Menu
×
About Awaji Island
About Awaji Island West Coast
Taste of Awaji Island
About Awaji Island
Welcome to Awaji Island
Awaji Island is a “resort destination close to the city, ” a hidden gem still largely undiscovered outside Japan.
Blessed with a mild climate, magnificent natural scenery,
and an abundance of local ingredients,
it is a must-visit destination where you can also experience traditional Japanese culture.
3 Reasons to Visit Awaji Island
1 hour from Osaka
Just 1 hour from Osaka and 30 minutes from Kobe, connected by Akashi Kaikyo Bridge,
Awaji Island is a resort destination in Japan with excellent access from major urban areas.
The Birthplace of Japan
Awaji Island is said to be the first island created in Japan in Japanese mythology
and home to many historical sites.
It is a place where you can experience authentic Japanese culture and history firsthand.
Well-Being Island
Surrounded by Awaji Island’s breathtaking natural beauty,
you can refresh both your body and mind while taking time to reconnect with yourself at a gentle, unhurried pace.
The island also offers a wide range of wellness–focused facilities and activities
Awaji Island: Blessed with a Mild, Year-Round Climate
Awaji Island enjoys a mild Seto Inland Sea climate,
free from extreme cold even during the winter months
and an average annual temperature of around 15°C,
making it comfortable to visit year-round.
Snow is rare in winter, and in summer,
the sea breeze provides a pleasant cooling effect.
The island also is blessed with abundant sunshine,
with relatively low rainfall outside of the typhoon and rainy seasons.
In addition, Awaji Island is home to many famous flower spots
where you can experience Japan’s four distinct seasons
and discover ever-changing landscapes throughout the year.
Uncover the Charms of Awaji Island:
Activities & Experiences
Awaji Island features a rich variety of experiences to explore.
We provide curated model itineraries based on different themes, such as “Food,” where you can savor the island’s rich local ingredients;
“Cool Japan,” where you can immerse yourself in the world of popular Japanese anime and characters;
“Wellness,” where you can relax and rejuvenate in the island’s magnificent natural surroundings;
and “Architecture,” where you can explore both traditional and modern Japanese designs.
Each plan is designed to help you experience Awaji Island from a unique perspective.
History of Awaji Island, the Birthplace of Japan
Awaji Island, set within the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea, is the largest island in the region. Throughout history, it has been celebrated as Miketsukuni—the “Land of Food”—renowned for supplying the Imperial Court in Kyoto with an abundance of exceptional seafood and agricultural produce.
The island is also deeply rooted in Japan’s mythology, with strong ties to the legendary deities Izanagi and Izanami, who are said to have created the nation. According to ancient lore, Awaji Island is revered as the sacred birthplace of Japan, the very first land formed in the story of the country’s origins.
Timeless Historical Landmarks to Discover
"Izanagi Shrine" A sacred shrine dedicated to the deity of Japan’s creation myth
Izanagi Shrine is a sacred shrine dedicated to Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, deities who appear in Japan’s ancient chronicles, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. It is also said that Izanagi-no-Mikoto spent his final days at this very place.
The Gossa Kaito Iseki (Ruins): Ancient Artifacts amidst Awaji’s Natural Beauty
On Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture are the remains of a hilltop village known as the Gossa Kaito Iseki (Ruins) where ironware manufacturing once flourished in the late Yayoi period roughly 1,800 to 1,900 years ago. Anyone can visit this historic site to see and touch a part of Japan’s ancient past surrounded by the island’s stunning scenery for a precious experience only possible here.
Awaji Island Whirlpool Experience: Best Ways to See World’s Largest Naruto Whirlpools
Awaji Island in Japan is renowned for its stunning natural scenery and unique wonders. Among these is the Naruto Whirlpools, a breathtaking phenomenon occurring in the strait between Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island. This island, celebrated for its lush landscapes and tranquil beauty, draws visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation. The Naruto Whirlpools (Naruto no Uzushio) in particular are a major attraction, captivating locals and travelers alike with their dramatic display.
A breathtaking beach selected as one of "Japan’s Top 100 Sunset Spots"
Keino Matsubara is a scenic coastal destination known for its beautiful contrast of white sand and lush green pine trees.
Approximately 50,000 black pine trees stretch along a 2.5 km shoreline, creating a classic “white sand and green pines” landscape.
Authentic Cultural Experiences to Discover
Discover the Art of Awaji Tiles and Try Making Your Own
Awaji tiles are a famous product of the Island, regarded as one of Japan’s top 3 roof tile varieties. Awaji Tiles have a captivatingly deep, smoky brown hue, and are renowned for their vivid, long-lasting color. On the island, you can experience crafting these exquisite roof tiles yourself. This time, our journey led us to Yasutomi Kawaraya in Minami-Awaji City, where we tried our hand at the art of Awaji tile making.
Incense Making Experience on Awaji Island, Japan
Do you know that Awaji Island stands as a hub of incense production? Renowned for its significant role in Japanese incense manufacturing, Awaji Island proudly claims to be the nation’s highest incense producer. In this article, we will explore the process of incense making and introduce “Kunjudo”, a shop where visitors can experience the captivating art of incense making on Awaji Island, the very birthplace of incense.
Slow Fashion and Sustainability Learned from the Awaji Island Natural Indigo Dyeing Experience
Awaji Island has many sightseeing places, including restaurants and scenic spots. Many people are looking for a place to experience something new while sightseeing. We visited “AiAii,” an indigo dyeing experience spot on Awaji Island, where you can make your own original goods.
Vintage Sake Tasting at Koshunoya
At Koshunoya, a bar/restaurant on the west coast of Awaji Island, you can experience the premium brand of aged sake, Inishie no Bishu, collected from breweries all over Japan. The first floor is a shop and the second floor is a bar/restaurant with a food menu. One can also try out a vintage Japan sake tasting experience “Vintage Sake Assemblage” and make your own personally curated blend to take home with.
Copyright © 2026PasonaGroup
