With the number of foreign visitors to Japan reaching an incredible number of 3 million in March 2024, Osaka has become increasingly crowded, especially in bustling districts like Namba. Many tourists use Namba as a starting point to explore other tourist destinations, including Awaji Island.
Awaji Island is an ideal hideaway. This island located in the Seto Inland Sea is known for its beautiful nature, rich history, and delicious gourmet food. Despite its rural atmosphere, it is home to trendy seaside cafes and restaurants and popular character theme parks.
Transportation to Awaji Island is very easy, and it is also easily accessible from Namba, Osaka. In this article, we will show you how to get to Awaji Island from Namba, Osaka.
Table of Contents
By Train from Namba Station to Sannomiya Station
Accessing Awaji Island from Namba is very easy. First, take the train from Namba Station to Sannomiya Station. The easiest way to get there from Namba, Osaka is to take the Hanshin Railway’s Hanshin Namba Line from Osaka Namba Station to Kobe Sannomiya Station.
Another option is to take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line from Namba Station to Umeda Station, then take the JR Tokaido Line from Osaka Station to Sannomiya Station.
By Express Bus From Sannomiya to Awaji Island
The next step is to go to Awaji Island from Sannomiya. The easiest way is to use the Awaji Resort Bus/Kita-Awaji West Coast Line (Shinki Bus). This bus service streamlines access to Awaji Island. Visit some of the most popular locations along Awaji Island’s stunning west coast, including the anime theme park Nijigen no Mori and Hello Kitty facilities.
The Kita-Awaji Nishi-Kaigan Line to Awaji Island departs from the “Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal”. Please note that this is not the ” Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Mint Kobe)”. The two bus terminals are approximately a 2-minute walk from each other. Please refer to the map above to locate the correct terminal.
The Awaji Resort Bus – Kita-Awaji Nishi-Kaigan Line (Shinki Bus) is your best option for traveling to Awaji Island, but it runs only a few times a day, so your schedule might not always align with it.
Don’t worry. There is another option. From Sannomiya Station, you can head to Awaji Interchange (IC). Two bus stops serve Awaji IC: one at Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Mint Kobe) and the other at Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal. Both buses will take you to Awaji IC.
By Free Shuttle Bus From Awaji IC to Awaji Island West Coast
From Awaji IC, a free shuttle bus travels to all the major facilities on the west coast of Awaji Island. Simply inform the driver of your destination before boarding, and you’ll be all set!
Please check the article below for details of the routes and schedule of the bus.
There is a free shuttle bus that travels around the facilities on the west coast of Awaji Island. This is the same bus that picks you up from Awaji IC if you are using the second option. It’s a very convenient way to get around the island. Please look for the bus with the design shown above.
Traveling Back to Osaka
Traveling from Awaji Island to Namba, or other areas in Osaka, is also easy. The return journey is simply the reverse of your trip to Awaji Island. The Kita-Awaji Nishi-Kaigan Line is the best option, as it goes directly to Sannomiya.
Alternatively, you can use the free shuttle bus to Awaji IC, and then take a bus to Sannomiya. From Sannomiya, getting to Osaka is very straightforward using the train.
