Do you know Awaji Island? Situated amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island is beloved for fantastic scenery, distinctive cuisine, and unique attractions. From amusement parks featuring Japanese pop culture icons like Hello Kitty and Godzilla to the tranquility of upscale wellness resorts, the island is a fantastic destination to explore with friends, share laughter, and create unforgettable memories together. In this article, we explore a two-day itinerary for friends to immerse themselves in the wonders of Awaji Island.
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Reaching Awaji Island
Getting to Awaji Island is easy, whether you drive, fly or take the bullet train. The journey takes approximately one hour from Kobe and two hours from Osaka.
Our initial destination is HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX. Starting from Sannomiya Station, just board the “Kita Awaji Nishi Kaigan Line” (North Awaji West Coast Bus) for direct transport to Seikaiha. From there, a brief walk will take you to the theater situated on the hill, known as HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX.
Exploring the attractions along the West Coast is convenient, thanks to the availability of a complimentary shuttle bus that operates throughout the resort area. With a little luck, you might find yourself on a bus decorated with your favorite character!
11:30 AM – 02:30 PM: Meet the Iconic Hello Kitty
The HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX proudly holds the Guinness World Record for having the “largest roof in the shape of a brand character”. Stepping into this theater means immersing oneself in the creative world of Hello Kitty! Guests have the opportunity to relish a delightful lunch while being serenaded by the lively tunes of the Hello Kitty Jazz Band Show.
Following the lunch service, the entertainment continues with a café session, offering guests the chance to enjoy light meals, sweets, and beverages, all while partaking in a personal and close encounter with Hello Kitty herself! What sets the menu apart is the inclusion of healthy vegan dishes, thoughtfully crafted by innovative chefs using locally sourced ingredients!
If you and your friends are passionate Hello Kitty enthusiasts or simply appreciate all things adorable and unique, this location is an absolute must-visit. To ensure you catch the beginning of the lunchtime performance, plan to arrive before 11:30 AM. Right alongside the HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX is the HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE.
The distinctive Hello Kitty-shaped roof of the theater is visible exclusively from the Apple House observation deck. Immerse yourselves in a 360° projection mapping of Hello Kitty’s dream world at the heart of the giant apple. These experiences promise not only a delightful time but also a unique and memorable adventure for you and your friends.
| 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.tablecheck.com/en/shops/hellokittyshowbox/reserve |
Click here for details of HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX
03:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Explore The World of Hello Kitty at HELLO KITTY SMILE
HELLO KITTY SMILE is conveniently located just a short ride away from HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, thanks to the complimentary shuttle bus service. This enchanting theme park seamlessly blends media art, a diverse range of dining options, and stunning sea views. Among the culinary offerings available are authentic Chinese cuisine, flavorful one-pot courses, and dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients from Awaji Island.
The focal point of HELLO KITTY SMILE is a mesmerizing display inspired by the legendary “Palace of the Dragon Princess” from the iconic Japanese folk tale “Urashima Taro”. Let Hello Kitty be your guide through a captivating 5-minute projection mapping show, delving into the mysteries of the Palace. Explore delightful photo spots adorned with Hello Kitty motifs and interactive visuals that respond to touch.
The live entertainment, delicious cuisine, and a diverse array of Hello Kitty-themed attractions make this destination ideal for friends. The incorporation of interactive elements, from engaging meet-and-greets to touch-sensitive projection mapping, transforms the entire experience into a genuinely immersive adventure. Traveling with friends enhances enjoyment as it allows you to share the excitement and create lasting memories together.
| 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.tablecheck.com/en/shops/hellokitty-smile2restaurant/reserve |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9037 |
Click here for details of HELLO KITTY SMILE
06:00 PM~: Breathtaking Glamping Experience at GRAND CHARIOT
Spending time with friends in a distinctive environment is always a joyous experience. Glamping, in particular, is an activity that brings added fun and on Awaji Island, you can enjoy the best glamping experience of your life with your friends.
