As the weather cools and the trees take on shades of red, autumn arrives in Japan, bringing many seasonal produce and seafood to markets. Awaji Island, often called the “land of food” or “Miketsukuni”, is blessed with an abundance of these local autumn flavors. In this article, we’ll introduce you to an ideal autumn trip to Awaji Island, where you can try the season’s best offerings.
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Awaji Hanasajiki: A Stunning Panorama of Autumn Cosmos Flowers
Awaji Hanasajiki is a year-round flower field, and in autumn, the grounds are covered with vibrant cosmos flowers. Easily accessible from Awaji IC with plenty of parking, it’s a convenient autumn sightseeing spot. The contrast of the blue sky and colorful flowers offers great photo opportunities, and the crisp air enhances the seasonal beauty of the park.
Must-Visit Spots for Your Autumn Trip to the Land of Food
Nojima Scuola
Nojima Scuola is a former elementary school on Awaji Island, now transformed into a charming tourist complex. The place features a restaurant, a market offering carefully selected souvenirs and fresh local produce, a popular local bakery, and a small zoo where visitors can interact with adorable unique animals.
One of the highlights of Nojima Scuola is Ristorante Scuola, led by Masayuki Okuda, a renowned advocate for local production and consumption.
This autumn, Ristorante Scuola offers a limited-time seasonal full-course lunch/dinner featuring porcini mushrooms, one of the world’s top three mushrooms, along with pumpkin, figs, and other autumn ingredients. These are paired with Awaji Island’s prized Awaji Beef and fresh, daily-caught fish, delivering the perfect taste of autumn.
Please note that a day in advance reservations are required. Offered through November 17. Price: 6,500 yen (including tax).
If you’re looking to try autumn’s local ingredients and dine in a restaurant that truly captures the season’s essence, Nojima Scuola is a must-visit on your autumn trip!
| 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
SEIKAIHA Aonoya
At Aonoya, every seat offers a breathtaking ocean view while you eat expertly crafted tempura and sushi. This autumn, the restaurant features a special menu highlighting the rich flavors of one of Japan’s most prized ingredients, pike conger, and the seasonal delicacy Matsutake mushroom.
While pike conger is typically associated with summer, their autumn flesh, rich in nutrients stored for winter, offers a deeper flavor. Enjoy it in a variety of dishes—small plates, tempura, or hot pots, all paired with matsutake mushrooms for a truly exquisite autumn experience.
Offered at lunch and dinner time through October 31. Price: 12,800 yen (including tax)
| Name | SEIKAIHA - Aonoya |
|---|---|
| Address | 70 Nojima-okawa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1723 |
| Tel | 0799-70-9020 |
| Website | https://awaji-seikaiha.com/aonoya/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/awaji-seikaiha/reserve |
| Operating Hours | 11:00~15:00 (Last In 14:00, L.O. 14:00) 17:00~21:00 (Last In 19:30, L.O. 20:00) Closed: Thursdays |
Click here for details of SEIKAIHA - Aonoya
Auberge “French Forest”
Located in the mountains surrounded by nature, the three French restaurants of Auberge offer distinct culinary experiences: fusion of French cuisine with Japanese, Italian, and Basque essence. The outside of the restaurant is adorned with blooming flowers and herbs, making a stroll around the area a nice additional touch to your dining experience.
Auberge “French Forest” is celebrating its 3rd anniversary this autumn with a special “Autumn Gourmet Full-Course Meal”, showcasing the season’s finest ingredients. A feast of red sea bream, pike conger, Awaji Island abalone, and Awaji Beef, each dish meticulously crafted to highlight the best flavors of autumn in Japan.
This luxurious dining experience, set in a picturesque natural landscape, is the perfect experience for your autumn trip to Awaji Island.
Offered at lunch and dinner through November 30.
Prices: Lunch – La Rose and Price Etoile 13,000 yen
Grand Baobab 11,000 yen
Dinner – La Rose and Price Etoile 17,000 yen
Grand Baobab 16,000 yen
(All prices include tax.)
| 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”
Breathtaking Views of the Ocean and Autumn Leaves After Dining
Cape Myojin
Cape Myojin is a beautiful spot near the sea, offering sweeping views where the sky meets the sea. On clear days, you can see the Seto Inland Sea, Osaka Bay, and the distant cityscapes of Kobe and Osaka. It’s also a popular sunset spot, providing a peaceful and relaxing experience during your autumn trip.
Tozanji Temple
Tozanji is a temple with a long history in Japan and is believed to have been founded during the Heian period (between 794 and 1185). It is highly regarded for its cultural value, featuring Important Cultural Properties like Buddhist statues and structures. Set in the mountains, the temple offers beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn views in its gardens, making it a popular attraction for autumn. This is the perfect spot for an autumn trip, blending autumn foliage with historical charm.
Closing
How was it? Awaji Island, with its rich natural beauty and autumn colors, is the ideal autumn trip destination. With many ingredients in peak season, it’s perfect for those who love gourmet tourism. If you’re seeking a quieter destination for your next autumn trip in Japan, consider visiting the Land of Food, where you can savor delicious cuisine and enjoy beautiful scenery!
