Awaji Island, nestled in the Seto Inland Sea, is a destination where natural beauty meets innovative design. Renowned for its lush landscapes and tranquil coastal views, Awaji is also home to a remarkable collection of architecture by some of Japan’s most celebrated architects. The list includes Tadao Ando, one of Japan’s master architects, Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Shigeru Ban, and Sosuke Fujimoto, famed for designing the Grand Ring at Osaka Expo 2025.
Over two days, this tour will guide you through awe-inspiring structures that harmonize with the island’s scenery, offering a relaxed exploration of modern creativity and timeless tradition. In addition to thoughtfully prepared meals that reflect the island’s rich culinary heritage, your journey will also include an overnight stay at a luxury Japanese-style hotel featuring a soothing onsen. This blend of architectural discovery, local gastronomy, and restorative hot springs ensures each moment on Awaji Island is a feast for both the senses and the soul.
Thinking about booking your Awaji Island adventure? Leave the stressful planning to us for a leisurely and unforgettable trip. Contact us today!
Table of Contents
- Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Nature through Architecture and an Onsen Retreat
- Morning : Sink into Lush Surrounding Nature with Tadao Ando’s works
- Afternoon : Relax in the Fields and an Onsen Retreat
- Day 2 : Entering a World of Harmonious Design
- Morning: Experience Awaji’s Contemporary Spaces of Inspiration and Serenity
- Afternoon : Explore Awaji IC, a Service Area with Large Ferris Wheel
- Closing
Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Nature through Architecture and an Onsen Retreat
On day 1, you will get to know Awaji Island through spaces shaped by land, water, and light. Architecture becomes a way to feel nature—walking through concrete forms, descending beneath water, and ending the day in the quiet warmth of an onsen.
Morning : Sink into Lush Surrounding Nature with Tadao Ando’s works
Just 1.5 Hours from Kansai International Airport to Awaji Island
Image: cropped and color edited from original by redlegsfan21, Wikipedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Your architectural adventure begins at Kansai International Airport (KIX), the main gateway to western Japan. Getting to Awaji Island is surprisingly easy—simply board an airport limousine bus or rent a car, and you’ll find yourself leaving the bustle of the airport behind in no time. Alternatively, we can also arrange for a private vehicle, with a dedicated assistant who will take charge of your transportation and guide you around Awaji. All you have to do is sit back and relax!
The journey to Awaji Yumebutai takes about 70–90 minutes by car or bus, crossing the world’s second longest suspension bridge, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which connects the mainland to Awaji Island. As you cross the bridge, you can feast your eyes on sparkling scenic views of Osaka Bay.
Witness a Living Dialogue Between Architecture and Natural Landscapes at Awaji Yumebutai (1)
Your first stop is Awaji Yumebutai, designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. A self-taught master, Ando is famous for his minimalist use of concrete, light, and natural elements, creating spaces that feel both bold and serene. Don’t miss the Hundred Stepped Garden with its vibrant terraces, the innovative Awaji Greenhouse, and the International Conference Center, which features sweeping views and Ando’s signature design. Each space invites visitors to experience the beauty and tranquility that define Ando’s architectural vision.
Appreciate Honpukuji Water Temple’s Unique Design (2)
Just a 10-minute drive from Yumebutai, Honpukuji Water Temple is another Tadao Ando masterpiece. The temple’s most iconic feature is its circular lotus pond, which appears to float serenely above the structure. Visitors descend a spiral staircase beneath the water’s surface to reach the vivid red sanctuary, where natural light and smooth concrete walls create a tranquil, contemplative space. This unique journey—from the reflective pond to the peaceful interior—makes Honpukuji Water Temple a must-visit for anyone seeking spiritual beauty and architectural brilliance.
Savor Seasonal Japanese Cuisine at Aman no Shokutaku (3)
After a morning immersed in Ando’s architecture, it’s time to refuel at Aman no Shokutaku, a Japanese restaurant serving traditional and innovative cuisine and Awaji beef teppanyaki. The 1st-floor restaurant Utage serves dishes prepared using carefully selected seasonal ingredients and a blend of traditional and innovative culinary techniques. Up on the second floor, the restaurant Sajiki serves sukiyaki and teppanyaki. Chefs prepare high-quality ingredients such as Awaji beef, abalone, and spiny lobster right in front of the guests. The restaurant’s design blends warm wood accents with large windows, allowing natural light to fill the space and offering peaceful views of the surrounding landscape. It’s the perfect spot to relax, savor seasonal flavors, and reflect on the morning’s architectural wonders.
