Planning a return to Awaji Island for seasonal events or a long vacation? Or maybe you’ve recently adopted a pet and are hesitant to leave them behind. Luckily, Awaji Island is a very pet-friendly destination. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some fantastic spots on Awaji Island where you and your furry friends can enjoy quality time together.
Table of Contents
- Bringing Your Pets Along to Awaji Island Made Simple
- Top 5 Best Pet-Friendly Travel Spots on Awaji Island
- 1) Relaxing Meal with Your Adorable Pets at CRAFT CIRCUS
- 2) Aman no Shokutaku: Relaxing Time With Your Pets in a Serene Japanese Garden
- 3) Awaji Hanasajiki: Stroll Through the Spectacular Flower Carpet with Your Pets
- 4) Awaji Yumebutai: Take Instagrammable Pictures With Your Pets
- 5) Awaji Service Area: Enjoy the Iconic Akashi Kaikyo Bridge View
- Closing
Bringing Your Pets Along to Awaji Island Made Simple
To reach Awaji Island, you’ll cross the sea via the iconic Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. If you’re traveling by car, the expressway offers convenient access. For those without a vehicle, the express bus or high-speed ferry are recommended options.
You can take the express bus from Sannomiya Station in Kobe (about a 40-minute ride) or Maiko Station (about a 10-minute ride) in Hyogo Prefecture. It’s important to note that all bus companies require pets (excluding wild animals) to be placed in a suitable storage case.
Please be aware that certain bus companies may have restrictions or specific exclusion days regarding pet travel. If you have concerns, it’s advisable to inquire beforehand.
A high-speed ferry is also recommended. The Jenova Line is a high-speed ferry connecting Akashi Port to Iwaya Port on Awaji Island, with a journey time of approximately 13 minutes. You can bring your pet onboard by paying a small animal fee (280 yen). It’s a convenient and enjoyable option to experience a slightly different cruise trip with your furry companion.
Top 5 Best Pet-Friendly Travel Spots on Awaji Island
1) Relaxing Meal with Your Adorable Pets at CRAFT CIRCUS
CRAFT CIRCUS, located on the west coast of Awaji Island, is a popular complex offering a wide variety of gourmet experiences. Highlights include a 40cm diameter island pizza with many flavors. The DOG TERRACE at CRAFT CIRCUS with beautiful ocean views is exclusively for those with pets, allowing for a casual and enjoyable outing together. A dog run is right next to this DOG TERRACE and there are cute photo spots to take a memorable photo together!
Additionally, it also offers a wide selection of pet-friendly food options like a pizza and hamburger patty made with chicken , making it an ideal destination to enjoy with your furry companions.
| 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
2) Aman no Shokutaku: Relaxing Time With Your Pets in a Serene Japanese Garden
Aman no Shokutaku, located in the lush mountains of Awaji Island, offers a unique dining experience centered around hearty cuisine made from local seafood and mountain produce. The restaurant provides terrace seating next to a Japanese garden, ideal for guests accompanied by their pets.
It has a fully roofed setting, perfect for enjoying with your dogs on both rainy and sunny days alike.
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
3) Awaji Hanasajiki: Stroll Through the Spectacular Flower Carpet with Your Pets
Awaji Hanasajiki is a popular tourist spot on Awaji Island, offering fantastic views of seasonal flowers across its expansive 15-hectare site, with Osaka Bay in the background. Pets are welcome on a leash, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing stroll. It’s a perfect spot to unwind for both you and your pets.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
4) Awaji Yumebutai: Take Instagrammable Pictures With Your Pets
Awaji Yumebutai, designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, embodies the theme of “coexistence with nature”. The highlight of Awaji Yumebutai is its “Hyakudan-en”, a terraced garden featuring a hundred tiers where seasonal flowers bloom in vibrant colors. Bring your pets here and capture Instagram-worthy photos of you and your furry companions amidst the stunning landscapes.
*Please note that the other sections of Awaji Yumebutai, Grand Nikko Awaji (hotel), and some areas in the restaurants don’t allow pets.
5) Awaji Service Area: Enjoy the Iconic Akashi Kaikyo Bridge View
The Awaji Service Area, overlooking the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, features a 24-hour dog run with amenities like trash cans and drinking fountains, all set on grassy terrain ideal for pets. You also don’t want to miss the nearby Ferris wheel, a must-visit attraction where you can enjoy a ride with your pet!
| Store name | Kobe Awaji Naruto Expressway Awaji Service Area (downbound) |
| address | 2568 Iwaya, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, 656-2401 |
| website | https://www.jb-honshi.co.jp/customer_index/sapa/dogrun/dogrun-awaji.html |
Closing
You can enjoy Awaji Island with your pet during your vacations. After all, your pet wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun! Experience a serene resort atmosphere with your family on Awaji Island and take leisurely walks with your four-legged family member, having a refreshing break from your daily routine.
