Located between Honshu and Shikoku in Hyogo Prefecture, Awaji Island (Awajishima) is a destination where dramatic coastlines, the world-famous Naruto Whirlpools, fresh seafood, and unique attractions converge. Despite its island setting, reaching Awaji Island is surprisingly easy thanks to excellent transportation links from major cities across Japan.
Whether you’re traveling from Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Tokyo, or overseas, there are multiple ways to access the island, including express buses, rental cars, ferries, airport transfers, and ride-sharing services.
If you’re wondering how to get to Awaji Island, this guide covers the easiest transportation options, including express buses, flights, rental cars, ferries, and ride-sharing services.
Table of Contents
- Getting to Awaji Island Is Easier Than You Think
- How to get to Awaji Island from Sannomiya (Kobe) (Travel Time: About 30 Minutes)
- How to get to Awaji Island from Osaka (Travel Time: About 1 Hour from JR Osaka Station)
- How to get to Awaji Island from Tokyo (Travel Time: About 3 Hours and 45 Minutes)
- How to get to Awaji Island from Kobe Airport (Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes)
- Enjoy Nature, Gourmet Food, and Attractions on Awaji Island
Getting to Awaji Island Is Easier Than You Think
Unlike many islands in Japan that require a ferry or domestic flight, Awaji Island is connected directly to mainland Japan by the famous Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, sometimes also known as the Awaji Island bridge. This means visitors can simply travel by road, crossing the Akashi Strait while enjoying spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea. On the other end of the island, it is connected to Shikoku by the Onaruto Bridge, which stretches over the famous natural phenomenon, the Awaji Island whirlpools – known officially as the Naruto Whirlpools.
The island is served by a well-developed network of express buses that connect to major transportation hubs such as Sannomiya, Shin-Kobe, Kansai International Airport, and Osaka. Once on the island, local buses and free shuttle services make it easy to reach popular destinations, including Nijigen no Mori, HELLO KITTY SMILE, Zenbo Seinei, and the west coast resort area.
Crossing the Awaji Island Bridge
One of the highlights of the journey is crossing the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s second longest suspension bridge.
Stretching nearly 4 kilometers across the Akashi Strait, the bridge connects Kobe to northern Awaji Island and offers spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea. Whether you travel by bus, car, or taxi, you’re sure to feel like you’re leaving the city behind and entering a completely different world of ocean views, open landscapes, and resort-style scenery.
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 in fact incredibly straightforward.
The main departure point is Sannomiya Bus Terminal in central Kobe, located just steps from JR Sannomiya Station. Frequent buses cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge throughout the day, making it easy to reach the island without renting a car.
Most routes make a stop at Awaji IC (Awaji Interchange), the island’s main transportation gateway. From there, visitors can continue on to attractions, hotels, restaurants, and sightseeing spots across the island.
Direct Buses to Popular Awaji Island attractions
Several express bus routes travel from Sannomiya to Awaji IC, approximately 30 minutes, and connect directly to some of the island’s most popular destinations.
With these buses, you can easily reach various attractions, including:
- Nijigen no Mori
- HELLO KITTY SMILE
- HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX
- Zenbo Seinei
- Awaji Chef’s Garden
- The West Coast Resort Area
These direct services allow travelers to enjoy Awaji Island without needing a rental car, making them especially popular among international visitors and day-trippers from Osaka and Kobe.
How to get to Awaji Island 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, first, it’s important to understand how to navigate from Sannomiya to Awaji Island. Let’s dive into the details so you can master this route with ease!
Bus from Sannomiya to Popular Attractions on Awaji Island (Through Awaji IC)
Sannomiya (Express Bus) → Awaji Interchange (IC) (Free Shuttle Bus) → Popular Facilities
To get from Sannomiya to Awaji Island, you have the option of a car or bus. By bus, 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 are served by buses that will make a stop at Awaji IC, the gateway to the island’s tourist attractions.
