ④ Mirai Shin no Oka @ Hiroshima

This isn't a hotel; it's a museum.

It's a place called "Mirai Shin no Oka" located in Hiroshima.

Mirai Shin no Oka is a garden made of white marble spanning 5,000 square meters, attached to the Kousanji Museum of Temple founded by the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji sect.

While it may lack the resort vibe unique to Santorini, the marble sculptures and the brilliant blue sky evoke the white walls and blue churches made of Santorini's limestone.

Some might think, "How can this be called 'Japan's Santorini?'" but it’s often referred to that way, and many people visit this popular spot.

It's unclear whether you need permission for photography, but I did see some people taking wedding photos!

The entrance fee is 1,400 yen for adults.

Feel Like You're in Santorini Island in Japan♡

While going to Santorini can be far and time-consuming…

If you visit these Santorini-like spots in Japan, you can easily enjoy them even on a 1-night, 2-day trip＊

How about enjoying a resort theme around "Santorini" for your next trip?♡

➡ Click here for a list of domestic travel articles＊

➡ 【Report of my trip】 Honeymoon in Santorini, Athens & Dubai for 9 nights and 11 days