Experiential travel has emerged as a compelling way to explore the world, offering travelers the chance to engage deeply with their destinations rather than merely observing them. Awaji Island, with its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and activities, is an ideal destination for those seeking an experiential travel adventure. Let’s explore more about this in this article!
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Crafting Memories on Awaji Island for Experiential Travelers
Experiential travel is defined by its focus on engaging with a destination’s culture, people, and environment profoundly and authentically. Unlike traditional tourism, which often emphasizes sightseeing and basic interactions, experiential travel encourages travelers to participate actively in local traditions, crafts, and lifestyles.
Awaji Island, located in the Seto Inland Sea, is often associated with experiential travel with its stunning natural landscapes, including lush forests and serene beaches, offering ample outdoor activities and nature exploration opportunities.
The island’s deep historical roots add another layer of intrigue, allowing visitors to enjoy the local culture through traditional crafts, festivals, and historical sites. From hands-on pottery workshops and exploring ancient temples to joining local festivals, Awaji Island provides rich cultural experiences that connect travelers with its heritage.
Additionally, Awaji Island is home to numerous interactive attractions that cater to experiential travelers. From immersive anime theme parks like NIJIGEN NO MORI to hands-on culinary experiences at local farms and restaurants, there are countless ways to engage with the island’s unique offerings.
Meaningful Hands-on Experience on Awaji Island
Awaji Island is rich in culture and offers numerous hands-on experiences you can try and join. Here are some of them!
Vintage Sake Blending at SEIKAIHA Koshunoya
Have you considered blending your own vintage sake? SEIKAIHA Koshunoya is the perfect place. It is located at SEIKAIHA, a complex of restaurants and theater right at the ocean front. Specializing in vintage sake, “Koshu”, aged for at least ten years, Koshunoya houses a shop on 1F and bar/restaurant on 2F.
At the shop, many Japanese sake, umeshu (plum wine), shochu and awamori aged more than 10 years and selected from over 100 breweries throughout Japan are for sale. There are even those aged more than 40 years as well as rare vintage sake with a limited production. Any one of your choice will be perfect as a souvenir of your Japanese trip.
The shop also offer an interactive experience where you can select, blend, and bottle your own “one-of-a -kind” aged sake from around thirty carefully chosen brands. This will definitely a nice token of your memorable trip to Japan.
At the bar/restaurant on 2F, you can enjoy a delicious meal with your favorite sake, while admiring a magnificent ocean view. A sunset on this side of Awaji Island is selected as one of “The Top 100 Sunsets in Japan” and will especially be impressive.
The menu includes both full-course meals (4,000 yen and 7000 yen) as well as set meals which include several dishes starting from 1200 yen and a variety of a la carte dishes. The style of cuisine is a mixture of Japanese, Asian and western cuisine that match with a selection of your favorite drink.
| Name | SEIKAIHA – Koshunoya |
|---|---|
| Address | 70 Nojima-okawa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1723 |
| Tel | 0799-70-9020 |
| Website | https://awaji-seikaiha.com/kosyunoya/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/awaji-seikaiha/reserve |
| Operation Hours | 11:30~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) Closed: Thursdays |
Click here for details of SEIKAIHA – Koshunoya
Incense Making Experience
Awaji Island, the largest incense manufacturer in Japan, offers hands-on incense-making experiences. Suitable for all ages, visitors can select colors and fragrances to craft their own custom blends in about just less than an hour. Additionally, you can learn about the island’s rich incense history and explore a variety of unique incense types available for purchase.
Natural Indigo Dyeing Experience
You can experience the art of natural indigo dyeing at AiAii Natural Indigo Dyeing workshop, using locally grown, chemical-free indigo leaves. This enjoyable and safe activity is suitable for all ages. Choose items like scarves, eco-bags, and T-shirts to dye with your favorite patterns and motifs. With the shop owner’s guidance, you can create stunning color gradations and achieve the perfect color intensity. It’s the ideal way to craft a unique memento from your experiential travel to Awaji Island.
Awaji Island’s Exciting Outdoor Activities
Immersive Experience at NIJIGEN NO MORI on Awaji Island
If you’re seeking active experiential travel, Awaji Island has plenty to offer. You can explore NIJIGEN NO MORI, an anime theme park, that blends activities with popular series like Naruto, Dragon Quest, Godzilla, and more. Whether you’re looking for unique activities or are an anime enthusiast, this destination is perfect for you!
At NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBI-ZATO, you will actually be a ninja yourself with some missions. The Heaven Scroll and Earth Scroll give you instructions to make hand signs, solve puzzles and reach your goal. With the Heaven Scroll, you will go through 3-story high attraction, while with The Earth Scroll, you will be looking for hints scattered throughout the village.
At Godzilla Interception Operation, you will be able to zipline into a life-sized Godzilla’s jaw! You can also try to prevent Godzilla’s cells from spreading at a shooting attraction. In addition, at the world’s first permanent Godzilla Museum, you can learn its cinematic history and enjoy exhibitions of figures and other items used in the movies.
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| 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
Rejuvenate Yourself and Learn Japanese Culture at Zenbo Seinei on Awaji Island
Another enticing option for experiential travelers is Zenbo Seinei, a serene wellness retreat amidst Awaji Island’s majestic natural landscapes. Designed by the acclaimed architect Shigeru Ban, a recipient of the prestigious Pritzker Prize, this facility serves as a healing sanctuary where visitors can rejuvenate and reconnect with their inner selves through practices like yoga, meditation, calligraphy and zen cuisine. If you want to know more about Zen, experience it, and do a self-discovery activity, Zenbo Seinei offers the perfect opportunity.
| 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
Hiking in Serene Nature with Amazing Views on Awaji Island
If you’re looking for more traditional outdoor activities, Awaji Island has those too. Widely known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history, the island features numerous shrines and historical monuments along its hiking trails. These pathways provide spectacular views of the ocean and iconic landmarks like the Akashi and Naruto bridges.
Closing
Experiential travel, a recent trend in the tourism industry, focuses on seeking deeper and more meaningful experiences in specific locations. Awaji Island exemplifies this trend perfectly, offering a wealth of hands-on experiences, exciting outdoor activities, and much more!
