As the festive Christmas season approaches, thoughts turn to finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones. While chocolates and books are tried and true, they lack the “wow” factor that makes gift-giving truly special. Awaji Island is renowned not only for its natural beauty and rich culture, but also for local artisans creating one-of-a-kind treasures. Explore Awaji Island this holiday season, where numerous unique Christmas gift ideas are here to discover.
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1. Goods from Around the World at Global Market
Global Market within CRAFT CIRCUS, offers a diverse array of goods and traditional crafts from all over the world, including Japan, Italy, France, Indonesia, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Thailand, and more. Stop by this souvenir shop to find a variety of handmade and unique items, including one-of-a-kind pieces. During the Christmas season, shoppers flock here to find thoughtful, unique Christmas gifts for their loved ones.
While toys and stationery are common choices, Global Market adds a touch of uniqueness to these everyday items. Take a glance at the creatively designed trash bins from Germany, the meticulously crafted pens from Italy, and the charming handmade wood duck toys. And that’s just the beginning! Rare accessories from watches to brooches and purses from Italy are all the rage. Look no further for Christmas gifts galore.
| Location | CRAFT CIRCUS |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-2 Nojima-Hirabayashi, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1724 |
| Access | 15 minutes by car from Awaji IC on Awaji-Kobe-Naruto Expressway. 10 minutes by car from Iwaya Port (Jenova Line Ferry). |
| Parking | 80 spaces |
| Business Hours | Weekdays: 10:30-20:30 (last order 19:30) Weekends/Holidays: 9:30-20:30 (last order 19:30) |
| Closed | Thursdays (excluding national holidays) |
| Tel | 0799-82-1855 |
| Website | https://awajicraftcircus.com/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/craftcircus/reserve |
Click here for details of CRAFT CIRCUS
2. Christmas Bread at Nojima Bakery
Bread is always a great gift, especially during Christmas, but Nojima Bakery is special. Each loaf is made with meticulous thought and care, with a special touch in every bite. Freshly made every day, these buns boast a variety of flavors sure to satisfy the most discerning palate. Now, for the festive season, Nojima Bakery presents a special selection of Christmas-themed original bread. Alongside the beloved animal-shapes are also treats in the shapes of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowmen, Christmas trees and more.
| Name | Nojima Scuola |
|---|---|
| Adress | 843 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Website | https://www.nojima-scuola.com/ |
| Reservations | 2F Ristorante Scuola https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/nojima-scuola/reserve |
| Tel | 0799-82-1820 |
| Operation Hours | 1F Marché /Bakery: Weekdays 10:30~19:00 Sat., Sun., & Public Holidays 10:00~19:00 1F Café Scuola: Weekdays Lunch 11:00~14:00/ café 14:00~18:00 Sat., Sun., & Public Holidays breakfast 10:00~11:00 Lunch 11:00~15:00 Café 15:00~18:00 2F Ristorante Scuola: 11:30~15:30 (in by 14:00) / 18:00~21:30 (in by 19:30) Outdoor Zoo: Weekdays 11:00~16:00 Sat., Sun. & Public Holidays 10:00~16:00 (13:00~14:00 animals in recess) Closed: Wednesdays (Open on Public Holidays) |
Click here for details of Nojima Scuola
3. Unique Vegan Chocolate at VIE CHOCOLAT
For a unique twist on a common Christmas gift, consider VIE CHOCOLAT, a local gem known for its distinctive vegan chocolates in charming packages. Located on Ladybird Road, VIE CHOCOLAT, named after the French words for life and vitality, offers a delicious blend of health and beauty in every treat. Crafted with soy or almond milk for fewer calories and lower sugar content, these vegan chocolates cater to a diverse audience, including children and those with allergies.
| Name | Ladybird Road |
|---|---|
| Address | 95-2, Nojima Todoroki, Awaji Shi, Hyogo Ken, 656-1722 |
| Parking lot | 44 cars (500 yen/day) |
| Operation Hours | Varies from store to store. |
| Tel | 0799-64-7530 |
4. Vintage Sake as a Luxury Christmas Gift at Koshunoya
Elevate Christmas gift-giving with a touch of tradition and luxury at SEIKAIHA Koshunoya on Awaji Island. Learn the art of crafting your own high-quality aged sake by combining selections from renowned breweries across Japan at Koshunoya. This unique, luxurious experience lets you personalize your bespoke sake to take home for a creative, thoughtful Christmas gift to remember forever.
| 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
5. Awaji Island’s Unique Souvenirs
Though not limited to Christmas, Awaji Island’s souvenirs make wonderful Christmas gifts. Whether it’s Shima Cola, a meticulously crafted cola syrup infused with spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, heightened with the essence of Awaji lemons, or onion-related souvenirs, a specialty of Awaji Island, including Onion Soup, Senbei, and even whole onion curry, Awaji Island offers something to satisfy your every desire.
If your special someone is a Hello Kitty fan, Awaji Island offers a wide variety of merchandise featuring everyone’s favorite character. From shirts and shoes to keychains and more, explore the diverse Hello Kitty-themed attractions, shops, and theme parks.
| Location | HELLO KITTY SMILE |
|---|---|
| Address | 985-1 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Access | 10 minutes by car from Awaji IC or Hokudan IC on Awaji-Kobe-Naruto Expressway. |
| Parking | Free parking available |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays 11:00~19:00 Sat., Sun, & Public Holidays 10:00~19:00 Please note that each restaurant/café has different operating hours. |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Website | https://awaji-resort.com/hellokittysmile/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d15190676-Reviews-Hello_Kitty_Smile_Garden_Terrace-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9037 |
Click here for details of HELLO KITTY SMILE
Closing
Awaji Island stands out as a truly unique destination, celebrated for its rich history, natural beauty, and wealth of local artisans. The island’s distinct characteristics give rise to a plethora of unique products. If you are on the lookout for distinctive Christmas gift ideas in Japan, Awaji Island is the place for you!