Indulge in a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei 135°, a luxurious glamping resort nestled on Awaji Island. It is acknowledged as a “PLATINUM HOTELS Top Quality Inn” by Rakuten Travel.
This extraordinary retreat boasts cocoon-shaped glamping rooms designed to provide a serene and rejuvenating experience for couples or families. Each room features skylights that welcome the gentle morning sunlight, fostering a harmonious connection with nature to start the day. The captivating wood interiors create a cozy ambiance, enhanced by a cypress bath that offers a delightful blend of comfort and aromatherapy.
GRAND CHARIOT is also celebrated for its cuisine, which is crafted from high-quality ingredients sourced from Awaji Island, ensuring a delectable dining experience for both dinner and breakfast.
| Name | GRAND CHARIOT |
|---|---|
| Adress | 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 Located at Nijigen no Mori in Hyogo Prefecture Awajishima Park |
| Tel | 0799-64-7090 |
| Website | https://awaji-grandchariot.com/ |
| Reservations | https://go-grandchariot.reservation.jp/en |
10:00 AM~: Visit Nijigen no Mori, Where Anime Becomes Reality
After a rejuvenating night and a nourishing breakfast at Grand Chariot, let’s embark on Day 2. Take advantage of Grand Chariot’s complimentary shuttle service to reach Nijigen no Mori, just a few minutes away.
We are quite certain that you and your friends have at least heard of popular series like Naruto, Godzilla, and Shin-chan. There must have been moments in the past where you all shared stories and excitement about these anime. Why not take the opportunity to visit Nijigen no Mori, where all these beloved anime come to life? The park is so uniquely crafted that you are guaranteed to relish every second of it with your friends, creating new memories that align with your shared passion for these iconic animated worlds.
Immerse yourself in the incredible world of Japanese anime at the renowned entertainment complex, Nijigen no Mori. This theme park serves as a central hub for fans of anime and Japanese pop culture, offering immersive experiences that bring beloved works such as Naruto & Boruto, Dragon Quest, Godzilla, and Demon Slayer to life. It is a must-visit destination drawing visitors from around the world. Here are some highlights to explore with your friends.
NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBI-ZATO
The globally acclaimed series, Naruto, holds widespread appeal across all age groups. At Nijigen no Mori, dive into the depths of this fantastical world through an immersive adventure attraction. This experience includes a 3D maze, rallies, puzzles, and ninja tasks, where participants embark on missions to restore harmony in the universe. If you or any of your friends are interested in Naruto, ninjas, or adventure games, do not miss the chance to immerse yourselves in the thrilling universe of Naruto and Boruto at Nijigen no Mori.
Dragon Quest Island
Dragon Quest is a celebrated Japanese RPG series known for its engaging stories, distinctive artwork, timeless turn-based gameplay, and memorable music. On Awaji Island, you can step into the world of Dragon Quest and embark on an adventure by exploring the town, interacting with NPCs, discovering chests, and battling monsters. It’s a highly recommended activity for friends, offering the opportunity to collaborate and complete quests together. Even if you’re unfamiliar with Dragon Quest, the experience promises to be extremely enjoyable if you love adventure and discovering new things.
The Anime Park is Enormous!
The two attractions highlighted here offer just a glimpse of many experiences awaiting visitors at Nijigen no Mori. Crayon Shin-chan Park invites participants into a nostalgic world full of laughs and fun moments, while the “Godzilla Intercept Operation” promises thrills aplenty. Within this expansive entertainment complex, there is something to captivate everyone at Nijigen no Mori. A single day is hardly sufficient to explore it all with your friends!
Returning from Nijigen no Mori to the Kobe area is a breeze—simply board the same West Coast Bus for a convenient journey back to Sannomiya Station.
Closing
This carefully curated 2-day trip on Awaji Island only scratches the surface of the exceptional features that make Awaji Island a hidden gem, offering experiences found nowhere else. For new and unforgettable adventures that your friends will treasure for years to come, Awaji Island stands out as an unparalleled destination.
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