Awaji Island Milk ain’t no ordinary milk! Currently, raw milk produced by 95 dairy farms on Awaji Island is processed into milk and dairy products. In this article, we show you what makes Awaji Island milk special, and recommend some restaurants to enjoy dishes made with this delicious, nutritious local treasure.
Table of Contents
The History of Awaji Island Milk
The history of Awaji Island Milk dates back to 1900. Since the introduction of Holsteins (an international breed of dairy cattle) to the island, the quality of milk has significantly improved, making Awaji Milk an important ingredient in the region.
Awaji Milk’s Characteristics
Awaji Island, surrounded by clear air and greenery, provides an ideal environment for dairy farming. Awaji Island Milk is made from high-quality raw milk produced by dairy cows raised in this ideal environment. The milk is pasteurized and transported as quickly as possible, then packed directly at the production site to ensure its rich flavor and freshness.
The proximity of Awajishima Milk’s factory to the dairy farms ensures the freshest milk possible. The cows are fed a well-balanced, nutritious diet consisting mainly of high-quality dried grass, corn, and grains.
Awaji Island Milk: what your body needs
Milk is a nutritious beverage full of vitamins and minerals. In addition to the 3 major nutrients of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates, it is rich in calcium, something often lacking in the Japanese diet, as well as vitamins A and B2.
Milk with high fat content is recognized as “rich,” while milk with high amounts of non-fat elements such as protein, carbohydrates, calcium, vitamins, and minerals, are considered more nutritious. Awaji Island milk has milk fat content of 3.8% and non-fat milk solids of 8.6%. It is said to have a richer flavor in the winter months from October to April when these numbers are even higher.
Restaurants to enjoy Awaji Island Milk
Awaji Island Milk is used in many dishes across the island, but here are a few recommendations where we think you can enjoy it the best.
HELLO KITTY SMILE
This complex features a small Hello Kitty-themed theme park, shops, and restaurants where you can fully immerse yourself in the world of Hello Kitty and even meet her. At the Tamatebako restaurant on the second floor, you can enjoy Hello Kitty latte art made with Awaji Island Milk.
| 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.tablecheck.com/en/shops/hellokitty-smile2restaurant/reserve |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9037 |
Click here for details of HELLO KITTY SMILE
Café Scuola
“Awaji Meat Doria” is an exceptional specialty made with famous Awaji Island local ingredients such as Awaji beef, Awaji Island milk, Awaji Island onions, and more. It can be chosen as the main dish in the lunch set, and its rich flavor is immensely popular with everyone.
Nojima Bakery
Nojima Bakery is a beloved local bakery known for its “Dice Bread”, one of their most popular items. This fluffy and sweet bread is made with plenty of milk, delighting customers with its rich flavor and soft texture.
| 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) |
