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Awaji Island: Top 15 Things to Do and Area Guide
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Awaji Island, located in the Seto Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku, is a hidden gem of Japan known for its scenic beauty, cultural sites, and delicious cuisine. We will introduce you to the top 15 places to visit on this wonderful island.
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Table of Contents
- Getting to Awaji Island
- Awaji Island: The Perfect Mix of Traditional and Modern
- 15 Must-visit Places on Awaji Island
- Access to Awaji Island
Getting to Awaji Island
Getting to Awaji Island might seem difficult, but it's actually quite straightforward. Located just about an hour from Kobe and an hour and a half from Osaka, it's easily accessible from major cities. Most routes will take you to Sannomiya first, where you can catch direct transportation to Awaji Island.
From Osaka to Awaji Island (Namba, Umeda, Kansai International Airport)
To reach Awaji Island from Osaka's Umeda or Namba areas, the journey involves first traveling to Sannomiya, the central transportation hub in Kobe. From Umeda, take the JR Rapid Tokaido Sanyo Line directly from JR Osaka Station to JR Sannomiya Station.
If you're starting from the Namba area, the easiest route is to use the Hanshin Namba Line departing from Osaka-Namba Station (platform 3) and travel to Kobe-Sannomiya Station.
Once you've arrived at Sannomiya in Kobe, the next step is to journey to Awaji Island. We highly recommend taking the Awaji Resort Bus – Kita-Awaji Nishi-Kaigan Line. This direct bus service covers Awaji Island's popular destinations along its stunning West Coast. You can visit attractions like the anime theme park Nijigen no Mori, Zenbo Seinei, HELLO KITTY facilities, and more.
From Tokyo to Awaji Island
While Awaji Island is a bit farther from Tokyo, it remains highly accessible. If traveling by shinkansen, you'll arrive at Shin-Kobe Station. From there, you can catch a direct bus to Awaji IC. Once at Awaji IC, a free shuttle bus conveniently connects you to many of the island's popular attractions along the picturesque West Coast.
For additional bus options and detailed access information to Awaji Island, please visit the link below.
Awaji Island: The Perfect Mix of Traditional and Modern
Awaji Island offers a unique blend of rural charm with stunning natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. According to historical records, it's even considered Japan's first-ever island.
In contrast to its countryside charm, recent revitalization efforts have introduced modern and exciting tourist attractions. From an anime theme park and Hello Kitty facilities to serene Zen meditation spots and diverse dining experiences, Awaji Island caters to everyone!
Get ready as we introduce you to the 15 must-do activities on Awaji Island!
15 Must-visit Places on Awaji Island
1) Nijigen no Mori - Visit Japan's Most Exciting Anime Theme Park
If you're into anime, manga, or Japanese pop culture, Nijigen no Mori should definitely be on your must-visit list. As one of Japan's few anime theme parks, it offers immersive experiences with popular franchises like Naruto, Shin-chan, Godzilla, Dragon Quest, and more.
Picture yourself training as a ninja, embarking on thrilling RPG adventures, or even entering Godzilla's mouth. These are the unique experiences you can only do at Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island.
©Masashi Kishimoto Scott/Shueisha, TV Tokyo, Pierrot
2) Naruto Whirlpool – Surreal Natural Phenomena Only on Awaji Island
The Naruto Whirlpools are awe-inspiring tidal phenomena, created by the interaction of ocean currents and lunar gravitational pull. These powerful whirlpools can reach up to 20 meters in diameter and speeds of 15 km/hour as tides shift large volumes of water through the strait.
While visible from the Uzushio Rest Area and Onaruto Bridge, the best views are experienced up close on a cruise from Awaji Island. This is highly recommended for nature enthusiasts and those seeking unique experiences.
3) Zenbo Seinei – A Journey to Find Inner Peace and ZEN
Zenbo Seinei on Awaji Island is a ZEN meditation facility envisioned by the renowned architect Shigeru Ban. Showcasing his innovative use of Japanese Cedarwood and sustainable design principles, it features a remarkable 100-meter-long deck offering a 360° panoramic view of the natural beauty of Awaji Island.
At Zenbo Seinei, you can participate in a variety of activities aimed at cultivating inner peace. Meditation sessions provide a space for mindfulness and tranquility, while the Zen tea ceremony offers a profound experience of Japanese culture. You can also engage in Zen calligraphy for self-expression and reflection, using brush and ink.
