2-day Family Trip: Awaji Island (Awajishima)Is Fun for Both Adults and Children

• Table of Contents
• How to Get to Awaji Island (Awajishima)
• 11:30 am~2:30 pm Hello Kitty Show, Lunch & Observation Deck
• 3:00 pm~5:00 pm Hello Kitty as "Otohime" Will Guide You through the Castle of Dragon Princess
• 6:00 pm~: Family-friendly Glamping Grand Chariot
• 10:00 am~: Anime Exploration at Nijigen no Mori

How to Get to Awaji Island (Awajishima)

Awaji Island is connected to Honshu by the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and to Shikoku by the Onaruto Bridge, and is easily accessible by car or public transport. The travel time is about 30 minutes from Kobe Sannomiya and about 1 hour from Osaka.

The most convenient way to get to Awaji Island is to take the Kita-Awaji Nishikaigan Line express bus from Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya BusTerminal, right next to JR Sannomiya Station, and go directly to the restaurants and attractions on the west coast of Awaji Island without having to transfer.

In addition, the free shuttle bus that runs within the resort area is convenient for exploring tourist spots on the west coast. If you're lucky, you might be able to ride a bus with your favorite character! Please check the photos of the shuttle bus in the article below.

11:30 am~2:30 pm Hello Kitty Show, Lunch & Observation Deck

The first destination of this trip is "HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX". Take the "Kita Awaji Nishikaigan Line" highway bus from Kobe Sannomiya and get off at Nojima Okawa (in front of Seikaiha). From there, it's a few minutes walk to the theater restaurant "HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX" on the hill.

When you step into this theater restaurant, you will be 100% immersed in the world of Hello Kitty! While watching the light-hearted music and dancing of Hello Kitty and the jazz band led by Hello Kitty, you can enjoy a delicious vegan lunch made with local ingredients by an innovative chef. At the end of the show, there is a greeting time and you can take a photo with Hello Kitty on stage, so it is sure to be an unforgettable memory!

Doors open: 11:00 am
Lunch: 11:30 am~ (last entry at 12:00 noon) Show: 12:10 pm~12:40 p.m.
Greeting: 12:40 pm~1:00 pm

For those who can't make it to the lunchtime show, there is also a cafe time show where you can enjoy snacks, sweets, and drinks while watching the show.

After the show, head to the shop to find your favorite goods, including Awaji Island-exclusive Hello Kitty items!

The roof of the HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX is shaped like Hello Kitty's face, and has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as "the world's largest roof in the shape of a brand character." This roof can only be seen from the observation deck of the HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE, located right in front of the theater restaurant. In the center of the large apple-shaped building, Hello Kitty's dream world is expressed through 360° projection mapping. This apple-shaped building has also been recognized by the Guinness World Records as "the world's largest apple-shaped building."

Even if your family isn't a Hello Kitty fan, if they love all things cute, this destination is a must-see!

HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX Reservations

3:00 pm~5:00 pm Hello Kitty as "Otohime" Will Guide You through the Castle of Dragon Princess

The media art and restaurant HELLO KITTY SMILE is just a short free shuttle bus ride away from HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX. This fascinating theme park seamlessly combines media art, a variety of restaurants, and beautiful ocean views. At the restaurant, you can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine and delicious hot pot dishes made with ingredients from Awaji Island.

The highlight of HELLO KITTY SMILE is a mesmerizing display based on the legendary "Castle of Dragon Princess" from the classic Japanese folktale, "Urashima Taro." Explore eight areas, including the Castle of Dragon Princess, where Hello Kitty appears in art and on display. Enjoy captivating photo spots decorated with Hello Kitty motifs, projection mapping, and interactive visuals that respond to touch.

Hello Kitty will be coming to the HELLO KITTY'S ROOM, so please take a commemorative photo with her. Check the schedule below.

Details of HELLO KITTY SMILE

6:00 pm~: Family-friendly Glamping Grand Chariot

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend a relaxing time at the luxurious glamping resort "Grand Chariot Hokuto Shichisei 135°" on Awaji Island. This special resort, certified as a "PLATINUM HOTELS Top Quality Inn" by Rakuten Travel, offers a refreshing experience for both body and mind in luxurious cocoon-shaped glamping rooms designed for couples and families.

The soft morning sunlight shines through the skylights in each room, allowing you to start your day feeling in harmony with nature. The attractive wooden interior creates a cozy space, and the cypress bath offers a relaxing experience that combines comfort and aromatic effects. It is the perfect place to heal your mind and body in the tranquility that permeates the entire resort.

Grand Chariot is also highly regarded for its dinner and breakfast, which use high-quality ingredients from Awaji Island.

10:00 am~: Anime Exploration at Nijigen no Mori

After a comfortable night's stay and a hearty breakfast at the Grand Chariot, it's time to head out for your second day of adventure. Hop aboard Grand Chariot's complimentary shuttle service and head to Nijigen no Mori, just a few minutes away.

Nijigen no Mori is a buzzworthy entertainment complex where the world of Japanese anime unfolds before your eyes. It's a mecca for fans of anime and Japanese pop culture, with a plethora of immersive experiences that take you through popular titles like Naruto & Boruto, Dragon Quest, Godzilla, and more.

It's become a must-see destination for visitors from all over the world, and here are some family-friendly highlights.

NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-zato

The globally acclaimed "Naruto" appeals to people of all ages. Nijigen no Mori allows you to dive deep into this imaginary world in an immersive adventure attraction with 3D mazes, rallies, puzzles and ninja tasks. Participants will be challenged on a mission to restore harmony to the universe.

If anyone in your family loves Naruto, ninjas and adventure games, don't miss this opportunity to enter the thrilling world of Naruto and Boruto at Nijigen no Mori!

Crayon Shinchan Adventure Park

The world-famous character, Crayon Shin-chan, is the star of Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park. Kids will love exploring the "Nonbiri Nohara" area, which features unique activities such as mazes and playgrounds. Those who love a challenge will have the chance to try out a range of physical activities in the athletics area, which has separate courses for kids and adults. It's an inclusive and exciting experience that everyone can enjoy.

These two attractions are just a small part of the diverse experiences that await you at Nijigen no Mori. "Dragon Quest Island" offers a captivating RPG adventure, while "Godzilla Intercept Operation" offers a thrilling experience. There are attractions for everyone in this vast space, so one day is not enough!

Returning to the Kobe area from Nijigen no Mori is also very easy. Just take the Kita-Awaji Nishikaigan Line express bus back to Sannomiya Station.

Closing

This handpicked 2-day trip to Awaji Island showcases just a few of the unique and special charms that make Awaji Island a hidden gem. Packed with one-of-a-kind experiences, Awaji Island is the perfect destination to make new memories the whole family will cherish for years to come.

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