Awaji Island, nestled between Honshu and Shikoku in the Seto Inland Sea, is a paradise during autumn. As the season unfolds, the island transforms into a canvas of brilliant hues—red, gold, and orange—accentuating its natural beauty. Spending an autumn weekend here is a perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, soaking in the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves, indulging in the delicious local cuisine, and exploring the island’s rich traditions.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Colors of Architecture and Nature
Morning: Yumebutai: Concrete, Water, and Leaves
Just ten minutes from the bridge, your autumn weekend begins at Awaji Yumebutai, a masterpiece by Tadao Ando, where the minimalism of concrete structures is contrasted by the vibrant autumn leaves. The design, with its terraces and reflective water pools, interacts beautifully with nature, offering a unique space to experience the autumn colors in harmony with the architecture.
The Hyakudanen (Hundred Stepped Gardens), which rise above the site in a cascade of terraces, is particularly striking in autumn. Each tiered garden is framed by the golden and crimson leaves, creating a tranquil and visually stunning place to wander.
As you explore, take your time to appreciate how the sunlight filters through the trees, casting soft reflections on the pools below. The combination of concrete, water, and autumn foliage creates a unique sensory experience, embodying both stillness and movement, light and shadow.
Akashi Kaikyō National Government Park
Next, head to the Awaji Island Akashi Kaikyō National Government Park (it’s right next door to Yumebutai… you can leave the car in the same car park). The park is known for its seasonal flower displays, but in autumn, the real stars are the trees. With maple and ginkgo trees lining the walking paths, the park is a riot of colour as their leaves turn fiery red, golden yellow, and deep orange.
For those looking to explore, the park’s various trails offer scenic walks, allowing you to get lost among the colours. Bring a camera to capture the way the autumn sunlight enhances the hues of the leaves, or simply sit on one of the park benches and soak up the tranquility.
Lunch: Flavors of Autumn
After a morning of exploring, treat yourself to a hearty lunch of Awaji beef, one of the island’s specialties. The local wagyu, known for its tender marbling, is often grilled over charcoal or served in shabu-shabu style. The rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavour pairs perfectly with the island’s local vegetables, especially the famed sweet Awaji onions.
There are lots of places to choose from, but we drove across to the west coast to a place called Ocean Terrace. It’s a steakhouse that has great views of the sea and is an amazing buffet and barbeque experience. The food was top notch, especially the Awaji beef. It was a great choice, and we will definitely come again. Perhaps for dinner next time to catch what must be a truly awesome 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
Late Afternoon: Autumn’s Twilight at Naruto Strait
After our long, relaxing lunch we headed down the coast to the Naruto Strait, at the southern tip of the island, to witness a natural spectacle—the famed Naruto whirlpools. Autumn’s golden light softens the landscape as the sun begins to set, and the swirling waters of the strait take on an almost mystical quality. From the Uzushio Cruise ship, you can watch the interplay between the sea currents and the whirlpools, all against the backdrop of the setting sun. The reds and oranges of the evening sky echo the autumn foliage around you, making it a peaceful and picturesque end to the first day.
Day 2: Serenity Among the Autumn Leaves
Izanagi Shrine: Ancient Spirit Amidst Autumn Splendor
Start the second day with a visit to Izanagi Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest shrines and a site of deep mythological significance. In autumn, the shrine’s grounds are enveloped in a sea of red and gold leaves. The contrast between the vibrant foliage and the serene, ancient structures creates an atmosphere of quiet reverence. Walking through the shrine’s torii gate, the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot and the occasional autumn breeze bring a sense of connection to both nature and the past.
As you make your way through the shrine grounds, take time to pause under the majestic maple trees, their fiery leaves fluttering gently in the cool autumn air. The centuries-old shrine, steeped in mythology and tradition, feels even more profound in this season of reflection.
Incense: Discovering Local Craft
For a hands-on experience of Awaji’s rich culture, spend the afternoon learning about Awaji Island incense, one of the island’s traditional crafts. Awaji has been producing incense for centuries, and its fragrances are famous throughout Japan. At the Awaji Incense Village, you can explore the process of incense-making and even try your hand at crafting your own fragrant sticks.
The experience offers a fascinating glimpse into an ancient craft, and the scent of freshly made incense mingles with the crisp autumn air. Whether you choose a delicate floral scent or something earthier, the incense will serve as a lasting reminder of your autumn weekend on Awaji Island.
Lunch: Farm-to-Table Feast
For lunch Awaji’s myriad of restaurants offers cuisine for everyone’s taste. But we wanted something to fit the mood of the day. What better in our rural idyll, than Awaji’s premier farm-to-table experience, Haru San San? The priority here is on sustainability with a focus on circular agriculture, even reflected in the building itself, constructed with eco-friendly materials like straw and cardboard. The delicious dishes with generous portions of super-fresh vegetables and perfectly prepared pasta are wildly popular. But sure to book ahead… this place is fully booked on most days.
Be sure to sample the delicious autumn treats available just now. Figs were high on the menu on our visit. The delicate fig tart was exquisite, but it was the accompanying drink that made its mark. Fig cheese tea was a memorable first for me. The fig season may have passed by the time you arrive, but don’t worry, there are many more splendid dishes just around the corner. I’m sure chestnut, mandarin, and muscat will all feature. And then there’s the perennially best-selling tiramisu, delightfully fluffy and made with local dairy.
| Name | Farmer’s Restaurant – Haru San San |
|---|---|
| Address | 1510-4 Nojima-tokiwa Aza Genpachi, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1726 |
| Tel | 0799-70-9082 |
| Operation Hours | 11:00-18:00（L.O.17:00） |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
| Website | https://www.awaji-nlr.com/harusansan |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/noukarestaurant-haru-sansan/reserve |
Click here for details of Haru San San
Afternoon: A Hill of Autumn Blooms
Next, head to Awaji Hanasajiki, a sprawling flower garden set on a hill with panoramic views of the island and sea. While the garden is known for its seasonal blooms, in autumn, it’s the trees and the stunning landscape that take centre stage. Fields of cosmos flowers sway in the breeze, providing a beautiful complement to the surrounding trees, which are dressed in their autumn best. The view from the top offers sweeping vistas of the Seto Inland Sea, where the autumnal landscape meets the endless horizon.
The park is a perfect place for an afternoon stroll, with its walking paths winding through both flowers and trees. If you’re looking for a peaceful moment, find a spot to sit and take in the expansive views, where the autumn colors stretch as far as the eye can see.
A Quiet Farewell
As your autumn weekend comes to an end and you cross the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge back to the mainland, the beauty of Awaji Island’s autumn will linger in your mind. From the radiant colours of its trees to the ancient shrines and unique crafts, the island offers a perfect retreat into nature’s most beautiful season. Autumn on Awaji is not just about seeing the colours but truly experiencing them—through architecture, food, and craft—that leaves you refreshed and inspired.
Note: Don’t forget, autumn comes quite late in Awaji (because of the mild weather). You will see the best of the colors in mid to late November.
