Nijigen no Mori is among the most popular attractions on Awaji Island, providing a unique experience where visitors can explore various anime franchises based on their interests. Whether it is taking on a ninja challenge at NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBI-ZATO, immersing oneself in the RPG world of Dragon Quest, or venturing into the colossal stomach of Godzilla, there are diverse and unique experiences tailored for everyone.
Nijigen no Mori is an amazing attraction, but there is so much more to Awaji Island that you won’t want to miss. Awaji Island, renowned as Japan’s first island and featuring numerous Hello Kitty attractions, represents just a few of the island’s captivating charms. Luckily, there are many facilities near Nijigen no Mori that offer additional enriching experiences. In this article, we will guide you into these facilities.
Navigating transportation on Awaji Island may seem complex at first glance, but the reality is quite the opposite. Thanks to the convenient and complimentary resort shuttle buses, getting around is very convenient, especially when accessing facilities near Nijigen no Mori. The buses (as shown above) offer seamless and cost-free transportation, ensuring effortless travel.
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1) Aman no Shokutaku: A Culinary Legacy Passed Through Generations
Our top recommendation is the Aman no Shokutaku restaurant. Aman no Shokutaku is dedicated to preserving the essence of Japanese cuisine passed down through generations. Given that, according to the Kojiki, Japan’s oldest historical records, Awaji Island is the country’s initial island, Aman no Shokutaku proudly embraces the core of Japan’s national delicacies, thoughtfully crafted from the island’s abundant ingredients.
Utage: Pirate Style Cuisine
The restaurant features two floors: the first floor (utage) specializes in Pirate cuisine, a traditional cooking style passed down for centuries on Awaji Island, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. The popular “Meibutsu Aman Gozen” lunch menu includes sea eel sushi, tempura, sashimi, chawanmushi (Japanese egg custard dish), and Miso soup. Another favorite is the “Meibutsu Aman Udon”, highlighting udon with Awaji beef, fresh wakame seaweed, and Awaji onion kakiage (vegetable tempura).
Sajiki: Awaji beef Teppanyaki and Sukiyaki
On the second floor (Sajiki), the focus is on Awaji Beef, offering teppanyaki (cooked on an iron plate) and sukiyaki (Japanese hotpot-style) that highlight meticulously selected Awaji beef and locally sourced vegetables. Sajiki’s teppanyaki course provides a captivating culinary performance, with the chef skillfully cooking Awaji beef and vegetables on the iron plate. The sukiyaki, featuring Awaji beef and onions, invites guests to try the delightful blend of sweet and spicy sauces, egg, and the restaurant’s special seasoning.
Take advantage of the free shuttle bus from Nijigen no Mori’s F parking lot to reach Aman in just 3 minutes.
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 |
Click here for details of Aman no Shokutaku
2) Hello Kitty Apple Land: Meet the Iconic and Adorable Characters
For those seeking pop culture-related attractions and restaurants, our top recommendation is the two Hello Kitty attractions on Awaji Island: HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX and HELLO KITTY SMILE. Whichever you choose, you will have the opportunity to encounter the beloved character that has captivated the hearts of millions worldwide.
HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX
HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that combines entertainment, dining, and shopping through its innovative theater-restaurant concept. You can watch the Hello Kitty Jazz Band lunchtime performance, featuring live singing, dancing, and large-screen projection mapping. The vegan cuisine, adorned with Hello Kitty themes, is not only delicious but also captivates the eyes. If you are interested in peacefully enjoying a Hello Kitty show while indulging in a delicious meal, this experience is for you.
| Location | HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX |
|---|---|
| Address | 177-5 Nojimahirabayashi, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1724 |
| Access | 10 minutes by car from Awaji IC and 15 minutes from Hokudan Interchange on Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9022 |
| Parking | Free parking available |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
| Operating Hours | 11:00-17:00 |
| Show Time | 12:10-13:30(Open at 11:00, Last In at 12:00) |
| Café and Greetings by HELLO KITTY | 14:00-17:00 Greeting at 14:30-/16:00- Café Show and Greetings by HELLO KITTY: 14:30~ / 16:00~ |
| Website | https://awajiresort.com/hellokittyshowbox/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022838-d17793182-Reviews-Hello_Kitty_Show_Box-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
Click here for details of HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX
HELLO KITTY SMILE
HELLO KITTY SMILE is a charming theme attraction that guarantees an enchanting encounter with the beloved Hello Kitty. This venue integrates media art, dining experiences, and breathtaking sea views of Awaji Island. The on-site restaurant presents a diverse culinary array, from authentic Chinese cuisine to flavorsome one-pot courses.
