It can be difficult to find enjoyable ways to spend rainy days. Having rain interrupt your vacation or weekend away can be even more disheartening. Even Awaji Island, which has a high percentage of sunny days, is not immune to a few days of rain during the rainy season. In this article, we will introduce you to the best spots on Awaji Island to enjoy a rainy day.
Awaji Island is a popular tourist destination for weekend getaways or day trips from close by locations like Kobe, Osaka, and Kyoto. It is known as an ideal location for a sunny beach day, but there is still plenty of rainy-day activities to enjoy. A rainy day offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and connect with your surroundings. The island offers numerous dining facilities and nature experiences that can help you make the most out of a rainy day. Whether you are staying on the island, or visiting for a day trip, Awaji Island is the perfect place to spend a rainy day.
It is often windy along the coast, so be prepared by wearing a rain jacket and rainproof shoes.
Table of Contents
- (1) A Secluded Retreat Surrounded by Nature, Auberge “French Forest”
- (2) Sustainable Farmhouse Restaurant Haru San San
- (3) Retreat Facility for Mind and Body, Zenbo Seinei
- (4) Western Cusine with Live Music, SEIKAIHA Uminoya
- (5) Awaji Greenhouse
- (6) Stopover at a Hot Spring with a Spectacular View of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, “View Matsuho no Sato”
- Closing
(1) A Secluded Retreat Surrounded by Nature, Auberge “French Forest”
On a rainy day, how about enjoying a slow lunch at a French restaurant hideaway with stunning nature views? Auberge “French Forest” features three restaurants and lodges whoses designs are reminiscent of French countryside manor houses. The chefs’ signature full-course lunches are prepared utilizing fresh ingredients from Awaji Island and are served according to the season.
Each of the three buildings offer a unique culinary concept, combining French techniques with Japanese, Basque, and Italian cuisine. The dishes are thoughtfully paired with wine. The peacefulness of the day and the pattering of the rain creates a fantasy atmosphere where you slip away from daily life and enjoy a moment of relaxation in a countryside Ghibli-like house.
| 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”
(2) Sustainable Farmhouse Restaurant Haru San San
Spend a rainy-day having lunch in a sophisticated farmhouse restaurant that is good for you and the earth. At Haru San San, you can enjoy a lunch featuring fresh vegetables harvested on site, while enjoying the view of the fields spreading out before you.
The farmhouse restaurant itself is something to marvel at. Designed by famous architect Shigeru Ban, it features a thatched roof and a sculptural interior. The environment inspires thoughtful reflection about the surrounding landscape and our role in a sustainable future. It is perfect for the sustainability-conscious traveler. In addition, we have musicians on staff who plays live percussion and wind instruments every day. Combined with the rich natural scenery, it is sure to be a special experience.
| 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
(3) Retreat Facility for Mind and Body, Zenbo Seinei
On a rainy day, how about a ZEN Wellness experience? Zenbo Seinei offers meditation and yoga on a 100m-long observation deck that seems to float in the air. The rainy atmosphere enhances the sense of peacefulness and the fresh scent of Japanese cedar. Zenbo Seinei is a retreat facility where you can forget the stress of daily life and enjoy a luxurious time of mindfulness. The one-day plan includes a Zenbo lunch or afternoon tea that nourish you from within.
As you slip into a meditative state, the sound of the rain will lull you into a greater focus and leave you feeling refreshed. A visit to Zenbo Seinei is the perfect way to rejuvenate yourself.
| Name | Zenbo Seinei |
|---|---|
| Address | 2594-5 Aza-Banaka, Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 |
| Tel | 0799-70-9087 |
| Website | https://www.zenbo-seinei.com/en/ |
| Program Reservations | https://zenbo-seinei.urkt.in/direct/offices/587/courses |
| Hotel Reservation | https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/shan-fang-jing-zhu-dan-lu-shi2.html |
| Operation Hours | Mon: 9:00 am～5:00 pm / Tues～Sun: 11:00 am～6:30 pm Closed: Varies depending on a month. Please inquire. |
Click here for details of ZEN Wellness SEINEI
(4) Western Cusine with Live Music, SEIKAIHA Uminoya
On a rainy day, why not enjoy café time listening to live music at this Western-style restaurant? Uminoya has an elegant interior and a picturesque view of the Harimanada Sea. You can savor your teatime while listening to the sound of the piano, violin, or other musical arrangements. The Zuccotto cake is a must try desert during your visit. Made with fresh cream and delicious fruit, it is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of specialty coffee. The rainy west coast is a quaint and relaxing place to spend time.
| Name | SEIKAIHA - Uminoya |
|---|---|
| Address | 70 Nojima-okawa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1723 |
| Tel | 0799-70-9020 |
| Operation Hours | 11:00~15:00 (Last In 14:00, L.O. 14:00) 14:00~17:00 (Café time) 17:00~21:00 (Last In 19:30, L.O. 20:00) Closed: Thursdays |
| Website | https://awaji-seikaiha.com/uminoya/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d23580734-Reviews-Seikaiha_Uminoya-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
Click here for details of SEIKAIHA - Uminoya
(5) Awaji Greenhouse
The Awaji Greenhouse reopened in March 2025 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Awaji Flower Expo. The pavilion hosts the first permanent exhibit in Japan of artwork by James Doran-Webb, a British sculptor artist known as the“driftwood wizard”.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is a gazelle who appears to be frozen in motion. The work is a masterful tribute to the power of nature.
(6) Stopover at a Hot Spring with a Spectacular View of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, “View Matsuho no Sato”
At the end of a rainy day, how about stopping by a hot spring and enjoying the spectacular view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge? Matsuho no Sato is a day spa facility located on a hill near the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The lights on rainy nights are hazy and atmospheric. It is a convenient location to stop by at the end of a day trip to Awaji Island. The facility offers both open-air and indoor baths. The healing waters are sure to warm you up at the end of a rainy day and leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Closing
Did you find a new way to enjoy a rainy day? We hope that this article helped you learn about all the offerings Awaji Island has on a rainy day. While Awaji is known for its resort atmosphere on sunny days, there is plenty of relaxation, gastronomy, and nature to enjoy when it rains. We hope you will find this information useful when you visit Awaji Island on a rainy day.
