A Two-Day Road Trip to Discover Awaji Island’s Architectural Wonders

12:45 PM~2:15 PM: French cuisine with three different fusion styles

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the northern part of Awaji Island. Auberge "French Forest" is a restaurant with accommodations consisting of three chalets: "La Rose," "Prince Etoile," and "Grand Baobab." The first floor is the restaurant and the second floor is the rooms, so you can enjoy a relaxing meal with your loved ones or family in a private space.

Start your trip with lunch at the Auberge, a beautiful blend of French architecture and nature, located about a 35-minute drive from the Kobe area and about an hour from central Osaka. Along the way, you can enjoy breathtaking ocean views as you cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

"Auberge" is a French word that means "lodging facility" or "inn," but it is mainly used to mean "lodging facility that serves cuisine." In particular, in Japan it refers to restaurants that offer accommodation services along with French cuisine.

"French Forest" consists of three different chalets, each offering a unique culinary concept. The first one features French cuisine with a Japanese twist, characterized by a perfect fusion of flavors. The second offers a fusion of French and Italian elegance, while the third one offers an enchanting combination of French and Basque gastronomy. Enjoy a special lunch in one of the best restaurants on Awaji Island!

2:30 PM~10:00 AM (next day)
Price: 48,000 yen

Zenbo Seinei is a Zen retreat where you can enjoy the 360-degree views of Awaji Island's changing seasonal scenery, the brilliant sunlight, the clear air, the magnificent greenery, and the twinkling stars in the night sky.

Since its opening in 2022, it has been featured on television and in the media, and its unique concept and beautiful architecture have been much talked about. The architecture was calculated so as not to extend beyond the ridgeline of Awaji Island, and the highlight of the building is the 100m-long wooden deck. The Zen chairs were developed so that anyone can practice Zen at their leisure, allowing you to enjoy Zen time without pain. If you close your eyes and meditate on the observation deck where you can hear the birds chirping, your mind will mysteriously calm and you will be able to experience the mindfulness that is currently a hot topic.

This architectural masterpiece highlights Shigeru Ban's distinctive style with its extensive use of wood, evoking the warmth of nature. The building's grand exterior floats gracefully above the lush foliage, exuding an air of elegance.

Join Zenbo Seikei's 2-day, 1-night Zen Retreat program and experience inner peace and refreshment in a tranquil setting. The program also includes yoga practice, various meditation techniques, a tea ceremony, unique vegan cuisine, and the opportunity to experience the graceful art of calligraphy. Check-in for the program is at 2:30 PM and check-out is at 10 AM next day.

10:30 AM~12:15 PM – "Haru San San" - A fusion of Shigeru Ban's architectural beauty and cuisine

Haru San San is a farm restaurant where you can enjoy freshly picked vegetables grown on the restaurant's own farm and ingredients lovingly grown by producers on Awaji Island.

In a space surrounded by nature, you can enjoy sophisticated dishes that feature vegetables. Our own farm spreads across a site of approximately 38,000 square meters in the mountains of northern Awaji Island, and we hold workshops each season, such as vegetable harvesting experiences.

Haru San San is another architectural masterpiece that showcases Shigeru Ban's masterful technique. The fusion of wood and the natural environment creates a harmonious space, and the traditional thatched roof evokes a sense of nostalgia. The interior design skillfully combines wood and paper tubes, perfectly demonstrating Shigeru Ban's intricate technique in using materials.

Enjoy an early lunch at the restaurant. Not only will you be captivated by the delicious food, but also by the charm of the architecturally beautiful space. The restaurant opens at 11:00am, but before that, take a leisurely stroll around the area and enjoy the surrounding plants, nature, and beautifully arranged crops. You can feel the efforts of local farmers who are involved in the food served at the restaurant. Inside, you can enjoy a unique gourmet experience using fresh vegetables from Awaji Island and enjoy a special moment.

1:15 PM~5:00 PM – Awaji Yumebutai: A masterpiece on Awaji Island by Tadao Ando

One of Tadao Ando's representative architectural works on Awaji Island is the "Yumebutai" complex, located on lush sloping land. The building is themed around coexistence with nature, and includes an international conference center, a hotel, restaurants and shops, and a greenhouse called the "Awaji Green Hall." Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this place, where nature and elegant design are in perfect harmony.

Yumebutai features a geometrically designed Hyakudanen garden, arranged like terraced fields, each carefully crafted with a different design, adding charm to the surrounding landscape. At the center of Yumebutai is the International Conference Center, emblematic of Ando's signature style. Its concrete walls and glass panels blend in with the surrounding environment, exuding a sophisticated atmosphere. Other recommended attractions include the Promenade Garden, with its walking paths, and the Rose Garden, with its hundreds of varieties of roses.