Have you heard of Awaji Island? Located within the stunning scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji is adored not only for natural beauty but also for culinary delights and exclusive attractions found nowhere else. From amusement parks featuring Hello Kitty, Godzilla and other icons of Japanese pop culture to sophisticated wellness resorts, there is something to suit all ages.
News is spreading, and the number of visitors rises every year. So what is the best way to spend your time? Here, we look at a 2-day trip for families amid the wonders of Awaji Island.
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Getting Awaji Island
Contrary to common belief, Awaji Island is easily accessible by both private car or public transportation. The journey takes approximately 1 hour from Kobe, and 2 hours from Osaka.
Our first stop is HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX. From Sannomiya Station, simply hop on the ”Kita Awaji Nishi Kaigan Line” (North Awaji West Coast Bus) and hop off at Seikaiha. From there, a short walk leads you to the theater on the hill, HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX. Exploring the West Coast attractions is also made easy by a free shuttle bus running throughout the resort region. If you’re lucky, you might get a bus decorated with your favorite character!
11:30 AM – 02:30 PM: Watch the Hello Kitty show at HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX
HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX is home to the Guinness World Record’s “largest roof in the shape of a brand character”. By entering this theater, we step inside the mind and imagination of Hello Kitty! Visitors can enjoy a delightful lunch accompanied by the lively tunes of the Hello Kitty Jazz Band Show.
After lunch service, the show goes on through café time where guests enjoy light meals, sweets, and drinks, along with, of course, an up-close and personal meet-and-greet with Hello Kitty herself! Healthy vegan dishes sets the menu apart, crafted with local ingredients by innovative chefs!
Whether your family is filled with Hello Kitty fans or just love all things cute, this destination is an absolute must. Be sure to arrive before 11:30 AM to catch the start of the lunchtime performance.
Just next to HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX is HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE. The Hello Kitty-shaped roof of the theater can only be seen from the Apple House observation deck. At the core of the big apple, step into a 360° projection mapping of Hello Kitty’s dream world.
| 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
03:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Enjoy the world of Hello Kitty at HELLO KITTY SMILE
HELLO KITTY SMILE is just a hop, skip and jump from HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX via the complimentary shuttle bus service. This enchanting theme park seamlessly integrates media art, a wide selection of dining, and beautiful sea views. Among the restaurant choices here are authentic Chinese cuisine, flavorful one-pot courses, and dishes crafted using Awaji Island ingredients.
The centerpiece at HELLO KITTY SMILE is the mesmerizing display inspired by the legendary “Palace of the Dragon Princess” from the iconic Japanese folk tale “Urashima Taro.” Let Hello Kitty guide you through a captivating 5-minute projection mapping show, exploring the mysteries of the Palace. Discover charming photo spots adorned with Hello Kitty motifs and interactive visuals responsive to touch.
The live entertainment, great food and host of other Hello Kitty themed attractions are ideal for families. Interactive elements, from meet-and-greets to touch-sensitive projection mapping, makes this a touching, moving experience.
| Location | HELLO KITTY SMILE |
|---|---|
| Address | 985-1 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Access | 10 minutes by car from Awaji IC or Hokudan IC on Awaji-Kobe-Naruto Expressway. |
| Parking | Free parking available |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays 11:00~19:00 Sat., Sun, & Public Holidays 10:00~19:00 Please note that each restaurant/café has different operating hours. |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Website | https://awaji-resort.com/hellokittysmile/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d15190676-Reviews-Hello_Kitty_Smile_Garden_Terrace-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9037 |
Click here for details of HELLO KITTY SMILE
06:00 PM~: Family-Friendly Glamping at GRAND CHARIOT
Escape the bustle of everyday life at GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei 135°, a luxurious glamping resort on Awaji Island. Recognized as a “PLATINUM HOTELS Top Quality Inn” by Rakuten Travel, this exceptional retreat offers luxurious cocoon-shaped glamping rooms designed for a serene, rejuvenating experience for couples or families.
Skylights in each room welcome the gentle morning sunlight to start the day with a harmonious connection with nature. Captivating wood interiors create a cozy ambiance, complemented by a cypress bath that provides a delightful blend of comfort and aromatherapy. The sense of serenity throughout the resort is the perfect place to unwind.
GRAND CHARIOT is also renowned for its cuisine made from high-quality ingredients sourced from Awaji Island for both dinner and breakfast.
| 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://go-grandchariot.reservation.jp/en |
10:00 AM~: Explore the World of Anime at Nijigen no Mori
After a restful night and nourishing breakfast at Grand Chariot, let’s leap into Day 2. Get on Grand Chariot’s free shuttle service and head to Nijigen no Mori, just a few minutes away.
The amazing world of Japanese anime comes to life at the famous entertainment complex, Nijigen no Mori. This theme park is a hub for fans of both anime and Japanese pop culture, featuring immersive experiences that showcase beloved works like Naruto & Boruto, Dragon Quest, Godzilla, and Demon Slayer.
Visitors from around the world flock to this must-visit destination. Here are some of the highlights for families.
NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBI-ZATO
Naruto, the globally acclaimed series, appeals to people of all ages. At Nijigen no Mori, dive deep into this imaginary world in an immersive adventure attraction featuring a 3D maze, rallies, puzzles, and ninja tasks, where participants engage in missions to restore harmony in the universe.
If any of your family members loves Naruto, ninjas, or adventure games, don’t miss this chance to enter the thrilling universe of Naruto and Boruto at Nijigen no Mori.
Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park
Crayon Shin-chan, the world famous character, takes center stage at the Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park. Children love to explore the Nonbiri Nohara area, with unique activities like mazes and playgrounds. For anyone who loves a challenge, the athletic area is your chance to try all kinds of physical activities with separate courses designed for both kids and adults, an inclusive and exciting experience for all.
Dragon Quest Island and Godzilla Intercept Operation
The 2 attractions mentioned here are only a small taste of the multitude of experiences that await in Nijigen no Mori. The “Dragon Quest Island” is an enthralling RPG-world adventure, while the “Godzilla Intercept Operation” serves up thrills galore. Within this vast expanse, there is something for everyone at Nijigen no Mori. One day is never enough!
Returning from Nijigen no Mori to the Kobe area is easy as pie. Just hop back on the same West Coast Bus back to Sannomiya Station.
| 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
Closing
This curated 2-day trip on Awaji Island, showcases only a fraction of the unique, exceptional points that make Awaji Island a hidden gem, full of experiences only found here. For new experiences that your family will cherish for years to come, there is no better destination than Awaji Island.
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