Kobe, one of the three major cities representing the Kansai region, is an attractive area with its exotic Chinatown, Old Settlement, and fashionable streets. Awaji Island can be accessed from Kobe in as little as 30 minutes. After appreciating the sophisticated urban atmosphere of Kobe, we recommend a travel plan to Awaji Island to be delighted with the rich nature and exquisite cuisine. You can also plan your trip in conjunction with the Osaka-Kansai Expo opening soon. By enjoying cutting-edge technology and cultural experiences at the Expo and touring the sightseeing spots of Kobe and Awaji Island, you can make the most of a trip to Kansai that combines the city, nature, and the future. Here are some of the recommended spots to experience the Kobe/Awaji Island x Osaka/Kansai Expo to the fullest, so please take a look at them as a reference for your Kansai trip.
Table of Contents
- Day 1: 3-day/2-night Trip to Awaji Island and Kobe to Enjoy the Osaka-Kansai Expo
- Day 2: 3-day/2-night Trip to Awaji Island and Kobe to Enjoy the Osaka-Kansai Expo
- Cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to Awaji Island
- 7:00 a.m. Savor a breakfast at a hotel
- 10:00 a.m. Rent a car in Kobe Sannomiya (express bus also available)
- 11:00 a.m. Commemorative photo at Awaji Highway Oasis
- 12 noon Seafood lunch on the west coast of Awaji Island
- 3:00 p.m. Indulge in delectable sweets at a seaside café
- Awaji Island’s unique lodging experience where you can feel nature
- Day 3: 3-day/2-night Trip to Awaji Island and Kobe to Enjoy the Osaka-Kansai Expo
- Closing
Day 1: 3-day/2-night Trip to Awaji Island and Kobe to Enjoy the Osaka-Kansai Expo
12 noon: Lunch in Kobe, one of the most fashionable cities in Kansai
Kobe gourmet food is famous for Kobe beef and long-established Western-style dishes. In particular, Western-style dishes such as omelette rice, hamburg steak, and herekatsu (beef fillet cutlet) are staples loved by the locals. Here are some of the best restaurants to visit when enjoying lunch in Kobe.
L’Ami
A famous restaurant where you can have authentic French-style Western cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere. The omelet rice and beef cutlet are excellent and recommended for those who want to savor high quality Western food.
Grill Ippei
A long-established Western-style restaurant established in 1952. The fluffy omelet and hamburger steak with plenty of demi-glace sauce are especially popular! You can relish old-fashioned Kobe Western-style cuisine.
Yoshoku no Asahi
A famous restaurant where you must wait in line, especially the specialty Herekatsu (beef fillet cutlet) is an exquisite gourmet dish, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It is well known for the full flavor of the meat.
If you want to try excellent Western food for lunch in Kobe, be sure to check out these three restaurants! Enjoy Kobe’s gourmet food at these famous restaurants that even the locals are giving their stamp of approval.
2:30 p.m.: Visit Kobe’s Kitano Ijinkan-gai with its retro atmosphere and exotic streets
Kobe Kitano Ijinkan-gai is a popular sightseeing area with a total of 16 Ijinkan buildings (Western-style former residences of early foreign settlement built in late 1800s to early 1900s) that can be visited and you can feel the atmosphere of that era together with the exotic atmosphere of the city itself. Especially recommended is the “Kobe Trick Art & Mysterious Consulate.”
The museum has six sections, including the world of optical illusions, illusion experiences, brain training, and the world of famous paintings, with unique exhibits full of surprises and discoveries. The museum is full of tricks that make visitors feel as if they have stepped into a painting, allowing them to take many interesting photos that will look great on SNS sites! Make sure to visit to create memories of your trip to Kobe.
The Kitano Ijinkan area itself is free to explore, but admission fees vary for each Ijinkan, so it is recommended to check in advance. Why not spend a wonderful time in the exotic Kitano Ijinkan area when sightseeing in Kobe?
