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What Is Awaji Island Known For?
Tucked away in the heart of Hyogo prefecture lies a popular island getaway spot for Japanese locals. Just an hour from Osaka and Kobe, this island has it all – beaches, sunset views that are among the Top 100 in the country, deep ties to mythology as the birthplace of Japan, and a long history of having some of the best food Japan has to offer.
So, what is it primarily known for?
Its onions, of course.
No, seriously – ask anyone in Japan what first comes to mind when hearing “Awaji Island”, and they WILL say something along the lines of “Oh yeah, that’s where delicious Awaji Onions come from.” They’re revered nationwide, and now that my initial honeymoon phase of the neon Tokyo and Osaka life has worn off, I thought, why not- I’m going to Awaji Island, and I’m going to see for myself what makes these Awaji onions so special.
Awaji Island Onions, Part 1: A History Lesson
The late 1800’s was a period marked by rapid modernization throughout Japanese society, as the country turned from feudal clans to a unified industrial nation. With the sudden erasure of many foundations to Japanese society and an ancient way of life, many were left feeling uncertain as to the fate of Japan.
Oh, and… the first onions were planted on Awaji Island.
While initially the onions were sought after for ornamental purposes instead of culinary use, the first Awaji onions were planted in 1888 – and over the next ~140 years, Awaji became home to the legendary onions Japan knows and loves today.
Now, onions weren’t very popular in Japan at the time, as they were considered too spicy and smelly. But once a cholera outbreak began in Japan, people were desperate for a cure. So, a rumor began spreading that onions can help cure cholera. Naturally, the popularity of onions exploded, and combined with a newfound discovery that Awaji Island had the optimal climate and soil for cultivating onions, Awaji Island was destined to become the onion hub it is today.
Awaji Island Onions, Part 2: Why Are They So Good?
I mean, it’s just an onion. How could they be renown across Japan? What’s the secret?
As briefly mentioned earlier, Awaji Island has the perfect climate for growing onions.
First, Awaji Island’s warm, sunny tropical weather means onions can receive more sunlight. Second, the soil is rich in ocean minerals from the Seto Inland Sea carried by the sea breeze. Third, onion farmers on Awaji Island take great care in the growing process of Awaji onions, with some utilizing revolutionary techniques to keep growing onions throughout the winter by planting onions in rice paddies.
All in all, this combination results in an onion that’s bigger, sweeter, and less bitter. In fact, Awaji onions are said to be 1.4x sweeter than your average onion.
So, I Tried Awaji Island Onions…
I made the grand pilgrimage to Awaji Island from Osaka to see for myself what the fuss was all about. I’m only going to experience Awaji onions for the first time once, so after much deliberation, I settled on a quaint little iron plate restaurant by the name of Teppan Todoroki. I saw it featured an ‘onion steak’ that I just had to try. No, that isn’t a steak with onion – the dish is JUST the onion, prepared to perfection (judging from the photo alone). Barreling past the colossal Akashi-Kaikyo bridge, the stunning view of Osaka Bay signaled a great start to my onion journey.
Teppan Todoroki is located in Ladybird Road, a quaint shopping center by the sea reminiscent of the orange villas found in the Mediterranean. I knew I was in the right place when, to my surprise, I was face-to-face with an onion-shaped wicker… bench?
Once I sat down, I ordered the ‘Ume’ course, which included many delights such as a salad made from local Awaji ingredients, hamburger steak, cognac that seemed to dance on the iron plate, among many others. But nevermind that- I want my onion.
And just like that, there it was. I’d never gazed upon such a sight.
Okay, okay… yes, It’s just an onion.
But that’s just the thing. It’s just an onion. It wasn’t an accessory to something larger. No distractions. Aside from some sauce drizzled on top, the sheer confidence of this dish was something I knew I could only find on Awaji Island.
Sure enough, this was the best onion I ever tasted, bar none. I never thought onions would ever be a criteria I judge in the culinary world, but it was undeniable – this was the best. Melt in your mouth isn’t something that’s ever applied to an onion, yet that’s how I’d describe it. It looked and tasted like a cinnamon bun, almost. And I’m not sure what sauce was drizzled on top, but it perfectly complemented the sweetness of the onion.
The rest of the course was incredible, too. But I came for the onion, and I left satisfied. At last, I understand this country’s obsession with this island’s onions.
| 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 |
The Verdict On Awaji Island, And Its Onions
Awaji Island is an interesting place. It’s been the ideal tropical island getaway for many Japanese people due to its weather, food, seaside Onsen’s, and a change of pace from the bustle of the city. Yet it’s mostly known for its onions. And the island knows that, too. Along my journey I found onion senbei, onion t-shirts, stickers, plushies, and even onion ice-cream.
Upon investigation, I can confirm Awaji’s onions live up to expectations. And if you ever visit Awaji Island, I urge you not to miss trying an Awaji onion for yourself. In fact, I think it’s near impossible to miss it – trust me, Awaji onions are everywhere.