Click here for reservations Utage Click here for reservations Sajiki
| Name | Aman no Shokutaku １F Utage ２F Sajiki |
|---|---|
| Address | 1042 Nojima-Tokiwa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1726 |
| Tel | "Utage” 0799-70-9089 “Sajiki” 0799-70-9090 |
| Operation Hours | “Utage”: Weekdays 11:00~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) / Sat., Sun. & Holidays 10:30~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) “Sajiki” 11:00~15:00 / 17:00~21:00 (L.O.19:30) Closed: Tuesdays |
| Website | https://amannoshokutaku.jp/ |
| Reservations: Utage | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-utage/reserve |
| Reservations: Sajiki | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-sajiki/reserve |
| Review: Utage | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d24037141-Reviews-Aman_No_Shokutaku_Utage-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Review: Sajiki | https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d24037394-Reviews-Aman_No_Shokutaku_Sajiki-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
Click here for details of Aman no Shokutaku
Afternoon : Relax in the Fields and an Onsen Retreat
Explore a Variety of Architectural Works and Sosuke Fujimoto’s Designs at Farming Resort San San Villa (4)
In the afternoon, your journey will take you to San San Villa, a unique farming resort where architecture and rural life blend seamlessly. This site features the creative vision of Sosuke Fujimoto, one of Japan’s most influential contemporary architects. Fujimoto is best known for projects like the Grand Ring at Osaka Expo 2025 and the Serpentine Pavilion in London. His work often explores the relationship between people, architecture, and the natural world.
UZU (Whirlpool)
At San San Villa, you’ll discover two remarkable lodges designed by Fujimoto: UZU (whirlpool) and ROU (tower). ‘UZU’ evokes a sense of flow and openness, with airy interiors and gentle curves that invite the landscape inside. ‘ROU’ offers a playful verticality, creating cozy spaces that rise above the surrounding fields. Both lodges use natural materials and large windows to frame tranquil views of Awaji’s farmland, providing a peaceful retreat where you can unwind, soak in the scenery, and experience the harmony of modern design and rural simplicity.
ROU (Tower)
| Address | 1510-3 Genpachi, Nojima-Tokiwa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1726 A free shuttle busis available. |
|---|---|
| Parking | Available (Free) |
| Reception | Check-in 3:00 p.m. ～ 5:00 p.m.／check-out 10：00 a.m. |
| Guest Rooms | 10 villas in total, each villa for private bookings |
| Tel. No. | 0799-70-9083 |
| Official HP | https://en.awajinaturelabresort.com/ |
| Official Reservation Site | https://go-awajinaturelabresort.reservation.jp/en |
Relax and Unwind at Luxury Onsen Ryokan Senshin Waho (5)
Senshin Waho is a luxury Japanese-style modern Ryokan that offers an ideal retreat after a day of architectural exploration. Known for its tranquil atmosphere, the ryokan features natural onsen baths where guests can unwind while surrounded by peaceful gardens and gentle mountain air. The refined design blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary comfort, creating soothing spaces for relaxation.
In the lobby, wooden panels crafted using Miyadaiku—a traditional Japanese carpentry technique historically used for temples and shrines—set the tone. Built without nails and assembled with micrometer-level precision, this craftsmanship reflects the ryokan’s deep respect for heritage and detail.
For dinner, Senshin Waho offers a refined kaiseki set celebrating Miketsukuni, the “land of royal provisions.” Using Awaji Island’s seasonal ingredients, each dish is delicately prepared to highlight purity of flavor and elegant presentation, creating a restorative and authentic island experience.
| Address | 150 Hikinoura Nojima Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 A free shuttle bus available. |
|---|---|
| Parking | Available (Free) |
| Reception | Check-in 3:00 p.m.～／check-out 11:00 a.m. |
| Guest Rooms | 20 rooms in total (8 standard Japanese-style rooms, 6 Western-style rooms, 3 special guest rooms with a bath with a view, 3 independent rooms with an open-air hot spring bath) |
| Tel. No. | 0799-64-9800 |
| Official HP | https://senshinwaho.com/ |
| Official Reservation Site | https://go-senshinwaho.reservation.jp/en |
Ready to embark on your Awaji Island architectural adventure? Talk to us today!
Day 2 : Entering a World of Harmonious Design
After a restful night and premium breakfast at Senshin Waho, spend your next day exploring Awaji’s modern side—from the peaceful Zenbo Seinei and creative Global Hub Square to a flavorful Italian lunch at Ristorante Scuola. Wrap up your journey with a stop at the architecturally unique Awaji Service Area before heading back to Kansai International Airport.