Option 1: Via Awaji IC + Free Shuttle Bus (Recommended for most hotels and attractions)
From Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Mint Kobe), take either:
- Kakehashi Go (bound for Sumoto Bus Center)
- Sumoto Go (bound for Sumoto Bus Center)
Both buses stop at Awaji IC, where you can transfer to the free shuttle bus serving the West Coast attractions and accommodations, including Nijigen no Mori, Hello Kitty facilities, Zenbo Seinei, and more.
Option 2: Direct Bus to Nijigen no Mori
If Nijigen no Mori is your destination, board the Kakehashi Nijigen no Mori Go from Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Mint Kobe). This direct highway bus goes straight to Nijigen no Mori (Awaji Highway Oasis) without requiring a transfer.
Option 3: Kita Awaji Nishi-kaigan Route (West Coast Stops)
From Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal, take the Kita Awaji Nishi-Kaigan highway bus.
This route stops directly at several bus stops by facilities on the island’s west coast, including:
- Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park (for Nijigen no Mori)
- Zenbo Seinei Mae
- Nojima Okawa (for HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, CRAFT CIRCUS, SEIKAIHA)
- Nojima Onishi (for HELLO KITTY SMILE, miele, miele the garden, Ocean Terrace)
This is the most convenient option if you’re visiting one of these facilities, as no shuttle transfer is required.
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)
Free Shuttle Bus Service Going Around Awaji Island’s Popular Attractions
TM & © TOHO
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. Just tell the driver where you want to go!
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!
How to get to Awaji Island from Osaka (Travel Time: About 1 Hour from JR Osaka Station)
Osaka Namba/Umeda/KIX (Train/ Bus) → Sannomiya (Bus) → 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 (新快速) on the Kobe Line from JR Osaka Station, which will take you directly to JR Sannomiya Station. At Osaka Station, Kobe Line trains mainly depart from Platforms 3, 4, 5, and 6.
From KIX
The limousine bus from Kansai International Airport to Sannomiya Station departs from the bus stand near Exit 4. You need to buy tickets at the ticket machine near the stand. For a direct one-way trip to Sannomiya Bus Terminal, the fare for an adult is 2,200 yen and for a child is 1,100 yen, and the bus leaves around every 10-25 minutes. For a direct one-way trip to Awaji IC, the fare for an adult is 3,500 yen and for a child is 1,750 yen. There are only 4 buses per day, so be sure to check the schedule!
If traveling by a rental car instead, the driving time from Osaka to Awaji Island is around 1 hour.
Once you arrive at Sannomiya, refer to the section below (“From Sannomiya (Kobe)”) for easy access to Awaji Island.
https://en.awajishima-resort.com/travelling-from-osaka-to-awaji-island/
How to get to Awaji Island from Tokyo (Travel Time: About 3 Hours and 45 Minutes)
Tokyo (Shinkansen) → Shin-Kobe (Express Bus) → Sannomiya (Express Bus) → Awaji Island (direct)
OR, Tokyo (Shinkansen) → Shin-Kobe (Express Bus) → Awaji IC (Free Shuttle Bus) → 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 Shinkansen: taking the Shinkansen costs around 14,000 yen. Trains depart from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station and 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.
How to get to Awaji Island from Kobe Airport (Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes)
Kobe Airport (Train) –> Sannomiya (Express Bus)–> Awaji Island (Express Bus direct or Express Bus and Free Shuttle Bus via Awaji IC (Awaji Interchange))
If you arrive at Kobe Airport, you can take the Portliner Train Line 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.
Enjoy Nature, Gourmet Food, and Attractions on Awaji Island
Now that you know how to go to Awaji Island, it’s time to explore! 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.
Awaji has also historically been referred to as the “Land of Food,” having long supplied 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.
Though Awaji treasures its traditions and history, it is also rapidly evolving through regional revitalization efforts. The island is now a fascinating blend of the old and the new. From anime-themed attractions to Hello Kitty experiences and delicious food, Awaji Island has something for everyone, young or old.
Ready to plan your trip? Here’s everything you need in one place—from top attractions and seasonal experiences to recommended hotels, restaurants, transportation, and suggested itineraries!
Explore the Ultimate Awaji Island Travel Guide:
