“Food is a lens for culture” ~ Dana Goodyear
Attention foodies far and wide! You might already be familiar with the growing trend among travelers known as “food tourism.” What is it exactly?
Food tourism is about much more than just eating. In this article, we explore the concept and explain why Awaji Island is a fantastic destination for this type of travel.
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What is Food Tourism and Why is it Trending?
Food Tourism is the exploration of a destination through its culinary landscape. It involves not only tasting local dishes but also experiencing the culture, traditions, and stories behind the food.
Everyone loves good food! Food tourism simply takes this one step further by seeking to understand the stories and cultural aspects behind the dishes.
As Ms. Goodyear states above, food is a lens through which we can view cultures including our own. It allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of the local way of life, traditions, and history, enriching their overall travel experience.
The rise of social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube has further popularized food tourism by showcasing traditional dishes, unique dining experiences, and food-related adventures, attracting a broader audience.
Food tourism is also thriving in Japan, where Japanese cuisine is celebrated for its flavors, freshness, and health benefits. While many cities are popular for their culinary offerings, one underrated gem we recommend is Awaji Island.
The Charm of “the Land of Food”, Awaji Island
Did you know that Awaji Island has been known as the “Land of Food” for centuries? It’s illustious history includes being designated as the official supplier of food ingredients to the Imperial Court. With a self-sufficiency rate exceeding 100% in food production, the island takes great pride in its agricultural heritage.
Additionally, the abundance of fresh seafood produced by the local fishing industry enhances its reputation. As a result, Awaji Island attracts numerous travelers eager to experience its exquisite dining offerings.
If you want to learn more about Awaji Island’s history as the “Land of Food,” you should definitely visit! In the meantime, here are some recommended spots for food tourism on Awaji Island that you won’t want to miss.
Enjoy an Authentic Cuisine Experience at Aman no Shokutaku & Aonoya
What’s the best way to kick off a food tourism experience? A delicious meal of course! An authentic culinary experience at Aman no Shokutaku may be just the place to start our studies on Awaji Island.
At this spacious restaurant on the island’s mountain ridge, savor Japan’s national delicacy of “Pirate cuisine,” crafted from ingredients sourced from Awaji’s land and sea, prepared with techniques passed down through generations.
Click here for reservations Utage Click here for reservations Sajiki
| Name | Aman no Shokutaku １F Utage ２F Sajiki |
|---|---|
| Address | 1042 Nojima-Tokiwa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1726 |
| Tel | "Utage” 0799-70-9089 “Sajiki” 0799-70-9090 |
| Operation Hours | “Utage”: Weekdays 11:00~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) / Sat., Sun. & Holidays 10:30~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) “Sajiki” 11:00~15:00 / 17:00~21:00 (L.O.19:30) Closed: Tuesdays |
| Website | https://amannoshokutaku.jp/ |
| Reservations: Utage | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-utage/reserve |
| Reservations: Sajiki | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-sajiki/reserve |
Click here for details of Aman no Shokutaku
Perhaps you’re looking for a classic Japanese dining experience. In that case, be sure to try Aonoya, a popular sushi restaurant on the island’s west coast. This gorgeous restaurant serves up fresh morsels of the sea caught in the local Seto Sea brought into fish markets just down the road.
| 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
The Flourishing Fishing Industry of Awaji Island
For a deeper food tourism experience to learn more about Awaji Island’s rich history as a center for food culture in Japan, try an exciting fishing trip at Awaji Island’s Ikuha Fishing Port! You can catch seasonal delights such as cutlassfish, firm Akashi octopus, and wild red sea bream. Choose from morning or afternoon departure times to experience boat fishing, a popular activity that offers various techniques along the beautiful shores of Awaji Island.
Awaji Island is known for its specialty, “whitebait fishing”, which offers a unique experience you won’t want to miss. Join in on this exciting fishing activity, where two boats work together to drag a net and bring in the catch.
Koshunoya: Craft Your Own Vintage Sake Experience
For those seeking a more elegance and refinement, Awaji Island offers a sake blending experience at Koshunoya. Here, you can create your own sake variations from a selection of 42 different types.
Each sake comes with an explanation card detailing its age, brewing location, and flavor profile. With such a variety of tastes, this tasting experience is enjoyable and accessible, even for beginners.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the nuances of sake while enjoying the beautiful ocean views of Awaji Island!
| Name | SEIKAIHA – Koshunoya |
|---|---|
| Address | 70 Nojima-okawa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1723 |
| Tel | 0799-70-9020 |
| Website | https://awaji-seikaiha.com/kosyunoya/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/awaji-seikaiha/reserve |
| Operation Hours | 11:30~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) Closed: Thursdays |
Click here for details of SEIKAIHA – Koshunoya
A Real Farm-to-Table Experience at Haru San San
Awaji Island has developed a self-reliant farming system through a strategy that involves cultivating, processing, and selling crops within a closed-loop framework. This seamless integration ensures the utmost freshness and quality in their agricultural products.
Haru San San is a farmhouse restaurant that offers a unique dining experience centered around freshly picked vegetables from its own farm and thoughtfully cultivated ingredients from local producers. Taste the bounty of Awaji Island’s locally grown fresh vegetables, and get a sense of the region’s agricultural richness and commitment to sustainable practices.
| Name | Farmer’s Restaurant – Haru San San |
|---|---|
| Address | 1510-4 Nojima-tokiwa Aza Genpachi, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1726 |
| Tel | 0799-70-9082 |
| Operation Hours | 11:00-18:00（L.O.17:00） |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
| Website | https://www.awaji-nlr.com/harusansan |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/noukarestaurant-haru-sansan/reserve |
Click here for details of Haru San San
This has only been a small sample of the many restaurants on Awaji Island offering a staggering variety of cuisines, from authentic Japanese dishes to unique Western fare. To learn about the endless possibilities for foodies, check here for more on the popular restaurants of Awaji Island!