Additionally, Zenbo Cuisine allows you to savor healthy but delicious dishes crafted from Awaji Island's finest natural ingredients.
4) Awaji Hanasajiki – A Beautiful Floral Paradise
Awaji Hanasajiki on Awaji Island is a hidden gem, captivating visitors with its stunning flower fields and serene atmosphere. This picturesque park features a diverse array of flowers such as tulips, roses, and sunflowers, meticulously arranged to create intricate patterns and designs.
In spring, the landscape bursts with golden canola flowers and vibrant Iceland poppies. Summer brings the delicate spider flowers swaying in the breeze and the iconic sunflowers adding cheerful energy. As fall sets in, scarlet sage and mealycup sage offer a tranquil backdrop with their rich hues.
Awaji Hanasajiki is a flower park that offers enjoyment throughout all four seasons in Japan.
5) HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX - Meet the Iconic Hello Kitty on Awaji Island
At the HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX on Awaji Island, you can uniquely meet the iconic character. This beloved attraction features a café show experience where you can enjoy adorable Hello Kitty-themed food alongside captivating jazz performances.
The live music and dance showcase includes Hello Kitty herself, making for a delightful show that appeals to both children and adults alike. Additionally, visitors can explore a shop offering Sanrio-limited merchandise.
6) HELLO KITTY SMILE - Enter the Adorable World of Hello Kitty
If HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX adopts the theater restaurant concept, then HELLO KITTY SMILE offers a charming theme park experience blending media art, delightful dining, and breathtaking sea views. The on-site restaurant presents a variety of culinary delights, ranging from authentic Chinese cuisine to flavorful one-pot courses.
A standout feature is the mesmerizing "Palace of the Dragon Princess" projection-mapping area, where you can go on an enchanting adventure inspired by a Japanese fairy tale, guided by Hello Kitty (though not in person).
© 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L650085
7) Ningyo Jōruri - Awaji Island's Priceless Puppet Theater Experience
Puppet performances offer a mesmerizing window into Japan's cultural heritage. Awaji Island Ningyo Jōruri brings ancient tales to life through the art of puppetry, showcasing a talented troupe that presents a diverse array of plays with new stories each month.
Operating a single puppet involves synchronized expertise among three puppeteers: one for the head and right arm, another for the left arm, and a third for the legs and feet. The wooden puppets' movements and interactions with the audience create a striking illusion of living beings, making the experience truly enchanting.
With compelling storylines, remarkable puppetry skills, opportunities for audience participation, and insights into backstage operations, Ningyo Jōruri puppetry offers one of the most exceptional cultural experiences not only on Awaji Island but also in Japan.
8) Aman no Shoutaku – Try Awaji Island's Unique “Pirate Cuisine”
Aman no Shokutaku offers two floors of dining experience, and the first floor, Utage, is popular for its pirate cuisine, a culinary tradition deeply ingrained in Awaji Island's rich heritage. As the potential birthplace of Japan, Awaji Island holds special significance, and pirate cuisine is celebrated as a true representation of authentic Japanese culinary traditions.
One standout dish at Aman no Shokutaku is the unique "Awaji Chicken Sanzokuyaki," featuring sansho pepper, soy sauce, and slow-grilled chicken to perfection with a special sauce. Another favorite is the "Awaji Island Whole Mackerel Kaizokuyaki," showcasing a whole mackerel prepared in the pirate style.
Additionally, their sushi plates are also recommended, offering generous portions of fresh seafood in traditional pirate-themed presentations.
9) miele – Try Bizarre Food While Looking at the Stunning Views of the Ocean
Miele is a trendy café on Awaji Island known for its stunning ocean views, particularly popular during sunset, a highlight of Awaji Island's reputation as one of Japan's best sunset spots. However, it's the food that truly captures global attention here.
The standout dish is the unlimited whitebait topping pizza, where staff continuously add whitebait until you signal to stop, ensuring a generous and delightful topping experience.
Dessert pizzas are another hit, varying with the seasons. Imagine trying matcha pizza, mont blanc pizza, or strawberry pizza, unconventional yet surprisingly delicious creations.
10) Izanagi Shrine – One of the Oldest Shrines in Japan
Izanagi-jingu Shrine holds profound spiritual significance in Japanese mythology and Shinto beliefs. According to ancient texts like the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Awaji Island was the first island to exist in Japan created by the Gods Izanagi and Izanami.
