Surrounded by the sea and mountains lies a secret of Japan: Awaji Island. Lush, quiet, and far from the bustle of the city, this legendary land is perfect to enjoy a Japanese autumn just as in the days of old.
So slip on a sweater, step outside and feel the breeze as we take you through our list of the top spots to fall in love with fall on Awaji.
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Crunchy Leaves & Waterparks – Perfect for the Kids!
Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park – Nijigen no Mori
Just a short bus ride from Iwaya Port is this vast prefectural park. Take a walk amid the park’s intricate landscape of bridges and brooks. The park has 4 main zones, each offering a different experience:
The ‘Interaction Zone’ has a large playground with a roller slide, a water park, and a large grassy field where families can have fun by the falling leaves. Between zooming down a slide, making big splashes at the water park or stepping on crunchy autumn leaves, children are sure to love this area of the park.
If taking a walk through mystical Japanese forests is more your thing, the ‘Forest Zone’ is where you’ll want to be. Breathe in the fresh air and let the cool autumn breeze soothe you as you explore deeper and deeper into the forest. Who knows – you might even come across the Awajishima Park Observation Square, where you’ll find a sweeping view of the massive Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and the sparkling ripples of Osaka Bay.
Or, take a quick stop at the ‘Awaji Highway Oasis’, a shopping center right at the edge of the forest. With plenty of options to grab snacks for your trip, and a lavish food court decorated with flowers, Awaji Highway Oasis is sure to satisfy your cravings after a long journey.
Next up is the ‘Grassland and Flower Zone‘, which is the newest zone in the park opening in 2011. Vast, vivid, and beautiful all year round, this zone has become a popular photo spot for those who want to remember their trip to Awaji Island. A recent addition to the park includes a path lined with Cherry Blossom trees, which has quickly become a popular hiking course.
Finally, conclude your journey with an adventure through the anime theme park ‘Nijigen no Mori’. With countless characters to find from Japan’s most adored franchises (Naruto, Crayon Shin-Chan, Dragon Quest and more), you’ll want to snap a photo with these characters among the autumn trees.
But careful where you tread – there are rumors of Godzilla roaming about…
| Park Name | NIJIGEN NO MORI |
|---|---|
| Address | 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 |
| TEL | 0799-64-7061 |
| Website | https://nijigennomori.com/ |
| Reservations | https://ticket.nijigennomori.com/en/ |
| Operation Hours | Everyday10:00-22:00 *Each attraction has a different last reception time and closing time. |
Click here for details of NIJIGEN NO MORI
A Temple Visit Under Japanese Maple Trees
Tozanji Temple
High in the mountains overlooking Awaji City lies a temple shrouded by Japanese maple trees. During autumn, walk upon a red carpet of fallen leaves and take in the atmosphere of Tozanji Temple. It’s the oldest wooden structure on Awaji Island, founded by monk Kobo Daishi, a famous figure in Japanese history. Tozanji Temple is also an important spiritual site linked to the Izanagi Shrine and the creation myth of Japan. According to Shinto legend, Awaji Island was the first of the Japanese islands created by the kami Izanagi and Izanami.
Return at night, and enjoy Tozanji Temple illuminated by lights amidst the mystical woods of Japan.
This Legendary Mountain Hides A Secret…
Mt. Senzen – Sensansenkoji Temple
Mt. Senzen is a central figure in the Japanese creation myth as the first mountain created by Izanagi and Izanami. Locals have named it “Awaji Fuji” for its similar shape to Mount Fuji.
Hiking to the summit, you’ll be welcomed by Sesansenkoji Temple, a three-story pagoda with a bell tower chosen by the Japanese Government as an ‘Important Cultural Property of Japan’. Warding the temple of evil spirits is a Niō guardian, said to be made by famous Japanese sculptor Unkei (1150-1223), whose influence can still be seen in Buddhist art today.
It’s in autumn when this temple’s beauty reveals itself as one of Awaji’s must see locations. As the maple leaves fall and take on the color of the temple gates, you’ll find yourself amidst the solitude of Mt. Senzen’s secret far from the bustle of the city. So, relax – let the Niō protect your spirits, and listen to the breeze pass through the maple trees.
A Temple Shrouded By Cherry Blossoms
Nariaiji Temple
Home to 150 cherry blossom trees, Nariaiji Temple is as beautiful in autumn as it is in spring. Within the temple grounds you’ll find the oldest statue on Awaji, depicting Medicine Buddha Yakushi Nyorai. In autumn, the trees in front of the main hall are a rippling canvas of vibrant reds and yellows.
Maple Leaves Floating in a Samurai Garden
Former Ekishukan Garden
Once belonging to the powerful Inada clan, the Former Ekishukan Garden is a typical example of a samurai garden from the Edo period. Located in the suburbs of Sumoto, the garden is home to some of the largest garden stones in Japan at 13 feet high, providing a stark contrast to the modern day houses that neighbor it. However, next to the drama of the stones is a serene pond. Rest and feel at peace as you watch the maple leaves float and ripple across the water.
With Many More Sites to See…
…that only scratches the surface of what this legendary island has in store this season. For a longer list of Awaji’s top autumn destinations, from parks, dining, artisanal shops and more, continue exploring by reading our article below.