6:00 pm Dinner with a night view at the Kobe Port
Kobe Harborland is one of the most popular night view spots in the Kansai region. The area around Kobe’s symbolic Port Tower and Meriken Park are beautifully lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere unique to the seaside area. The night view of Kobe from the mountains is also famous, but enjoying dinner while gazing at the shimmering night view by the sea is also recommended. Harborland is dotted with stylish restaurants and cafes, perfect for a romantic date or a special anniversary as well. You can spend a special moment in Harborland, where you can enjoy a gourmet meal along with the night view that is typical of Kobe.
9:00 p.m. Stay at a classical Western-style hotel in Kobe
The best way to fully immerse yourself in Kobe is to stay at a classical Western-style hotel, not a Japanese inn or a modern western-style hotel. Kobe Kitano Hotel near Ijinkan-gai is well-known, especially famous for its breakfast. Another well-known hotel is Hotel Monterey Kobe near Sannomiya Station.
Day 2: 3-day/2-night Trip to Awaji Island and Kobe to Enjoy the Osaka-Kansai Expo
Cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to Awaji Island
Awaji Island is located in southern Hyogo Prefecture and is one of the best tourist destinations in Kansai, easily accessible from Osaka and Kobe. Crossing the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, it takes only about 30 minutes to an hour by car to reach the island, making it a popular spot for travel. Awaji Island is also blessed with a mild climate throughout the year and is an attractive resort area with rich nature and beautiful coastlines. The Awaji Island West Coast area in particular has become a hot spot for spectacular sunsets, and visitors can enjoy exquisite gourmet cuisine at seaside cafes and restaurants while enjoying a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea. The area is also dotted with tourist attractions such as Izanagi-jingu Shrine, the oldest shrine in Japan, Awaji Yumebutai designed by Tadao Ando, and Akashi Kaikyo Park. As a tourist destination where history, nature, and cuisine can be fully enjoyed, it is recommended for a wide range of visitors, from families to couples and friends.
7:00 a.m. Savor a breakfast at a hotel
Western-style hotels in Kobe are popular for their delicious breakfasts. In particular, the breakfast at Kobe Kitano Hotel is called “the best in the world”, inherited from Mr. Bernard Loiseau, a leading figure in French cuisine. We hope you will enjoy an exquisite breakfast, in which each dish is carefully prepared.
10:00 a.m. Rent a car in Kobe Sannomiya (express bus also available)
There are many major car rental companies near Sannomiya Station, making it very convenient for travel to Awaji Island. After renting a car, it takes only about 30 minutes by car from Sannomiya to cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to Awaji Island, which is surprisingly close, and even people in the Kansai region are often surprised at how quickly they can get there.
For those who wish to go to Awaji Island without using a car, highway buses are recommended. The highway bus from Sannomiya to Awaji Island is a smooth 40-minute ride. In addition, free shuttle buses are available upon arrival at Awaji Island, making it possible to visit tourist spots in a cosy and comfortable manner. This information is compiled for those who are considering a trip with a rental car, but if you would like to enjoy Awaji Island without using a car, please see below.
11:00 a.m. Commemorative photo at Awaji Highway Oasis
Awaji Highway Oasis, a parking area just after entering Awaji Island, is a very popular first stop for tourists. The facilities include a Ferris wheel, souvenir stores, and restaurants where you can relish Awaji Island gourmet food, making it a perfect spot to start your trip. It is also a popular photo spot where visitors can take pictures with the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in the background. Taking a commemorative photo with the spectacular view of the bridge in the background will surely look great on SNS. First, let’s get into the mood for your trip at Awaji Highway Oasis, where you can experience the charm of Awaji Island to the fullest.
12 noon Seafood lunch on the west coast of Awaji Island
On the first day of your trip to Awaji Island, we recommend “seafood” for your first meal! There are many restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood from Awaji Island, and we would like to introduce two restaurants that we particularly recommend. Each offers a different style of seafood, so choose the one that best suits you. Savor the finest seafood that Awaji Island has to offer.
