“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, with its fresh seasonal ingredients like seafood and Awaji beef, is a fantastic destination for this type of travel.
Table of Contents
Concept of Food Tourism in Japan
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.
Food Tourism on Awaji Island
Did you know that Awaji Island has been known as the “Land of Food” for centuries? One highlight of its illustious history is that it was in ancient times 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.
Full-course Meals featuring Awaji Island Seafood at Aman no Shokutaku Utage
Utage, the first-floor dining space at Aman no Shokutaku, offers full-course meals featuring traditional Japanese fare, starring fresh Awaji Island seafood and Awaji beef. The highlight of this experience is the hamayaki-style seafood BBQ, where a variety of freshly caught local seafood is grilled over an open flame right at your table. The menu features an abundant selection of shellfish, whole fish, and seasonal delicacies, allowing diners to savor the natural flavors enhanced by simple, rustic grilling techniques.
This hands-on, communal approach to dining not only brings out the sweetness and texture of the seafood but also captures the lively spirit of Awaji’s maritime culture. Aman no Shokutaku Utage offers a memorable way to enjoy Awaji’s bounty—combining the thrill of grilling with the freshest ingredients the island has to offer.
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 |
| Review: Utage | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d24037141-Reviews-Aman_No_Shokutaku_Utage-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Reservations: Sajiki | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-sajiki/reserve |
Click here for details of Aman no Shokutaku
Classic Japanese Food at Aonoya
Perhaps you’re looking for a classic Japanese dining experience. In that case, be sure to try SEIKAIHA Aonoya, a popular sushi and tempura restaurant on the island’s west coast. This gorgeous restaurant, where every seat has an ocean view, serves up fresh morsels caught in the Seto Inland Sea and brought into fish markets just down the road.
Depending on the time of year, the set menus might include delicacies such as grilled whole sea bream, succulent turban shells, or aromatic salt-grilled mackerel, all prepared to highlight the natural flavors of the seafood. Each set is thoughtfully composed to reflect the best of the season—often accompanied by local vegetables, rice, and small side dishes—offering diners an authentic taste of Awaji’s coastal culinary traditions in an elegant, seaside setting.
| 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
Whitebait Fishing at Ikuha Fishing Port
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 a popular destination 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.
Vintage Sake Making Experience at Koshunoya
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 sure to be 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-kosyunoya/reserve |
| Operation Hours | 11:30~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) Closed: Thursdays |
Click here for details of SEIKAIHA – Koshunoya
Fresh Awaji Island Seafood Rice Bowls and Barbecue Set Menus at Kaiou Ichiba
Kaiou Ichiba, located within CRAFT CIRCUS, is a standout destination for those eager to savor the fresh bounty of Awaji Island’s surrounding seas. The restaurant’s menu features an impressive array of seafood rice bowls (kaisendon), each generously topped with seasonal fish and shellfish sourced directly from local markets. Whether you choose a classic kaisendon brimming with tuna, salmon, shrimp, and squid, or opt for a specialty bowl highlighting Awaji’s prized whitebait or sea urchin, every dish showcases the natural flavors of the island’s daily catch.
For those who prefer cooked options, there are also seafood tempura bowls and grilled fish set meals, allowing visitors to experience a full spectrum of Awaji’s maritime offerings in a casual, seaside setting.
Looking for something more hands on? One of the most popular experiences at Kaiou Ichiba is the seafood BBQ set menu, which invites guests to grill their own selection of fresh seafood right at their table. The set typically includes local shellfish such as clams and turban shells, succulent prawns, and fillets of seasonal fish, all served alongside rice and dipping sauces.
This hands-on approach not only enhances the flavors—thanks to the natural sweetness brought out by charcoal grilling—but also creates a lively, communal atmosphere perfect for families and groups. With the sea breeze and panoramic coastal views as your backdrop, enjoying a seafood BBQ at Kaiou Ichiba is a memorable way to connect with Awaji Island’s fishing heritage and culinary traditions.
Locally Grown Fresh Vegetables 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
Closing
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!