Morning: Experience Awaji’s Contemporary Spaces of Inspiration and Serenity
Embrace Tranquility at Zenbo Seinei (6): Shigeru Ban’s Architectural Masterpiece
After breakfast, head to Zenbo Seinei, a striking Zen retreat designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban. Ban is one of Japan’s most innovative architects, known for his elegant use of natural materials and light. Zenbo Seinei’s minimalist wooden structure seems to float above the landscape, inviting you into a world of calm and contemplation. Here, the architecture is all about harmony with nature: expansive decks, open-air corridors, and panoramic views create a seamless connection between the indoors and the outside. Whether you join a meditation session or simply wander the serene spaces, Zenbo Seinei offers a unique chance to experience Ban’s vision of simplicity, peace, and mindful design.
| Name | Zenbo Seinei |
|---|---|
| Address | 2594-5 Aza-Banaka, Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 |
| Tel | 0799-70-9087 |
| Website | https://www.zenbo-seinei.com/en/ |
| Program Reservations | https://www.asoview.com/channel/activities/ja/zenbo-seinei/offices/587/courses?language_type=en |
| Hotel Reservation | https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/shan-fang-jing-zhu-dan-lu-shi2.html |
| Operation Hours | Mon: 9:00 am～5:00 pm / Tues～Sun: 11:00 am～6:30 pm Closed: Varies depending on a month. Please inquire. |
Click here for details of ZEN Wellness SEINEI
Get Inspired at Creative Workspace Global Hub Square (7)
Next, make your way to Global Hub Square, a modern workspace designed by Satoshi Itasaka, a rising star in Japan’s architectural scene known for his innovative and playful approach to design. Itasaka is well-recognized for his notable works such as the Pasona Group Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025, revolving about the theme “The Spiral of Life: From Ammonite to iPS Heart.”
Global Hub Square is located next to Aman no Shokutaku, the Japanese restaurant where you had lunch on Day 1. This flexible office space blends creativity and functionality, serving as a hub for collaboration and new ideas. The building’s contemporary design features open areas flooded with natural light, thoughtfully crafted communal spaces, and seamless connections to the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re working, meeting, or simply exploring, Global Hub Square offers a glimpse into how architecture can foster innovation and community on Awaji Island.
Savor an Italian Full-course Meal at Ristorante Scuola (8)
For lunch, head to Ristorante Scuola, a charming spot where Italian cuisine and the bounty of Awaji Island meet. Ristorante Scuola is located in Nojima Scuola, a facility complex housed in a refurbished former elementary school building. In addition to the Italian restaurant, the complex features a café-restaurant, bakery, marché (market), petting zoo, and more.
At Ristorante Scuola, enjoy a full-course Italian meal crafted from fresh, local ingredients—handmade pasta, seasonal vegetables, and the island’s renowned seafood. As you dine, a live piano performance sets the mood, creating a delicious pause in your journey that blends international flavors with the relaxed spirit of Awaji.
| Name | Ristorante Scuola |
|---|---|
| Address | 843 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| TEL | 050-3816-2213 |
| Official Web Site | https://nojima-scuola.com/ristorante/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/nojima-scuola/reserve |
| Operation Hours | 11:30 a.m.~3:30 p.m. (in by 2:00 p.m. & L.O. 2:00 p.m.) 6:00 p.m.~9:30 p.m.(in by 7:30 p.m. & L.O. 7:30 p.m.) |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
Afternoon : Explore Awaji IC, a Service Area with Large Ferris Wheel
Awaji Service Area (9): An Awaji Island Landmark by Kengo Kuma
Make your final stop at the Awaji Service Area (Awaji Interchange), an architecturally impressive rest area designed by Kengo Kuma—one of Japan’s most celebrated contemporary architects. Kuma is renowned for his innovative use of natural materials and his philosophy of creating buildings that harmonize with their environment. His works, found worldwide, are known for their warmth, openness, and deep respect for nature.
At Awaji Service Area, Kuma’s design principles come to life through open structures, abundant use of wood, and seamless integration with the landscape. This destination offers sweeping vistas of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and the Seto Inland Sea, making it much more than a place to refuel. The iconic Ferris wheel adds a playful accent and provides a unique vantage point for panoramic views. It’s the perfect spot to pause, reflect on your journey, and appreciate how thoughtful architecture can enhance even the most everyday spaces.
Conclude Your Journey at Kansai International Airport
Image by sinndati8692, cropped and color edited from Wikipedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
After a day of architectural discovery, creative spaces, and delicious cuisine, head back to Kansai International Airport. Enjoy a smooth and scenic drive, taking in one last view of the Seto Inland Sea as you return to the mainland—carrying with you the lasting impressions of Awaji Island’s architectural wonders and tranquil atmosphere.
Interested in this tour? We can offer a fully customized experience, responding to your specific needs and interests. Talk to us today!
Closing
Awaji Island offers so much more than a collection of remarkable buildings—it’s a place where world-class architecture, local flavors, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony. Over two unhurried days, you’ll experience the vision of Japan’s master architects, unwind in soothing onsen waters, and savor meals that celebrate the bounty of the land and sea. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply seeking a fresh perspective on travel in Japan, this slow-paced tour invites you to see, taste, and feel the unique spirit of Awaji Island.
