As the wintertime approaches there are multiple activities to do when traveling as a family in Japan. Visiting a theme park as a family day trip is a good idea since there’ll be fewer people during the off-season times and many other activities to do in the winter. Here we aim to introduce all the best things to do as a family when visiting Awaji Island on your Japan trip
Table of Contents
Nijigen no Mori
Come and enjoy the world of anime with your children in the best way possible. Nijigen no Mori is truly a hidden gem in the realm of Japan’s theme parks due to its remote location and unfamiliarity for tourists. There are no crowds and you can access all the attractions in the park easily and without having to wait in line for hours. More time to enjoy the attractions and take photos with just you in them!
NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato
There are many ninja attractions themed around the world of the anime “NARUTO”. Hold a Ninja Scroll in your hand and try your hand at athletics, mazes, and riddle solving.
In addition to activities, we will also sell Naruto gourmet food and Naruto goods. A projection mapping show will also be held in the evening.
Godzilla Interception Operation
The Godzilla attraction, developed together with Toho Studios consists of a short film, a zipline, a shooting game, a museum, a shop and themed food.
For winter season, the attraction offers a Godzilla candle-making experience where you can make your own cute chibi-godzilla candle.
Dragon Quest Island
The world of Dragon Quest comes to life at the Nijigen no Mori attraction where you are the hero of the story and go through the town on a quest to save the day and fight the final boss!
Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park
Crayon Shin-chan is a classic children’s anime popular in Japan revolving around the normal everyday life of a little boy, Shin-chan. In this attraction the world of the anime is brought to life at an interactive obstacle course, adventurous zipline and preschool maze and a “horror” house.
| 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
Hello Kitty Apple Land
A guaranteed family winter activity is the Hello Kitty hot spots: Kids love Hello Kitty! And so do adults, so why not come and explore the amazing Hello Kitty themed attractions on Awaji Island together with the family?
HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX
The HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX is a fun place to enjoy shows, dining, and shopping. During lunchtime, you can enjoy the popular HELLO KITTY JAZZ BAND show with its cheerful performance and giant screen. The show changes with the season, so you can enjoy the show again and again. The food is vegan and contains no animal products. You will be surprised at how delicious the food is.
| Location | HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX |
|---|---|
| Address | 177-5 Nojimahirabayashi, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1724 |
| Access | 10 minutes by car from Awaji IC and 15 minutes from Hokudan Interchange on Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9022 |
| Parking | Free parking available |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
| Operating Hours | 11:00-17:00 |
| Show Time | 12:10-13:30(Open at 11:00, Last In at 12:00) |
| Café and Greetings by HELLO KITTY | 14:00-17:00 Greeting at 14:30-/16:00- Café Show and Greetings by HELLO KITTY: 14:30~ / 16:00~ |
| Website | https://awajiresort.com/hellokittyshowbox/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022838-d17793182-Reviews-Hello_Kitty_Show_Box-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Review | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/hellokittyshowbox/reserve |
Click here for details of HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX
HELLO KITTY SMILE
HELLO KITTY SMILE is the only Hello Kitty-themed facility in Japan, that offers the latest media art depicting Hello Kitty in the ocean as well as Hello Kitty-related goods in eight areas including a 360-degree theater. Hello Kitty also greets you in the gallery and restaurants
| 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.tablecheck.com/en/shops/hellokitty-smile2restaurant/reserve |
| Review | 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
© 2023 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L640005
Nojima Scuola
Nojima Scuola is a unique renovation project of a former elementary school that has become a beloved destination for locals, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of childhood. The converted complex houses a variety of establishments, including a bustling market, a delightful bakery, a cozy café, an authentic Italian restaurant, and a charming BBQ terrace.
Limited-time events are held at Nojima Zoo where you can celebrate Christmas with the animals. Additionally, special Christmas courses that allow you to get into the holiday spirit are offered at the restaurants within Nojima Scuola. With goats, rabbits, mini pigs, ponies, and other cute animals living there, you can enjoy a special Christmas on Awaji Island while interacting with these adorable creatures.
| Name | Nojima Scuola |
|---|---|
| Adress | 843 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Website | https://www.nojima-scuola.com/ |
| Reservations | 2F Ristorante Scuola https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022838-d12135206-Reviews-Nojima_Scoula-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| 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
Other Spots and Activities
If after all that you still wish to know more and see more places on this beautiful Island during the winter season, we recommend checking our other articles on the Popular Christmas Spots and family Vacation spots.
