Early summer marks the beginning of the holiday season on Awaji Island. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular scenery, eat seasonal dishes, shop for local produce, spend the day in the park, and much more. In this article, we will introduce seven spots to help you make the most of this season on Awaji Island.
Awaji island is a premium destination for enjoying Japanese culture, cuisine, and nature. Located just 1 hour from Osaka via train/bus, or 30 minutes from Kobe via bus, it is the perfect location for a day trip or overnight getaway.
Early summer is one of the best times to visit Japan. The weather is warm, the skies are clear, and nature is in full bloom. Travelling in the early summer months allows you to enjoy summer weather, while avoiding the rainy season of June to July, and the intense heat of the late summer months. There is no better place to enjoy this time of year than Awaji Island.
Table of Contents
1) Flower Field Park with Spectacular Views
Awaji Hanasajiki
Awaji Hanasajiki, a famous tourist spot on Awaji Island, is known for its sprawling fields of seasonal flowers. As spring turns to summer, the blooming snapdragons take their place as the flower of the season. From the observation deck, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the sea, sky, and flower fields.
Visitors can enjoy approximately 50,000 square meters (or 538,195.95 square feet) of pristine gardens. Stroll through a purple field with many purpletop verbena blossoms and enjoy pastel-colored gardens of spider flowers from July which are said to attract butterflies. Admission to the park is free, and it can be easily reached by bus or car. This easily accessibility spot is the perfect place to enjoy the breathtaking nature of Awaji Island.
2) Artistic Flower Gardens and Spacious Park
Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park
At Akashi Kaikyo Park, tulips and ranunculus are at their best as spring turns to summer. Flowers are arranged into artistic patterns all over the park, including a 4-meter-tall statue of a phoenix made from flowers. Various special events are held in the park in conjunction with holidays.
There is also grass field perfect for picnics and a playground for children to burn off some energy. It is easily accessible by bus or car and is a recommended sightseeing spot on Awaji Island in early summer. Enjoy a leisurely day of warm sun and colorful flowers.
3) Cafe with Resort Atmosphere
miele the garden
miele the garden is a popular café-restaurant where you can enjoy a light bite in a resort-like setting. Enjoy a sandwich or parfait on the relaxing green lawn terrace while overlooking ocean views. miele the garden uses high quality local ingredients such as Awaji Island milk, eggs, lemons, yogurt and honey. This makes the smoothies here especially fresh and delicious.
This restaurant is pet friendly, with an indoor/outdoor dog dinning space and a special menu for your four-legged friends.
Ensure that you leave room to enjoy one of the sweet treats at this café! Their fresh ingredients and artistic arrangement will have you feeling like you are at a tropical resort. What better way to spend an early summer day then enjoying desserts and ocean views on the terrace of miele the garden?
| Name | miele |
|---|---|
| Adress | 785-9 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Tel | 0799-80-2600 |
| Operation Hours | Weekdays 11:00~19:00 (L.O.18:30) Sat., Sun, & Public Holidays 9:30~19:30 (L.O.19:00) Closed: Tuesdays In Aug. and Sept. it will not be closed on Tuesdays |
| Website | https://www.miele-da-scuola.com/ |
Click here for details of miele
4) Seafood Restaurant with Seaside Patio
CRAFT CIRCUS
At CRAFT CIRCUS Kaiou Ichiba, you can enjoy the bounty of the sea while enjoying stunning waterfront views. This seafood restaurant uses fish caught in the Seto Inland Sea and kept inside an impressive 4-meter-long fishtank until they are ready to be served. Enjoy seafood rice bowls, or BBQ your own seafood feast on a custom grill. The open terrace seating and light sea breeze are perfect for early summer days.
Dogs are welcome on the patio. Children can order pasta, fries, pizza, and fun summer drinks from the CRAFT Kitchen. After you are done with your meal, check out the facility`s market places for local produce and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
| Location | CRAFT CIRCUS |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-2 Nojima-Hirabayashi, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1724 |
| Access | 15 minutes by car from Awaji IC on Awaji-Kobe-Naruto Expressway. 10 minutes by car from Iwaya Port (Jenova Line Ferry). |
| Parking | 80 spaces |
| Business Hours | Weekdays: 10:30-20:30 (last order 19:30) Weekends/Holidays: 9:30-20:30 (last order 19:30) |
| Closed | Thursdays (excluding national holidays) |
| Tel | 0799-82-1855 |
| Website | https://awajicraftcircus.com/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/craftcircus/reserve |
Click here for details of CRAFT CIRCUS
5) Japanese Seafood on the Seafront
SEIKAIHA Aonoya
SEIKAIHA Aonoya is a Japanese restaurant popular for its freshly caught seasonal seafood, sashimi, sushi, and tempura, all of which are unique to Awaji Island. For lunch, the Aonoya Gozen (meal set) is popular. Served in an elegant Japanese cypress box, this meal features specialty dishes including seafood nigiri sushi and freshly fried tempura. The combination of the fresh sushi and the photographic appeal of the set makes it the most popular item on the menu.
Here all seats face the ocean. The ingredients are sourced from the sea infront of you, or the local area. Along the front counter you can watch the skilled craftsman prepare your meal. This unique dinning experience gives you a new appreciation for your favorite Japanese dishes.
| Location | Seikaiha |
|---|---|
| Address | 70 Nojima-okawa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1723 |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9020 |
| Website | https://awaji-seikaiha.com/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/awaji-seikaiha/reserve |
| Access | 10 minutes by car from Awaji IC on Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. 15 minutes by car from Hokudan IC. |
| Parking | 50 spaces |
Click here for details of SEIKAIHA
6) Zen Retreat in the Midst of Nature
Zenbo Seinei
At Zenbo Seinei, realign your body and soul through meditation, movement, and breath in the heart of nature. The “Zen Experience” incorporates elements of meditation and yoga while immersed in the mountains and lush forests. Find inner peace among the budding leaves, and chirping birds. Feel the gentle breeze carrying hints of the ocean cool your skin.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend time in the tranquility of rich nature where your body and mind can be rejuvenated. As wellness travel has become more popular, both globally and in Japan, Zenbo Seinei has emerged as a top choice destination for local and international visitors. Guests visit again and again to enjoy the quality programing and the benefits of disconnecting with the outside world. Both day and overnight plans are available, making it easy to fit into your trip no matter your itinerary.
| 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://zenbo-seinei.urkt.in/direct/offices/587/courses |
| 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
7) Glamping Under a Starry Sky
GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei 135°
At GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei (Big Dipper) 135°, you can stay in a luxurious cocoon-shaped wood cabin in a prefectural park. The property’s hilltop location offers stunning views of the park’s greenery, newly rejuvenated from the spring season. The glamping cabins are inspired by cocoons, made from warm wood and meant to foster connection between the inhabitants and the outside world.
The property sits on the latitude lines of the 135° meridian east, charging the location with a spiritual energy. During the day, it is surrounded by blue sky, sea, and green mountains. At night, the sky is full of stars. The food served is prepared from the bountiful nature of the island around you.
| Name | GRAND CHARIOT |
|---|---|
| Adress | 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 Located at Nijigen no Mori in Hyogo Prefecture Awajishima Park |
| Tel | 0799-64-7090 |
| Website | https://awaji-grandchariot.com/ |
| Reservations | https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/guransiyariobei-dou-qi-xing-135deg.ja.html |
Click here for details of GRAND CHARIOT
Closing
In this issue, we have introduced you to 7 recommended spots on Awaji Island to enjoy in the early summertime. Awaji Island is filled with beautiful nature, stunning parks, relaxing retreats, and seasonal restaurants. Early summer makes for a perfect time to visit and take advantage of all that Awaji Island has to offer. We hope that you can enjoy a trip to Awaji Island this early summer season!
