A Day Trip from Kyoto: Discovering the Origins of Japan on Awaji Island (Awajishima)

Awaji Island: The Birthplace of Japan

Located in the heart of Japan, Kyoto is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, attracting millions of visitors each year. While Kyoto itself is full of ancient wonders, you can learn even more about Japanese history and culture by traveling from Kyoto to Awaji Island. Awaji Island has a unique connection to Japan's origins and offers an incredible opportunity to delve deeper into Japan's fascinating history and culture.

To fully enjoy Awaji Island's incredible historical sites, we highly recommend traveling by car. With many tourist attractions related to Japanese history scattered across the island, traveling by car is a convenient and flexible option.

Welcome to Awaji Island, considered the birthplace of Japan. Join us as we explore the importance of Awaji Island in Japanese history.

8:30 AM – Explore Eshima: A Small Island with Historical Significance

Eshima holds a special place in the Onokoro Island group, a group shrouded in myth and legend. Onokoro Island is a mythical island that appears in Japanese legends and is also known as "Onogoro Island." According to the ancient creation myth, Onokoro Island was the first land created by the divine couple, Izanagi and Izanami, who created Japan and its gods. The creation myth itself is an ancient creation myth that tells of the birth of the Japanese archipelago. Eshima is one of the cultural sites that are considered to be Onokoro Island.

Although you cannot enter the island, you can appreciate the beauty of Eshima from the outside. For photography enthusiasts, Eshima offers many great photo spots, making it the perfect place to cherish its beauty. Near the island are Iwakusu Shrine and Ebisu Shrine, both of which have important significance regarding the creation of Japan.

10:30 AM – Izanagi Shrine: Japan's Oldest Legendary Shrine on Awaji Island

Explore Izanagi Shrine, a well-known and revered shrine located on Awaji Island and believed to be one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Its tranquil setting and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for visitors.

The shrine's historical and cultural importance extends beyond its mythological connections; it has been a place of reverence for centuries and a place of spiritual reflection and worship. Its serene surroundings and beautiful architecture reflecting traditional Shinto design provide visitors with a sense of peace and harmony. Izanagi Shrine on Awaji Island is a living heritage that bears witness to Japan's mythological origins and a cultural hub for accessing the rich fabric of Japanese folklore, spirituality and cultural heritage.

Legend has it that the shrine is the remains of the home of Izanagi, the god who created Japan. He built Izanagi Shrine and later spent the rest of his life there after bestowing his powers on his daughter, Amaterasu. Wander the shrine grounds, receive a Shinto blessing, and see the legendary 900-year-old sacred tree.

1:00 PM – Enjoy Lunch at a Restaurant near the Shrine

Awaji Island is known for its gourmet cuisine made with delicious local ingredients. Immerse yourself in an island culinary adventure that strives for freshness and exceptional flavor. Just a two-minute walk from the shrine, you'll find a traditional Japanese restaurant specializing in sushi and sashimi. For those craving western cuisine, there are also convenient restaurants located a two-minute walk away.

2:40 PM – Boat Departure from Nushima Port

The next part of your journey awaits you in Nushima, the island known as the first island of Japan. This fascinating destination has a rich historical significance dating back to ancient times. Legend has it that Nushima is the land where the gods who created Japan first appeared. To reach Nushima, you can enjoy a short and comfortable boat trip from Nushima Port (Nushima Kisen Habu Port Pier). The journey takes about 10 minutes and you can easily check the boat schedule here for departure times.

3:00 PM – Experience Nushima: Unlocking the Mysteries of Japan's First Island

Nushima is the place that proves the mythical legend of Onokoro Island, a sacred place where the gods Izanagi and Izanami are said to have first stood on the Heavenly Floating Bridge. They are said to have stirred up the chaotic ocean with a sacred spear, and the salty water that fell from the tip of the spear solidified and became the island. This legendary land became the foundation of Japan itself. Among the many theories and possible locations for Onokoro Island within Awaji Island, Nushima is the most likely candidate, along with the previously introduced Eshima. The mystique of Nushima lies in the fact that the shape of the island is said to embody the sacred symbol of the crescent-shaped jewel called Magatama, which is reflected in the landscape of the entire island.

Surrounded by forest, Nushima is easy to explore with easy hiking trails. At the island's back, you'll find the famous Sacred Standing Rocks, a beautiful rock formation that emerges from the water. You can explore the entire island in a few hours, visiting the village shrines and temples and experiencing its tranquil atmosphere.

6:05 PM – Return to Awaji Island

After fully exploring the charms of Nushima, it's time to return to Awaji Island. Board your boat and enjoy a gentle, scenic voyage across the waters. Relax and reminisce about your Nushima adventure as you make your way back to the charming shores of Awaji Island.

7:00 PM – Dinner at Aman no Shokutaku

Aman no Shokutaku is a luxurious Japanese restaurant that brings out the best of Awaji Island's culinary charm. The menu features delicacies from the sea and mountains of Awaji Island that have been passed down in Japanese tradition. Complete your journey into Japanese history with a dinner at Aman no Shokutaku that reflects the essence of Japanese gastronomy.

On the first floor, you will find Utage, serving a pirate style cuisine. With drums, lanterns and large trees as tables, you can immerse yourself in a luxurious dining experience. At Utage, you can enjoy dinner with friends and be surrounded by a vibrant interior.

Reservations for Amano no Shokutaku "Utage"

On the second floor, you will find "Sajiki" which serves sophisticated cuisine such as teppanyaki and sukiyaki. This is the place where you can enjoy a full-course meal renowned for the quality of Awaji beef. "Sajiki" has a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and enjoying leisurely conversation.

Reservations for Amano no Shokutaku "Sajiki"

Aman no Shokutaku

656-1726 1042 Tokiwa Nojima, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture

Legend lies at the heart of Aman no Shokutaku, meaning “The Dining Table of the Sea Gods.” In Japan’s mythology, Awaji Island was the first...

We hope that through this one-day travel guide from Kyoto, you will truly enjoy the fascinating Awaji Island, known as the birthplace of Japan. With deep cultural and historical significance, Awaji Island offers an unparalleled experience for visitors seeking a deeper understanding of Japan's origins. For those planning a visit to Kyoto or already in the city, there is no better place to do so than a day trip to Awaji Island from Kyoto. It is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the richness of Japanese culture and history.