SEIKAIHA Aonoya
Located on the west coast of Awaji Island, SEIKAIHA Aonoya is a Japanese restaurant with a spectacular ocean view from every seat. Enjoy nigirizushi made with fresh fish from Awaji Island and crispy tempura while overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Recommended for those who want to taste authentic Japanese cuisine prepared by artisans in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a luxurious time for lunch or dinner while sightseeing on Awaji Island.
| Name | SEIKAIHA - Aonoya |
|---|---|
| Address | 70 Nojima-okawa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1723 |
| Tel | 0799-70-9020 |
| Website | https://awaji-seikaiha.com/aonoya/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d21197787-Reviews-Seikaiha_Aonoya-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Operating Hours | 11:00~15:00 (Last In 14:00, L.O. 14:00) 17:00~21:00 (Last In 19:30, L.O. 20:00) Closed: Thursdays |
Click here for details of SEIKAIHA - Aonoya
Craft Circus
Located on the west coast of Awaji Island, “Craft Circus” is a complex with restaurants and shops where you can experience a resort atmosphere with a view of the ocean spread out before you. The facility’s restaurant, “Kaiou Ichiba” is popular for its fresh seafood BBQ which you don’t have to bring any cooking tools. Recommended for those who want to enjoy a beachside barbeque with others while feeling the sea breeze! Be sure to visit for lunch or dinner during your Awaji Island sightseeing tour.
| 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
3:00 p.m. Indulge in delectable sweets at a seaside café
After lunch, take a break at a seaside café while driving along the Sunset Line on the west coast of Awaji Island. In an open space where you can feel the sea breeze, you can relish seasonal and homemade sweets made lavishly with seasonal fruits as well as original drinks. Café Scuola is located on the first floor of “Nojima Scuola,” a popular facility renovated from a closed elementary school. Enjoy a luxurious café time in the leisurely flow of time, watching the spectacular sunset on the west coast of Awaji Island in the evening.
| Name | Nojima Scuola |
|---|---|
| Adress | 843 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Website | https://www.nojima-scuola.com/ |
| Reservations | 2F Ristorante Scuola https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022838-d12135206-Reviews-Nojima_Scoula-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Tel | 0799-82-1820 |
| Operation Hours | 1F Marché /Bakery: Weekdays 10:30~19:00 Sat., Sun., & Public Holidays 10:00~19:00 1F Café Scuola: Weekdays Lunch 11:00~14:00/ café 14:00~18:00 Sat., Sun., & Public Holidays breakfast 10:00~11:00 Lunch 11:00~15:00 Café 15:00~18:00 2F Ristorante Scuola: 11:30~15:30 (in by 14:00) / 18:00~21:30 (in by 19:30) Outdoor Zoo: Weekdays 11:00~16:00 Sat., Sun. & Public Holidays 10:00~16:00 (13:00~14:00 animals in recess) Closed: Wednesdays (Open on Public Holidays) |
Click here for details of Nojima Scuola
Awaji Island’s unique lodging experience where you can feel nature
Grand Chariot Hokutoshichisei 135°
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors on Awaji Island, we recommend glamping accommodation with excellent facilities. They offer a comfortable environment even for beginners, and are perfect for those who want a high-quality, hotel-like lodging experience while still feeling nature. One of the most popular lodgings is “Grand Chariot Hokutoshichisei (Big Dipper) 135°,” a luxury glamping experience where you can stay at a cocoon-shaped individual room. While relaxing in the warmth of the wood-filled guest rooms, you can delight in a special meal that uses plenty of fresh ingredients from Awaji Island. Guests can enjoy the delicacies of the season with a menu that changes with the seasons, lavishly featuring Awaji beef, sea urchin, and other brand-name ingredients. Furthermore, the glamping’s greatest attraction is the star-filled sky viewed from the observatory. Located on top of a hill, you can enjoy the clear night sky without worrying about the city lights. Surrounded by the great nature of Awaji Island, you can enjoy an extraordinary and luxurious time.
