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What is Awaji Island like?
When people hear the name “Awaji Island” what comes to mind? For some, it may be the “island of 2D characters” home to one of the world’s greatest anime theme parks. For others, Awaji is the mythical 1st island of Japan born from drops of holy water stirred by the spear of gods. For gourmands, the region is the legendary “Land of Food” designated by emperors as 1 of only 3 sources of ingredients for the imperial pantry. Yet for many more, the real attraction here is the island’s simple natural wonders: fields of flowers, the gentle caress of sea breezes, and one of Japan’s “Top 100 sunsets.” Which Awaji does your heart desire?
The 5 must-visit tourist spots on Awaji Island
Hyogo Prefecture Awaji Hanasajiki
This vast flower field, larger than 4 major league baseball stadiums, offers breathtaking views of blossoms in every season. The park has several themes including a “healing garden”, a “symbiotic flower garden”, and “Fureai Flower Garden”. With the diversity of scenery under various themes, something new is always waiting to be discovered.
Nijigen no Mori
This one-of-a-kind Awaji Island Anime Theme park has been a tourist hot spot since its opening in 2017. Nijigen no Mori holds 4 permanent attractions and a rotation of special limited time events. Main draws include the thrilling zipline and multimedia enterntainment of the Godzilla Interception Operation, the physical challenge of Crayon Shinchan’s obstacle course, and the puzzle-solving 3D roleplay in the Dragon Quest adventure.
| 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
Izanagi Shrine
The nation’s oldest shrine plays a central, sacred role in the myths and legends of ancient Japan. The ancient camphor tree on the grounds known as Meoto-no-okusu (married couple tree) is believed to be a power spot for bestowing good fortune for harmonious marriages and relationships.
Hello Kitty Show Box
This is the home of the Hello Kitty Jazz Band Show. Live performances of song, dance and instrumentals are accompanied by Hello Kitty herself leading the band through jazz classics familiar to all. Enjoy innovative vegan cuisine during the show, pick up limited edition souvenirs at the gift shop and explore the world’s largest apple-shaped building at Hello Kitty Apple House.
| Location | HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX |
|---|---|
| Address | 177-5 Nojimahirabayashi, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1724 |
| Access | 10 minutes by car from Awaji IC and 15 minutes from Hokudan Interchange on Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9022 |
| Parking | Free parking available |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
| Operating Hours | 11:00-17:00 |
| Show Time | 12:10-13:30(Open at 11:00, Last In at 12:00) |
| Café and Greetings by HELLO KITTY | 14:00-17:00 Greeting at 14:30-/16:00- Café Show and Greetings by HELLO KITTY: 14:30~ / 16:00~ |
| Website | https://awajiresort.com/hellokittyshowbox/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022838-d17793182-Reviews-Hello_Kitty_Show_Box-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
Click here for details of HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX
Zenbo Seinei
A one-of-a-kind zen retreat designed by one of Japan’s greatest living archtiects, Pritzker Prize winner, Shigeru Ban. The long deck made of locally sourced wood seems to stretch into infinity overlooking the endless Awaji horizon, the ultimate locale to practice yoga, meditation, calligraphy and indulge in unique cuisine inspired by ancient Buddhist tradition.
| 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://rsv.temanasi.jp/29/room/search |
| 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
The 5 must-try gourmet foods on Awaji Island
Awaji Beef at Ocean Terrace
This is the place for one of the world’s rarest brands of beef. Raised in the gentle climate of the island, Awaji Beef is revered for its peerless quality. There is no place better to experience this carnivore’s delight than the Ocean Terrace steakhouse on Awaji. Sip a glass of red over a strip of sirloin grilled to perfection, along with Awaji’s renowned fruits and vegetables bathed in the orange glow of a stunning sunset.
| Name | Ocean Terrace |
|---|---|
| Address | 816 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Tel | 0799-82-1907 |
| Website | https://ocean-terrace-awaji.jp/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d17354212-Reviews-Ocean_Terrace-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Operation Hours | Lunch 11:30~15:00 (L.O.14:00) / Dinner 17:00~21:00 (L.O.20:00) |
Click here for details of Ocean Terrace
Fine Fusion Dining at Auberge French Forest
You might not expect to find a trio of French chalets in the mountains of Awaji Island. Yet this estate with 3 unique restaurants joined by a magnificent garden is a surprisingly natural fit for the island’s tranquil setting. Choose your favorite cuisine and enjoy the extensive wine collection to you heart’s content with a bedroom at your disposal right upstairs (reservations required).
