Awaji Island, often considered one of Japan’s best-kept secrets, is known for its historical significance, breathtaking landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Despite its many attractions, many travelers find themselves uncertain about the best ways to get there. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about transportation options accessing Awaji Island from various locations like Osaka, Kobe, and Tokyo.
Table of Contents
- Getting there is simple! Access to Awaji Island
- From Sannomiya (Kobe) (travel time: about 30 minutes)
- From Osaka (Travel time: about 1 hour from JR Osaka Station)
- From Kobe Airport (Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes)
- From Tokyo (Travel time: approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes)
- Awaji Island: Stunning Scenery, Gourmet Delights, and Exciting Activities
Getting there is simple! Access to Awaji Island
Awaji Island, a popular tourist spot, is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Kobe and 60 minutes from Osaka. While it may seem tricky to reach due to its island location, getting there is surprisingly straightforward.
Most routes pass through Sannomiya, where you can easily hop on an express bus bound for Awaji Island. If you’re planning a visit, this guide will provide all the essential details to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
From Sannomiya (Kobe) (travel time: about 30 minutes)
When traveling to Awaji Island from major cities, Sannomiya often serves as a key transit point. To ensure a smooth trip, it’s important first to understand how to navigate from Sannomiya to Awaji Island. Let’s dive into the details so you can master this route with ease!
To get from Sannomiya to Awaji Island, you have the option of a car or bus. Suppose you are traveling by bus to Awaji Island’s tourist sites. In that case, the journey takes around 30 minutes and there are two main options departing from Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Mint Kobe) or Shinki Bus Sannomiya Bus Terminal. Both terminals offer routes to Awaji IC, the gateway to the island’s tourist attractions.
Since the terminals are located close to one another, it’s a good idea to check the bus schedules for both in advance. This will help you plan your trip more efficiently and ensure a seamless journey to Awaji Island.
Shinki Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal
Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Mint Kobe)
Direct Bus from Sannomiya to Popular Attractions on Awaji Island
Awaji Island –> Popular Facilities
For those looking to explore Awaji Island’s top attractions, the Awaji Resort Bus’s Kita-Awaji Nishi-Kaigan Line comes highly recommended. This direct bus service offers convenient access to major spots like Zenbo Seinei, the anime-themed park Nijigen no Mori, and the HELLO KITTY facilities, making it an ideal option for hassle-free sightseeing.
To learn more about the bus schedule for direct routes to Awaji Island’s popular attractions, check the link below!
Bus from Sannomiya to Popular Attractions on Awaji Island (Through Awaji IC)
Sannomiya –> Awaji Interchange (IC) –> Popular Facilities
If you’re not able to use the Kita-Awaji Nishi-Kaigan Line due to schedule constraints, taking a bus to Awaji IC (Awaji Interchange) is a suitable alternative. From Awaji IC, you can then transfer to a free shuttle bus that conveniently transports you to the popular attractions across Awaji Island. Check the section below for access from Awaji IC!
Free Shuttle Bus Service Going Around Awaji Island’s Popular Attractions
If you’re arriving at Awaji IC or need to transfer between popular facilities on the island, the free shuttle bus offers a convenient and efficient solution.
Now that you’re familiar with the route from Sannomiya to Awaji Island, let’s explore how to travel from major cities like Tokyo or Osaka to Awaji Island via Sannomiya. Here are the details you need to make your journey smooth and straightforward!
From Osaka (Travel time: about 1 hour from JR Osaka Station)
Osaka Namba/Umeda/KIX –> Sannomiya –> Awaji Island (direct or indirect)
In Osaka, you have three major departure points for reaching Awaji Island: Namba, Umeda, and Kansai International Airport (KIX).
From Namba: Take the Hanshin Namba Line from Osaka-Namba Station (Platform 3) to Kobe-Sannomiya Station.
From Umeda: Board the JR Special Rapid train on the Kobe Line from JR Osaka Station, which will take you directly to JR Sannomiya Station.
From KIX: Opt for the express bus from Kansai International Airport to Sannomiya Station. The fare is 2,200 yen for a direct one-way trip.
Once you arrive at Sannomiya, refer to the guide above (“From Sannomiya (Kobe)”) for easy access to Awaji Island.
From Kobe Airport (Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes)
Kobe Airport –> Sannomiya –> Awajishima (direct or via Awaji IC)
If you arrive at Kobe Airport, you can take the Portliner to Kobe-Sannomiya Station, with a fare of 340 yen. Once you reach Sannomiya, follow the guide above (“From Sannomiya (Kobe)”) to continue your journey to Awaji Island.
From Tokyo (Travel time: approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes)
Tokyo –> Shin-Kobe –> Sannomiya –> Awaji Island (direct or indirect)
OR, Tokyo –> Shin-Kobe –> Awaji IC –> Popular Facilities
Traveling from Tokyo to Awaji Island might seem daunting, but it’s quite manageable. Here’s how you can make the journey.
By Plane: If you arrive at Kobe Airport or Kansai International Airport (KIX), you can follow the steps outlined in the guide above to reach Awaji Island.
By Shinkansen: If you prefer taking the Shinkansen, it costs around 14,000 yen and will take you to Shin-Kobe Station. From there, you can catch a direct bus to Awaji IC. Once you arrive at Awaji IC, transfer to the free shuttle bus that covers Awaji Island’s popular attractions.
Awaji Island: Stunning Scenery, Gourmet Delights, and Exciting Activities
Awaji Island is a natural paradise, showcasing amazing landscapes. From vibrant flower fields and beaches to lush forests and rolling green mountains, the island offers many beautiful things. Along its coastline, you can enjoy stunning views, particularly during the enchanting sunsets that cast the sky in brilliant shades of pink and orange.
It is also often referred to as the “Land of Food,” has a rich history of supplying the royal court with its exceptional produce. Having a 100% self-sufficiency rate in food production and a deep-rooted agricultural tradition, the island has been a dependable source of high-quality ingredients for centuries.
Steeped in tradition yet rapidly evolving through regional revitalization efforts, Awaji Island is a fascinating blend of the old and the new. While it continues to honor its rich agricultural heritage, the island has also many modern attractions.
From anime-themed attractions to Hello Kitty experiences and delicious food, Awaji Island is increasingly appealing to younger generations. Few places in Japan manage to harmoniously blend tradition with modernity as effortlessly as Awaji Island.
