Nojima Scuola is a commercial complex located inside a renovated former elementary school on the west coast of Awaji Island. The complex was created to rejuvenate the unused building and provide a space for the community to enjoy. Designed around the concepts of agriculture, food, and the arts, the complex features a café-restaurant, bakery, marché (market), Italian restaurant, petting zoo, and more.
While the building has been given new life, structural elements of the original school were preserved, giving it a nostalgic feel. The complex was named “Scuola,” the Italian word for school, as a nod to its former life. Enjoy the playful atmosphere as you shop for Awaji Island produce, savor authentic Italian cuisine made with local ingredients, buy freshly baked bread, and make a new furry friend at the petting zoo.
Ristorante Scuola
Ristorante Scuola is an Italian restaurant located on the second floor of Nojima Scuola. It is overseen by Chef Masayuki Okuda, a champion of local ingredients and one of the "Top 1,000 Chefs in the World."
The restaurant offers creative Italian cuisine that highlights seasonal ingredients from Awaji Island. Known for its rich agricultural and seafood offerings, the island once served as the “Land of Food,” a food provider to the Japanese imperial court.
The menu includes a selection of full-course meals for both lunch and dinner. À la carte options are also available. The drink menu features a wide range of wine pairings and non-alcoholic beverages.
Examples of local ingredients used in the dishes include fresh vegetables in the salads, eggs in the pasta, and premium Awaji Beef in the main courses. These high-quality ingredients ensure both freshness and exceptional flavor.
Live piano music adds an elegant touch to the dining experience. It’s the perfect place to celebrate special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, date nights, or to unwind after a day exploring Awaji Island.
Café Scuola
Café Scuola is a casual café-restaurant located on the first floor of Nojima Scuola. The school-like setting retains traces of former classrooms and offers indoor seating, outdoor terrace seating, and a dog-friendly terrace.
The most popular option is the lunch buffet with a choice of main course. Choose from various pastas, curries, or omelet rice. This comes with access to an all-you-can-eat salad bar featuring over 20 types of fresh vegetables. Bread and onion soup are also included to help fill you up.
Enjoy la dolce vita with a sweet treat from our “Dolce” menu. Indulge in shaved ice, homemade cake, or specialty coffee drinks. There's also a special dog menu, offering healthy snacks your pup can enjoy on the dog patio.
Dog Run
The Dog Run is a fenced-in section of the old school lawn where dogs can play freely. Admission is free for small- to medium-sized dogs. Owners can join their pets or watch them from the dog terrace while enjoying the café menu. It’s a great way to spend time with your dog and help them burn off some energy.
Nojima Marché
Nojima Marché is a market offering farm-fresh produce and local goods. Located at the entrance on the first floor of Nojima Scuola, the market sells approximately 250 types of products, including Awaji-grown vegetables, regional specialties, and sweets.
Popular souvenirs include bagna cauda, original frozen curry, vegan macarons, craft beer, and branded onions. The Marché also sells "print cookies" and stuffed animals modeled after Nojima Zoo's popular animals.
Nojima Bakery
Nojima Bakery is located at the entrance of Nojima Scuola, welcoming visitors with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. The bread is made without preservatives or artificial coloring, using only domestically sourced ingredients.
There is a wide selection of animal-shaped breads, popular with both children and adults. The onion bread—made with onions, cheese, and bacon from Awaji Island—is a must-try and makes for a perfect souvenir.
Nojima Zoo
Nojima Zoo is a petting zoo located outside the Nojima Scuola building. Come and meet friendly animals such as alpacas, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and mini pigs. The alpacas became TV celebrities, having garnered attention for only cuddling up with women.
Another crowd favorite is the “Goat Walk in the Sky,” where goats walk across an overhead bridge. Admission to the petting zoo is free, but the purchase of animal feed is required to enter. This requirement is waived for children under three years old.
An “Animal Festival” is hosted on the first and third Sundays of every month. Visit the Nojima Scuola petting zoo today to feed, pet, and cuddle with these adorable animals!