Izanagi-jingu Shrine stands as a testament to this myth, revered as one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines where Izanagi no Mikoto spent his final days after fulfilling his divine duties. Beyond its mythical roots, the shrine is a revered site of worship and reflection, cherished for centuries.
Its serene surroundings and traditional Shinto architecture offer visitors a peaceful atmosphere to connect with spirituality and experience the essence of Japanese heritage. Izanagi-jingu Shrine invites exploration into Japan's rich folklore and cultural traditions, serving as a cultural landmark that resonates with both history and spirituality on Awaji Island.
11) Nushima – The Story Behind the Birth of Japan
One of Japan's enduring myths tells of the gods Izanagi and Izanami stirring the chaotic sea with a divine spear, causing the sea to coalesce into an island. This island later expanded to become Japan. This mythical island, known as "Onokoro Island," is believed to be Nushima, a small island in the southern region of Awaji Island.
Shaped like the ancient crescent-shaped Japanese beads known as magatama, Nushima is home to legendary sites such as Onogoro Shrine and Kamitategami Iwa (Rising and Forming Sacred Creation Rock of Shinto).
For those interested in the mythological origins of Japan, a visit to Nushima offers a fascinating journey into the stories and sites that marked the birth of Japan.
12) Haru San San – Eco-friendly Restaurant Using Awaji Island's Local Ingredients
Designed by the world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban, this restaurant epitomizes sustainability with its thatched roof supported by pillars made of paper tubes.
Chef Nobuaki Fushiki, an expert in fermented cuisine, collaborates with Masayuki Okuda, one of the "World's Top 1000 Chefs," to create dishes that highlight the freshest vegetables from the surrounding farms, combined with the natural local ingredients of Awaji Island.
13) Grand Chariot – A Luxurious Glamping Experience Under the Starry Skies
Imagine a romantic camping getaway where you stay in a cozy, private room, enjoying the best of glamping amidst breathtaking surroundings. As night falls, you gaze at the twinkling stars, immersed in the serene stillness of the night.
Grand Chariot on Awaji Island offers this captivating glamping experience, seamlessly blending local charm with 5-star luxury. The unique "Cocoon" rooms are perfect for glamping, featuring skylights over 5 meters high that create a natural planetarium, allowing guests to marvel at the starry skies at night.
14) SEIKAIHA Aonoya – The Freshest Sushi of Awaji Island
Seikaiha Aonoya is a renowned sushi restaurant that celebrates its fresh and simple approach to cuisine. Here, the finest seafood from Awaji Island is masterfully transformed into sushi and tempura delights, offering amazing flavors in simple dishes.
Seated on tiered counters, you'll enjoy an incredible ocean view stretching from floor to ceiling. After sunset, a projection-mapping art display presents a spectacular fireworks show against the nighttime ocean backdrop.
15) SEIKAIHA Koshunoya – Make Your Own Unique Blend of Sake
Koshunoya, part of the SEIKAIHA restaurant complex, invites you to explore a world of carefully selected vintage sake, shochu, and plum wine from over 100 esteemed Japanese breweries.
The café and bar on the second floor offer meals made with local ingredients, perfectly paired with vintage sake chosen by a sommelier. Each sake has been aged for over 10 years, providing an exquisite aroma and flavor for a truly unique dining experience. Here, you can also enjoy a unique experience of sake tasting and create your own blend of sake for a personalized touch.
Access to Awaji Island
We have introduced you to the most popular tourist spots on Awaji Island. While getting to Awaji Island is relatively easy, you might wonder how to reach all the attractions mentioned.
Buses are the most common mode of transport, and fortunately, there is a free shuttle bus that travels around the West Coast of Awaji Island, stopping at many of the highlighted locations.
For more information about the free shuttle bus on Awaji Island, be sure to check the page below.
Written by
Awaji Island, located in the Seto Inland Sea in Hyogo Prefecture, is known for its rich history, delicious food, and beautiful nature. Just one hour from Osaka, it offers a perfect escape from the busy cities of the Kansai Region. We are here to introduce you to the beautiful spots on Awaji Island, including hotels, restaurants, events, theme parks, and much more. This account is operated mainly as a PR effort by Pasona Group.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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