| 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://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/guransiyariobei-dou-qi-xing-135deg.ja.html |
Click here for details of GRAND CHARIOT
Auberge “French Forest”
Located in the northern part of Awaji Island, Auberge “French Forest” is a French-style inn/restaurant where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a special time. It offers an exquisite lodging experience where you can enjoy an extraordinary moment while enjoying French cuisine. The facility consists of three buildings, each with a different concept: “La Rose,” “Prince Etoile,” and “Grand Baobab,” with the restaurant on the first floor and accommodation space on the second floor. The private guest room is a great place to spend a relaxing time with your loved ones or family members. The cuisine is an authentic French full-course meal that makes the most of fresh ingredients from Awaji Island. You can experience an elegant dinner time while savoring sophisticated cuisine using local seasonal ingredients. Surrounded by rich nature, the location is also very appealing and relaxing. This is a special lodging experience where you can fully explore “Gastronomy x Stay”.
| Name | Auberge “French Forest” |
|---|---|
| Address | 2593-8 Kusumoto Aza Banaka, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 |
| TEL | La Rose 0799-70-6062 Prince Etoile 0799-70-6061 Grand Baobab 0799-70-6063 |
| Website | https://frenchnomori.jp/ |
| Reservations | https://frenchnomori.jp/reservation/ |
| Hotel Reservation | https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/aubergehurentinosen.ja.html |
| Operation Hours | Lunch – 11:30~15:30 (Last Entry: 13:00) Dinner – 17:30~21:30 (Last Entry: 19:00) |
| Menu | A Full-Course Lunch ￥7,000～/ A Full-Course Dinner ￥10,000～ |
Click here for details of Auberge “French Forest”
Day 3: 3-day/2-night Trip to Awaji Island and Kobe to Enjoy the Osaka-Kansai Expo
From Awaji Island to Yumeshima by public transportation or car
The Expo can be accessed from Awaji Island by car, public transportation, or high-speed ferry. By car, cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, drive north on the Kobe-Awaji Naruto Expressway, and take the Hanshin Expressway to Yumeshima. The trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
By public transportation, leave Awaji Island for JR Maiko Station or Sannomiya Station, and then go to JR Osaka Station. From Osaka Station, take the Osaka Metro to Yumeshima Station. The trip takes about 2 hours. Please allow plenty of time for the multiple transfers.
If you are traveling by high-speed ferry, you can take the high-speed ferry, Jenova Line, from Awaji Island to Akashi Port and then take the train to Yumeshima. The high-speed boat ride takes about 13 minutes, and the train ride takes about 1.5 hours, making the total time required about 2 hours.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo where you can see innovative technology and forward-thinking ideas in action
The Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 is an international event with the theme “Designing a Future Society that Shines with Life” and aims to realize a sustainable society in harmony with nature. The Expo will showcase visions for building a better future through innovative technologies and advanced ideas. The Expo will feature cutting-edge technologies, such as the iPS heart derived from iPS cells, and exhibits aimed at realizing a well-being society, sending a message to the world about physical, mental, and social health. The Osaka-Kansai Expo is a rare opportunity to experience the fusion of sustainable development and innovation.
In addition, the Pasona Group, which has been enlivening the west coast of Awaji Island, is also exhibiting a pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. The theme is “Thank You for Life.” We respect nature and aim for a sustainable future. The pavilion communicates a vision for the future based on the theme of health for mind, body, and society through exhibits such as an iPS heart born from iPS cells and those for the realization of a well-being society.
Closing
What did you think? If you plan your sightseeing tour not only in Kobe but also on Awaji Island, you will have a more attractive travel experience. Why not leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and immerse yourself in a relaxing resort atmosphere surrounded by nature while enjoying the world-class Expo event to the fullest?
