Awaji Island, nestled between Honshu and Shikoku (two of Japan’s main islands), charms visitors with ocean views, rich history, and legendary local cuisine. From fresh seafood and Awaji beef to scenic bridges and coastal landscapes, the island is a gourmet lover’s paradise. In the past, it was even known as Miketsukuni—the Land of Food—for its role providing fresh ingredients to the imperial palace.
Our two-day Osaka and Awaji Island gourmet plan celebrates flavor and culture in one seamless journey. Travel comfortably, savor curated meals, and explore iconic sights with expert planning handled entirely by our team. Join us and book your next unforgettable Kansai escape with confidence, convenience, and exceptional taste.
Check the map below to see where this sensational travel plan will take you:
Table of Contents
- Day 1: Explore Osaka’s Vibrant Cityscape before Retreating to the Serene Countryside
- Morning: Arrive in Japan and Try Osaka’s Famous Local Foods
- Afternoon: Enjoy Osaka Delicacies for Lunch before Travelling to Serene Awaji Island
- Late Afternoon to Evening: Relax and Recharge with Local Delicacies at Senshin Waho (1), a Japanese Ryokan Inn
- Day 2: Savor Exquisite Meals and Gorgeous Scenery
- Morning: Elegant Breakfast at Senshin Waho and Tiered Gardens
- Afternoon: Enjoy Fresh Seafood, Stunning Sea Views, and Luxurious Vintage Sake
- A Seafood Barbecue Feast with Stunning Sea Views at CRAFT CIRCUS (3)
- Discover the Unique Depth of Vintage Sake at SEIKAIHA Koshunoya (4)
- Evening: Experience Premium Izakaya Dining at Aman no Shokutaku Utage (5)
- Closing
Day 1: Explore Osaka’s Vibrant Cityscape before Retreating to the Serene Countryside
The first day of your trip will blend city excitement with natural beauty and gourmet flavors. Explore Osaka, enjoy local dishes, and journey to Awaji Island. Relax at a traditional ryokan, savoring fresh seafood and Awaji beef for dinner. This day offers a perfect introduction to Kansai’s culture and cuisine.
Morning: Arrive in Japan and Try Osaka’s Famous Local Foods
Arrive at Kansai International Airport
Image: cropped and color edited from original by redlegsfan21, Wikipedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport, you’ll find convenient options for reaching central Osaka. The airport is directly connected to the city by frequent train services, such as the JR Haruka Express and the Nankai Airport Line, which whisk you to major hubs like Osaka Station and Namba in under an hour. For a seamless experience tailored to your preferences, we are also happy to arrange private vehicle transfers with a dedicated assistant, ensuring comfort and personalized support from the moment you land. Whether you choose the efficiency of public transport or the ease of a private car, your gourmet adventure begins with stress-free travel into the heart of Osaka.
Dive Into Osaka: Shop, Stroll, and Savor the City’s Best
Osaka offers vibrant shopping and sightseeing. Visit Shinsaibashi for trendy boutiques and souvenirs. Explore Dotonbori’s lively neon signs and famous street food. Take a stroll through Kuromon Ichiba Market to sample fresh delicacies like grilled scallops and wagyu beef skewers. Don’t miss Osaka Castle, a historic landmark surrounded by beautiful gardens. For tech and anime fans, Nipponbashi’s Den Den Town is a must-see. Each spot brings a unique taste of Osaka’s dynamic culture.
Afternoon: Enjoy Osaka Delicacies for Lunch before Travelling to Serene Awaji Island
Lunch: Indulge in Osaka’s Famous Dishes like Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki
For lunch, savor two of Osaka’s most beloved dishes: takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Takoyaki are round, savory balls filled with tender octopus, green onions, and pickled ginger. Each ball is cooked until golden, then topped with tangy sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Okonomiyaki is a hearty, savory pancake made with cabbage, flour, eggs, and your choice of meat or seafood. It’s grilled on a hot plate and finished with sweet sauce and creamy mayonnaise. Both dishes are local favorites, offering a delicious taste of Osaka’s lively food culture.
