Awaji Island located in the Seto Inland Sea is more than just a resort island for summer. The island is full of beautiful nature, local gourmet food, interesting culture such as a puppet theater and incense making, and intriguing historical sites related to Japanese mythology. In Japanese mythology, Kuniumi—the “birth of the land”—tells the ancient, mythical story of how the Japanese archipelago and its islands came into being, as recorded in the Kojiki.
Awaji Island is just one hour from Osaka, 1.5 hours from Kyoto or 30 min. from Kobe/Sannomiya by public transportation. It is a perfect destination to add to your Japan trip itinerary. Each season, the island has something different to offer. However, spring is perfect in terms of temperature as well as beautiful cherry blossoms in light pink hue.
Table of Contents
Morning: Nature and One of the Oldest Shrine in Japan
Hanasajiki, a Floral Paradise on Awaji Island (1)
Awaji Hanasajiki Hyogo Prefectural Park located on the northern part of Awaji Island provides a collaboration of colorful flower fields with a stunning view of the sky, ocean and surrounding nature. This expansive flower park spans roughly 50,000 square meters, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. As you stroll through Awaji Hanasajiki, a vibrant tapestry of blossoms unfolds before you. Seasonal flower fields—featuring tulips, sunflowers, cosmos, poppies, lavender, and more—create a shifting kaleidoscope of color that transforms throughout the year. During spring, canola flowers, Chinese violet cress, and pansy take turn to be in full bloom, entertaining guests.
There are no admission fees, but a parking is at charge.
Izanagi Jingu, a Prominent and Revered Shinto Shrine (2)
Izanagi Shrine, also known as Izanagi Jingu, is regarded as one of Japan’s most important and ancient shrines. Its origins are recorded in Japan’s oldest texts, the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. According to legend, this sacred site stands on the former residence of the deity Izanagi, who, after creating the first island of Japan and passing his divine authority to his daughter Amaterasu Ōmikami, chose to spend his remaining years here. As he approached the end of his life, Izanagi is said to have prepared his tomb at his dwelling in Taga on Awaji Island. Izanagi Shrine was later established around these revered remains and is considered Japan’s oldest shrine.
According to the Kojiki, Japan’s story begins when the deities Izanagi and Izanami stood upon the Floating Bridge of Heaven. From there, they stirred the chaotic seas below with a sacred spear, and the droplets that fall from its tip harden to form an island. This mythical land, called Onokoro Island, is revered as the very first island and the birthplace of Japan itself. It is said that Onokoro Island is a part of Awaji Island.
Lunch at a Contemporary Soba Restaurant
Oh-SOBAR where a Heritage of Soba is Interpreted with Innovative Twist (3)
Oh-SOBAR is a restaurant where you can enjoy authentic soba kappou (buckwheat noodle kappou) cuisine
that is nourishing for the body, and lavishly uses seasonal ingredients from the rich natural environment of Awaji Island. Kappō—literally “to cut and to cook”—elevates dining through a close chef‑guest connection. Guests share their preferences, and the chef thoughtfully crafts a bespoke menu, guided by the finest seasonal ingredients nature provides.
The soba at Oh-SOBAR is crafted with meticulous care so that every element enhances its flavor and personality. The dough combines buckwheat flour with ingredients such as konjac, akamoku seaweed, and longevity grass (chōmeisō), resulting in noodles with a rich aroma, deep taste, and naturally vibrant colors. The menu include a set meal, a multi-course meal, a full-course meal and Chef’s Special to choose from.
Check more details and reserve
| Address | 269-2 Aza-sunagawa, Nojima-todoroki, Awaji City A free shuttle busavailable |
|---|---|
| Parking | 14 spaces（free） |
| Tel | 050-3821-2229 |
| Operation Hours | 11:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.(L.O.8:00 p.m.) |
| Official Website | https://www.oh-sobar.com/ |
| Official Reservation Site | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/oh-sobar/reserve/message/ |
Click here for details of Oh-SOBAR
Afternoon: Encounter a Puppet Theater and Natural Whirlpool
Awaji Ningyo Jyoruri (Puppet Theater) with Rich History (4)
Bunraku, formally known as ningyō jōruri bunraku and originally called ningyō jōruri, is a traditional Japanese performing art that blends puppetry, music, and narrative storytelling. Emerging in the 17th century, it features exquisitely crafted puppets manipulated by visible puppeteers on stage, accompanied by musicians and a reciting narrator who brings the drama to life.
Awaji Island brings a unique local twist to traditional puppet theater through its Awaji Ningyō Jōruri tradition. Tracing back at least to 1643, it is distinguished by its characteristic puppetry style and a repertoire of stories and plays found only on Awaji Island, making this theatrical art form both exceptionally rare and culturally precious
Whirlpools Cruise to See a Formidable Natural Phenomenon (5)
Formed in the strait between Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, the Naruto Whirlpools (Naruto no Uzushio) are a spectacular natural phenomenon and one of Awaji Island’s signature attractions.
The Naruto Whirlpools are immense, powerful tidal vortices created by the pull of the moon and the movement of ocean currents. As vast volumes of water surge in and out of the narrow strait with the changing tide, dramatic whirlpools form—some reaching up to 20 meters in diameter and spinning at speeds of up to 15 km per hour. The Naruto Whirlpools is one of the three biggest whirlpools in the world along with the Strait of Messina in Italy and Seymour Narrows in Canada. This is something not to be missed!
The best way to see the stunning view up close is to take a Uzushio Cruise which departs from Fukura Port (6) on Awaji Island. The trip takes 60 minutes.
Ready to book your Awaji Island adventure? Submit an inquiry today!
Closing
Awaji Island, said to be the birthplace of Japan, is a perfect destination for discovering the country’s roots—both for first-time visitors and for those returning to Japan. Along with its rich history, the island’s beautiful natural scenery makes it a more than worthwhile choice for a day trip.