Take advantage of the free shuttle bus from Nijigen no Mori’s F parking lot to reach SHOW BOX or SMILE in around 11 minutes.
| 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.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d15190676-Reviews-Hello_Kitty_Smile_Garden_Terrace-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9037 |
Click here for details of HELLO KITTY SMILE
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3) Seaside Mall on Awaji West Coast
If you find yourself unsure of where to enjoy a delicious meal, consider visiting Awaji Chef’s Garden and Ladybird Road, conveniently located next to each other. These establishments provide plenty of dining options, featuring dishes renowned on Awaji Island, Chinese cuisine, Western fare, and many more
Awaji Chef’s Garden
Awaji Chef’s Garden is an outdoor complex with vibrant container houses, offering a wide variety of lunches, desserts, and drinks from around the world. You can enjoy a variety of global cuisines with a breathtaking ocean view at Chef’s Garden. Our recommendations are the Awaji Beef at Awajyu, a specialty restaurant known for Awaji-Wagyu, and the refreshing kishimen at Hoshigaoka Seimenjo.
| Name | Awai Chef's Garden by PASONA |
|---|---|
| Address | 57-3, Nojima Okawa, Awaji Shi, Hyogo Ken, 656-1723 |
| Parking | Approx. 140 units (Chef Garden Parking Space & SEIKAIHA Parking Space) 500 yen/day |
| Phone Number | 080-8177-4501 |
| Website | https://www.awaji-chefgarden.com/ |
| Business Hours | 11:00～21:00 (last order 20:00) *Subject to change depending on the season and weather. |
Click here for details of Awaji Chef's Garden
Ladybird Road
Ladybird Road offers a European-style dining experience amid its colorful townscape reminiscent of Europe. The restaurants feature a diverse range of dishes, including sushi, shish-kebab, Kyoto-style home cooking, Taiwanese hot pot, and more, all crafted with the island’s local ingredients. Additionally, a market (marché) is also there, showcasing freshly picked vegetables and processed goods. Don’t miss the chance to visit VIE CHOCOLAT, a vegan chocolate shop known for its delicious and adorable treats.
Take advantage of the free shuttle bus from Nijigen no Mori’s F parking lot to reach Chef’s Garden or Ladybird Road in just 11 minutes.
| Name | Ladybird Road |
|---|---|
| Address | 95-2, Nojima Todoroki, Awaji Shi, Hyogo Ken, 656-1722 |
| Parking lot | 44 cars (500 yen/day) |
| Operation Hours | Varies from store to store. |
| Tel | 0799-64-7530 |
4) miele: Beautiful Seaside Modern Café
For a trendy dining experience, miele stands out as our top recommendation. The café restaurant, named after the Italian word for “honey”, is celebrated for its culinary creations and sweets crafted from fresh, local ingredients and Awaji Island-produced honey. One of the most unique dishes is a pizza topped with the local delicacy “shirasu” (whitebait) while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of one of “Japan’s Top 100 Sunset Views” from the restaurant. Depending on the season, you can also explore distinctive offerings like dessert pizza at Miele.
Take advantage of the free shuttle bus from Nijigen no Mori’s F parking lot to reach miele in just 14 minutes.
| Name | miele |
|---|---|
| Adress | 785-9 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Tel | 0799-80-2600 |
| Operation Hours | Weekdays 11:00~19:00 (L.O.18:30) Sat., Sun, & Public Holidays 9:30~19:30 (L.O.19:00) Closed: Tuesdays In Aug. and Sept. it will not be closed on Tuesdays |
| Website | https://www.miele-da-scuola.com/ |
Click here for details of miele
5) SEIKAIHA Restaurants: Japanese Cuisine and Western Cuisine, Vintage Sake
For those seeking a more luxurious and refined experience, the three restaurants at SEIKAIHA are highly recommended. Naminoritei, located right beside SEIKAIHA, offers various shows, including musical performances and ballet shows, depending on the season. Each of Aonoya, Uminoya, and Koshunoya, the trio of restaurants in SEIKAIHA, have unique themes in terms of cuisine and atmosphere.
Aonoya
SEIKAIHA Aonoya is a renowned sushi restaurant celebrated for its Japanese cuisine and exceptional location on the West Coast of Awaji Island. Here, the freshest Awaji Island seafood is skillfully crafted into the best sushi and tempura dishes. The harmonious blend of delectable Japanese cuisine, picturesque surroundings, and innovative projection mapping ensures an unforgettable dining experience.
Uminoya
Uminoya is a luxurious restaurant offering exceptional Japanese Western-style cuisine. A favorite among visitors, its renowned romantic European-style full-course meal invites you to eat traditional Western dishes combined with Japanese elements, expertly prepared with local Awaji Island ingredients. Uminoya also offers seasonal musical performances to enhance your dinner experience, creating a harmonious blend of culinary delights and live entertainment.
Koshunoya
Koshunoya, a bar/restaurant on the west coast of Awaji Island, offers a premium selection of aged sake, known as Inishie no Bishu, sourced from renowned breweries across Japan. As part of the SEIKAIHA restaurant complex, Koshunoya opened its doors to a world of carefully chosen vintage sake, shochu, and plum wine, providing a unique and refined drinking experience.
Take advantage of the free shuttle bus from Nijigen no Mori’s F parking lot to reach SEIKAIHA in just 10 minutes.
| Location | Seikaiha |
|---|---|
| Address | 70 Nojima-okawa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1723 |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9020 |
| Website | https://awaji-seikaiha.com/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/awaji-seikaiha/reserve |
| Access | 10 minutes by car from Awaji IC on Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. 15 minutes by car from Hokudan IC. |
| Parking | 50 spaces |
Click here for details of SEIKAIHA
Closing
What do you think? As mentioned, there are numerous attractions and facilities near Nijigen no Mori that cater to different interests. These diverse offerings contribute to what makes Awaji Island truly special. While Nijigen no Mori is fantastic, the island has even more to offer based on your preferences. Explore these attractions and experiences while you are visiting Nijigen no Mori and Awaji Island.