Travel to Awaji Island to Begin Your Island Getaway
After lunch, set off for Awaji Island, enjoying beautiful scenery along the way. The journey includes crossing the impressive Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges. From the bridge, take in sweeping views of the sparkling Seto Inland Sea and distant islands. You can reach Awaji Island from Osaka by taking a JR train to Sannomiya or Maiko Station, then transferring to a highway bus that crosses the bridge. Alternatively, we can of course arrange for you to continue the trip in a private vehicle for added comfort and convenience.
Late Afternoon to Evening: Relax and Recharge with Local Delicacies at Senshin Waho (1), a Japanese Ryokan Inn
Senshin Waho is a traditional Japanese ryokan inn located on Awaji Island, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty. Here, you can experience authentic Japanese hospitality, relaxing in serene tatami rooms and enjoying stunning views of the island’s landscapes. The inn is known for its warm, attentive service and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal place to unwind after a day of travel. Guests can look forward to exquisite seasonal meals featuring fresh, local ingredients, as well as soothing baths that complete the ryokan experience. Senshin Waho provides the perfect blend of comfort, culture, and gourmet delights for your stay on Awaji Island.
Savor Awaji’s Finest Flavors: An Unforgettable Ryokan Dinner Experience
For dinner, experience the best of Awaji Island’s seasonal bounty at Senshin Waho’s restaurant. Enjoy Awaji beef, known for its tenderness and rich flavor. This luxurious beef comes from the same breed of cattle as Kobe beef. You simply have to taste it to understand why it is a rare and special treat.
The meal also features local seafood, caught daily from nearby waters. In spring, you can enjoy delicacies like sea bream, whitebait, and octopus. Each dish is carefully prepared to bring out the natural flavors. Enhanced by the peaceful, traditional setting, each meal is guaranteed to be a memorable gourmet experience.
Worked up an appetite? Contact us now to start planning your gastronomic Kansai adventure today!
Day 2: Savor Exquisite Meals and Gorgeous Scenery
On the second day of your gourmet adventure, you can look forward to the freshest seafood, luxurious vintage sake, and premium izakaya-style cuisine in Awaji Island. During and in between these gourmet meals, enjoy stunning architecture and Awaji’s lush natural scenery.
Morning: Elegant Breakfast at Senshin Waho and Tiered Gardens
Enjoy a Refined Breakfast with Local Ingredients at Senshin Waho
Begin your day with a beautifully presented breakfast at Senshin Waho, crafted with care by skilled chefs. The morning meal highlights spring’s freshest ingredients, such as tender bamboo shoots, sweet new onions, and locally harvested seaweed. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to balance flavors and showcase the essence of Awaji Island’s produce. The chefs select ingredients at their peak, ensuring every bite is vibrant and full of natural taste. Enjoy delicate grilled fish, seasonal pickles, and fragrant miso soup, all arranged to delight both the palate and the eye. This breakfast experience reflects the inn’s dedication to quality and hospitality.
| Address | 150 Hikinoura Nojima Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 A free shuttle bus available. |
|---|---|
| Parking | Available (Free) |
| Reception | Check-in 3:00 p.m.～／check-out 11:00 a.m. |
| Guest Rooms | 20 rooms in total (8 standard Japanese-style rooms, 6 Western-style rooms, 3 special guest rooms with a bath with a view, 3 independent rooms with an open-air hot spring bath) |
| Tel. No. | 0799-64-9800 |
| Official HP | https://senshinwaho.com/ |
| Official Reservation Site | https://go-senshinwaho.reservation.jp/en |
Take a Stroll in the Tiered Gardens Designed by Tadao Ando at Awaji Yumebutai (2)
The tiered concrete garden at Awaji Yumebutai was designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. This striking garden features 100 flower beds arranged in a dramatic staircase. Ando is famous for his minimalist style, use of natural light, and seamless integration with nature. He also designed the Church of the Light and Naoshima’s art museums. At Awaji Yumebutai, his vision transforms concrete and greenery into a peaceful, inspiring landscape. Strolling through the gardens, you’ll enjoy panoramic island views and seasonal blooms at every turn.
Afternoon: Enjoy Fresh Seafood, Stunning Sea Views, and Luxurious Vintage Sake
A Seafood Barbecue Feast with Stunning Sea Views at CRAFT CIRCUS (3)
At CRAFT CIRCUS, enjoy a seafood barbecue featuring the freshest local catch, grilled to perfection. The open-air setting lets you savor shrimp, shellfish, and seasonal fish while gazing out over the sparkling Seto Inland Sea. Each bite celebrates the ocean’s bounty and the island’s vibrant food culture. With gentle sea breezes and panoramic views, this is a dining experience you’ll remember long after your trip.
| Location | CRAFT CIRCUS |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-2 Nojima-Hirabayashi, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1724 |
| Access | 15 minutes by car from Awaji IC on Awaji-Kobe-Naruto Expressway. 10 minutes by car from Iwaya Port (Jenova Line Ferry). |
| Parking | 80 spaces |
| Business Hours | Weekdays: 10:30-20:30 (last order 19:30) Weekends/Holidays: 9:30-20:30 (last order 19:30) |
| Closed | Thursdays (excluding national holidays) |
| Tel | 0799-82-1855 |
| Website | https://awajicraftcircus.com/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/craftcircus/reserve |
Click here for details of CRAFT CIRCUS
Discover the Unique Depth of Vintage Sake at SEIKAIHA Koshunoya (4)
At SEIKAIHA Koshunoya, taste rare vintage sake aged for years to develop rich, complex flavors. Each bottle offers a unique character, shaped by time and careful craftsmanship. Unlike regular sake, vintage varieties reveal deep aromas, mellow sweetness, and a smooth finish. Savoring these aged sakes is a rare treat for any gourmet traveler. Choose from an expansive menu, or try a tasting set to compare the different varieties. The elegant setting and expert guidance will make your tasting experience both educational and unforgettable.
| 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-kosyunoya/reserve |
| Operation Hours | 11:30~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) Closed: Thursdays |
Click here for details of SEIKAIHA – Koshunoya
Evening: Experience Premium Izakaya Dining at Aman no Shokutaku Utage (5)
Aman no Shokutaku Utage offers a refined izakaya-style dinner with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s menu features Awaji Beef shabu shabu, prized for its tenderness and rich flavor. Enjoy sashimi made with fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, bursting with natural sweetness. Savor unagi, grilled to perfection, and crisp tempura highlighting the best local produce. Each dish is beautifully presented, pairing traditional techniques with modern flair. Dining here is the perfect way to end your gourmet journey on Awaji Island.
Click here for reservations Utage Click here for reservations Sajiki
| Name | Aman no Shokutaku １F Utage ２F Sajiki |
|---|---|
| Address | 1042 Nojima-Tokiwa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1726 |
| Tel | "Utage” 0799-70-9089 “Sajiki” 0799-70-9090 |
| Operation Hours | “Utage”: Weekdays 11:00~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) / Sat., Sun. & Holidays 10:30~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) “Sajiki” 11:00~15:00 / 17:00~21:00 (L.O.19:30) Closed: Tuesdays |
| Website | https://amannoshokutaku.jp/ |
| Reservations: Utage | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-utage/reserve |
| Reservations: Sajiki | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-sajiki/reserve |
| Review: Utage | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d24037141-Reviews-Aman_No_Shokutaku_Utage-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Review: Sajiki | https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d24037394-Reviews-Aman_No_Shokutaku_Sajiki-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
Click here for details of Aman no Shokutaku
Ready to embark on a delicious gourmet adventure in on your next trip to Japan? Leave the coordination to us for a stress-free trip tailored to your needs. Reach out to us today!
Closing
This two-day gourmet journey blends Osaka’s vibrant city flavors with Awaji Island’s coastal delicacies, scenic views, and unique experiences. Enjoy premium meals, local specialties, and relaxing stays, all expertly arranged for your comfort. Ready to savor Japan’s best cuisine? Send us an inquiry using the button below and start planning your unforgettable trip!
