As the wintertime approaches there are multiple activities to do when traveling as a family in Japan. Visiting a theme park as a family day trip is a good idea since there’ll be fewer people during the off-season times and many other activities to do in the winter. Here we aim to introduce all the best things to do as a family when visiting Awaji Island on your Japan trip
Table of Contents
Theme Park for Families on Awaji Island, Japan
Nijigen no Mori Anime Park
Come and enjoy the world of anime with your children in the best way possible. Nijigen no Mori is truly a hidden gem in the realm of Japan’s theme parks due to its remote location and unfamiliarity for tourists. There are no crowds and you can access all the attractions in the park easily and without having to wait in line for hours. More time to enjoy the attractions and take photos with just you in them!
The Ninja Village Konoha holds many activities this winter for children and adults alike. There is an lantern illumination event from December 16th 2023 to March 2nd 2024, and lantern making for children starting December 2nd.
The world of Dragon Quest comes to life at the Nijigen no Mori attraction where you are the hero of the story and go through the town on a quest to save the day and fight the final boss!
Godzilla Interception Operation
The Godzilla attraction, developed together with Toho Studios consists of a short film, a zipline, a shooting game, a museum, a shop and themed food.
For winter season, the attraction offers a Godzilla candle-making experience where you can make your own cute chibi-godzilla candle.
Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park
Crayon Shin-chan is a classic children’s anime popular in Japan revolving around the normal everyday life of a little boy, Shin-chan. In this attraction the world of the anime is brought to life at an interactive obstacle course, adventurous zipline and preschool maze and a “horror” house.
| 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
Hello Kitty Apple Land on Awaji Island
A guaranteed family winter activity is the Hello Kitty hot spots: Kids love Hello Kitty! And so do adults, so why not come and explore the amazing Hello Kitty themed attractions on Awaji Island together with the family?
The HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX is a fun place to enjoy shows, dining, and shopping. During lunchtime, you can enjoy the popular HELLO KITTY JAZZ BAND show with its cheerful performance and giant screen. The show changes with the season, so you can enjoy the show again and again. The food is vegan and contains no animal products. You will be surprised at how delicious the food is.
HELLO KITTY SMILE is the only Hello Kitty-themed facility in Japan, that offers the latest media art depicting Hello Kitty in the ocean as well as Hello Kitty-related goods in eight areas including a 360-degree theater. Hello Kitty also greets you in the gallery and restaurants
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Nojima Zoo
Nojima Scuola is a unique renovation project of a former elementary school that has become a beloved destination for locals, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of childhood. The converted complex houses a variety of establishments, including a bustling market, a delightful bakery, a cozy café, an authentic Italian restaurant, and a charming BBQ terrace.
Limited-time events are held at Nojima Zoo where you can celebrate Christmas with the animals. Additionally, special Christmas courses that allow you to get into the holiday spirit are offered at the restaurants within Nojima Scuola. With goats, rabbits, mini pigs, ponies, and other cute animals living there, you can enjoy a special Christmas on Awaji Island while interacting with these adorable creatures.
| Name | Nojima Scuola |
|---|---|
| Adress | 843 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Website | https://www.nojima-scuola.com/ |
| Reservations | 2F Ristorante Scuola https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/nojima-scuola/reserve |
| Tel | 0799-82-1820 |
| Operation Hours | 1F Marché /Bakery: Weekdays 10:30~19:00 Sat., Sun., & Public Holidays 10:00~19:00 1F Café Scuola: Weekdays Lunch 11:00~14:00/ café 14:00~18:00 Sat., Sun., & Public Holidays breakfast 10:00~11:00 Lunch 11:00~15:00 Café 15:00~18:00 2F Ristorante Scuola: 11:30~15:30 (in by 14:00) / 18:00~21:30 (in by 19:30) Outdoor Zoo: Weekdays 11:00~16:00 Sat., Sun. & Public Holidays 10:00~16:00 (13:00~14:00 animals in recess) Closed: Wednesdays (Open on Public Holidays) |
Click here for details of Nojima Scuola
Awaji World Ballet Winter Performances
Awaji World Ballet will gracefully transition from the year 2023 to 2024, presenting a dazzling performance that spans from Japanese folk songs to Ukrainian folk dance music, Christmas medleys, and jazz.
Additionally, apart from the performances, there are workshop lessons on stage by a former instructor from the Kiev National School of Ballet. Anyone can participate even if you don’t have any former knowledge on ballet.
Performances:
- December 9, 2023 (Saturday) to December 17, 2023 (Sunday)
- January 27, 2024 (Saturday) to January 28, 2024 (Sunday)
Performance Time:
13:30 start (doors open at 13:30)
On December 17, 2023, there will be an additional performance at 16:00 (doors open at 15:30).
Workshop Time:
15:45 to 17:00
*On December 17, 2023, the workshop will start at 14:00.
Place:
Former Assemble Hall
2942-17 Iwaya, Awaji City,
Hyogo 656-2311, Japan
Other Spots and Activities
If after all that you still wish to know more and see more places on this beautiful Island during the winter season, we recommend checking our other articles on the Popular Christmas Spots and family Vacation spots.
