Awaji Island is one of the leading resort spots in the Kansai area, famous for its great nature and abundant food. Here is a special model travel course that allows you to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery unique to Awaji Island and the fresh and vibrant seafood of Awaji Island, which has long been known as the “Land of Food,” that provided food to the imperial court. The island is still a treasure trove of fresh and high quality food. Good news for those who plan to visit the Kansai region on the occasion of the Osaka-Kansai Expo! A comfortable 60-minute direct ferry route from Yumeshima, where the Expo is located, to Awaji Island is scheduled to open. Of course, you can also cross to Awaji Island by highway bus in about one hour from Osaka. Unlike the image of the island, it is close to Kobe and Osaka, and is recommended for a day trip. Once on Awaji Island by highway bus or ferry, it is recommended to rent a car.
Table of Contents
- Climb the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, One of the World’s Longest Suspension Bridges, and Enjoy the Spectacular View
- Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge World Tour Outline
- Elegant and Fresh Sushi and Tempura with the Breathtaking Ocean View of Awaji Island [10 min. by car from the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge]
- A Spectacular Historical Spot, Remains of the Yayoi Period (300 BC~250 AD) [20 min. by car from Aonoya].
- A Hidden Power Spot by the Sea on Awaji Island [25 min. by car from the Gossa Kaito Ruins]
Climb the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, One of the World’s Longest Suspension Bridges, and Enjoy the Spectacular View
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge World Tour
In the morning, we recommend a tour of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the most scenic spot closest to the Awaji IC.
Starting at Roadside Rest Stop (Michino Eki) Awaji on Awaji Island, visitors can experience climbing inside the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges. A tour leader who was involved in the construction of the bridge explains about the construction of the world’s longest bridge at the time, the hidden technology and history of the bridge in an easy-to-understand and enjoyable way, while guiding you through an administrative passageway that is normally inaccessible, to the main tower, about 300 meters above sea level, for a 360° panoramic view.
While walking along the 1-km long pathway, visitors can hear detailed stories about how the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge was built and its history, and enjoy a different perspective on the bridge. The pathway is for administrative use, so you can see the sea through the floor under your feet and experience the thrill of walking along the pathway.
When you reach the top of the bridge, a commemorative photo will be taken, and at the end of the tour, you will receive a certificate to commemorate your ascent to the top of the bridge. During the 15 minutes of free time per group, you can take pictures, ask questions to the guide, and learn more about the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
You can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Awaji Island, Kobe, and Osaka from the same height as the 96th floor of a building, as shown in the photo. The car is about the size of one in a diorama, so why not capture it on video? If you bring a camera for filming, be sure to bring a neck strap. If you don’t have one, you can borrow one on the day of the tour.
Time required: about 2 hours
Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge World Tour Outline
Please check the official website for the detailed dates of the event.
Morning Registration: 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Tour: 9:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Afternoon Registration: 1:05 p.m. -1:20 p.m. Tour: 1:20 p.m.-3:20 p.m.
Prices (per person):
Adults: Weekdays 5,000 yen, Weekends & Holidays 6,000 yen
Junior high school students: Weekday 2,500 yen, Weekends & Holidays 3,000 yen
Please be sure to bring your student ID card.
Participants must be junior high school students or older and able to walk 2 km or more on their own.
Elegant and Fresh Sushi and Tempura with the Breathtaking Ocean View of Awaji Island [10 min. by car from the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge]
SEIKAIHA Aonoya
On the west coast of Awaji Island is Aonoya, a sushi and tempura restaurant where every seat overlooks the Harimanada Sea on Awaji Island.The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes using fresh seafood caught in the sea around Awaji Island and mountain produce directly from the production area. One of the charms of this restaurant is that the seasonal ingredients change with the seasons, so you can enjoy the pleasures of each season. In addition, if you want to try Yura’s sea urchin, a specialty of Awaji Island famous for its high quality, why not visit Aonoya? At the very front of the restaurant is an open kitchen, where the chef painstakingly prepares and delivers to customers one by one according to their timing and order. This is a recommended restaurant where you can enjoy a lunch filled with the special scenery, ingredients, and charm unique to Awaji Island.
【Time required: 1 hour and 30 minutes】
| 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
A Spectacular Historical Spot, Remains of the Yayoi Period (300 BC~250 AD) [20 min. by car from Aonoya].
Gossa Kaito Ruins
The Gossa Kaito Ruins are believed to have been the site of a village that produced iron tools in the late Yayoi Period (300 BC~200 AD), as well as the excavation of iron tools. The site is built on top of a hill, and the contrast between the lush green of the mountains and the clear blue of the sky is spectacular. The site is also a good opportunity to experience history through a reproduction of a house from the Yayoi period. The hilltop location makes it a refreshing spot where visitors can feel the sea breeze of Awaji Island.
Time required: 30 minutes
A Hidden Power Spot by the Sea on Awaji Island
[25 min. by car from the Gossa Kaito Ruins]
Cape Myojin
Cape Myojin is a hidden power spot on Awaji Island. It is a mysterious spot where it is said that if you pass through the rock hole, you will be “reborn. It is also recommended to visit the hill (the top of the cape) from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea and a picnic spot nearby where you can take a leisurely walk.
Time required: 30 minutes
