Even though wintertime is considered off season in Japan, many places are still crowded with tourists. So why not explore the unknown parts of Japan and enjoy the lesser crowds and have all the time and space to yourself? Here we invite you to Awaji Island, located only 40 minutes form Kobe, to find all the best not-yet-famous locations to explore this December.
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Weather in December on Awaji Island
Awaji Island’s December has typically moderate temperatures and rainfall. Since it is the winter season, throughout the day the average temperatures usually settle at around 14 °C but by night can drop to below 10 °C.
The leaves are still turning red, brown and orange along the mountains but the greenery will be present even after the end of autumn foliage. All in all it’s the perfect time to have a day trip to Awaji Island with the summer and autumn crowds gone, and simply enjoy the island’s beautiful nature while leisurely engaging in activities of your choice.
Christmas Special Menus and Events
Many restaurants on Awaji Island offer Special Christmastime Dinners in the most romantic atmosphere. These establishments go beyond the ordinary, curating an experience that aligns perfectly with the concept of a luxurious Christmas celebration. Here are only a couple of the recommended restaurants on Awaji Island to enjoy a luxurious Christmas dinner. For the full list and menu details, please see our other article. (LINK)
Ristorante Scuola
Ristorante Scuola provides an exclusive Italian Christmas course accompanied by a special three-day concert from December 23 (Fri.) to 25 (Mon.). Elevate your holiday experience as the chef artfully crafts a Christmas course, featuring the finest ingredients sourced from Awaji Island.
| Name | Ristorante Scuola |
|---|---|
| Address | 843 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| TEL | 0799-82-1820 |
| Official Web Site | https://nojima-scuola.com/ristorante/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/nojima-scuola/reserve |
| Operation Hours | 11:30 a.m.~3:30 p.m. (in by 2:00 p.m. & L.O. 2:00 p.m.) 6:00 p.m.~9:30 p.m.(in by 7:30 p.m. & L.O. 7:30 p.m.) |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
SEIKAIHA – Uminoya
Step into Uminoya, where the interior design, is reminiscent of a guest house from the early Meiji period, coupled with classical furnishings and enchanting chandeliers. The Christmas course is an exquisite fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine. such as carpaccio of 3-year-old fugu (blowfish), and an Awaji beef ragout infused with truffle flavor. See more info from the link below.
| 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.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d23580734-Reviews-Seikaiha_Uminoya-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
Click here for details of SEIKAIHA - Uminoya
Awaji Christmas Market
The Awaji Christmas Market will take place in Ladybird Road from the 21th December to 25th December 2023.
Opening hours: 11 am to 6 pm.
Multiple Christmas-themed booths and food trucks to provide the ultimate Christmas atmosphere for all visitors!
Illuminations on Awaji Island
Japan is famous for its vast illuminations and Awaji Island is no exception. Come and explore all the illuminations the island has to offer by reading our article about them.
Nijigen no Mori Anime Park
For the whole family we introduce the popular anime park Nijigen no Mori, located inside the Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park. On top of the always ongoing attractions, Nijigen has multiple winter limited events taking place inside the various attractions.
Lantern festival at NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato
NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato will host a wintertime limited event “The Lantern Illumination of Hidden Leaf Village” from December 16th 2023 (Saturday) to March 2nd 2024 (Saturday). During the event, Konoha village will be lit up with countless lanterns, creating the atmosphere of mythical, ancient Japan.
Illuminated Godzilla & Candle-making
See the Godzilla-styled illumination outside the Godzilla Interception Operation headquarters and get inside to make your own one-of-a-kind “Godzilla Candle”! The event features 12 cute Godzilla glass designs and free decorations and you can take your completed candle home with you.
| Park Name | NIJIGEN NO MORI |
|---|---|
| Address | 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 |
| TEL | 0799-64-7061 |
| Website | https://nijigennomori.com/ |
| Reservations | https://ticket.nijigennomori.com/en/ |
| Operation Hours | Everyday10:00-22:00 *Each attraction has a different last reception time and closing time. |
Click here for details of NIJIGEN NO MORI
©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ
TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.
Closing
As December is in full swing, make sure to plan your trip soon and follow us on Instagram for the latest updates on Christmas events.