| Name | Auberge “French Forest” |
|---|---|
| Address | 2593-8 Kusumoto Aza Banaka, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 |
| TEL | La Rose 0799-70-6062 Prince Etoile 0799-70-6061 Grand Baobab 0799-70-6063 |
| Website | https://frenchnomori.jp/ |
| Reservations | https://frenchnomori.jp/reservation/ |
| Operation Hours | Lunch – 11:30~15:30 (Last Entry: 13:00) Dinner – 17:30~21:30 (Last Entry: 19:00) |
| Menu | A Full-Course Lunch ￥7,000～/ A Full-Course Dinner ￥10,000～ |
Click here for details of Auberge “French Forest”
“Yoshoku” cuisine at SEIKAIHA Uminoya
Uminoya specializes in a type of Japanese cuisine that remains relatively unknown: “yoshoku,” meaning Western food. This developed in the Meiji era when few Japanese had ever experienced Western foods firsthand. Cutlets, fried shrimp and omelettes here are some of the world’s first fusion cuisines. Enjoy them in an elegantly nostalgic setting that seems adrift on the ocean waves.
| Name | SEIKAIHA - Uminoya |
|---|---|
| Address | 70 Nojima-okawa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1723 |
| Tel | 0799-70-9020 |
| Operation Hours | 11:00~15:00 (Last In 14:00, L.O. 14:00) 14:00~17:00 (Café time) 17:00~21:00 (Last In 19:30, L.O. 20:00) Closed: Thursdays |
| Website | https://awaji-seikaiha.com/uminoya/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d23580734-Reviews-Seikaiha_Uminoya-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
Click here for details of SEIKAIHA - Uminoya
Nojima Scuola
This former schoolhouse has been reborn as a complex with restaurants, a farmer’s market, a bakery and even a petting zoo! The dog-friendly 1st floor serves casual dishes that the whole family are sure to enjoy, while the 2nd floor is a fine dining Italian bistro by one of Japan’s most celebrated chefs, Mr. Masayuki Okuda, selected as one of the World’s Top 1000 Chefs, and a master of “locovore cuisine.”
| 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
Miele
Miele, meaning “honey” in Italian, is known for its cuisine and sweets made with fresh, local ingredients and honey produced on Awaji Island. Try the pizza topped with the popular local delicacy of dried fish known as “shirasu” while gazing at one of “Japan’s Top 100 Sunset Views”.
| 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/ |
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The 3 must-buy souvenirs on Awaji Island
Little Raoul at Nojima Scuola
After meeting Raoul the affectionate alpaca in person, pick up a little Roul to take his friendly, calm spirit with you anywhere you go.
Craft Cola at Craft Circus
This local farm has produced citrus and other delights of Awaji for over 60 years. The syrup Shima Cola makes the most of these natural local ingredients. Stir some into a glass of soda for bliss on a summer day.
Snacks Galore at Awaji Service Area for Kobe
Japan’s highway rest stops are hidden gems of the nation, packed with goodies of all kinds, and Awaji Interchange is no exception. Here, you’ll find an overwhelming choice of dining options and souvenirs galore, all against the stunning backdrop of the Kaikyo Ohashi bridge. All the treats here are great, but the island’s seaweed snack may be one of the most iconic.
Beautiful nature and stunning views
Inland seas are rare, special environments. The usual turbulence of the vast ocean is tamed, but endlessly delivers the mineral riches of the deep sea. In Awaji, these conditions have given rise to one of the world’s most precious, fertile agricultural lands. Life of all kinds thrive here, from fields of flowers to grassy mountainsides. Beyond, the calm giant sea shimmers with the light of what is ranked in Japan’s “Top 100 Sunsets.”
Ancient history and long cultural traditions
According to Japan’s oldest record, Awaji was the 1st land created in this archipelego. The myths and legends of this ancient land remian very much alive today. Many parts of everyday life, from farming to fishing and cuisine, still follow traditions of not centuries, but millenia. Proximity to the aristocratic playgrounds of Kyoto and Osaka imbue Awaji with a level of sophistication rare to find in rural areas.
Closing
This guide to Awaji Island is only a fraction of what awaits. Few destinations in Japan offer such a rich diversity of attractions along with the peaceful countryside that shaped the country’s culture. This resort paradise is so much more than gorgeous natural scenery and white sand beaches. Like the island’s most famous export, the onion, there are layers and layers of history, legend, myth, and cutting edge sophistication all waiting to be discovered.
