Did you know that despite being close to major cities like Osaka and Kobe, Awaji Island is rich in nature and retains many of the archetypal scenes of Japan? It is connected to Kobe by the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which is approximately four kilometers long, so you can reach the island in only 30 minutes.
And the views from the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge are just spectacular. If you visit Osaka or Kobe, why not take a trip to Awaji Island and create some wonderful memories of a Kansai trip that is a bit different from everyone else?
When visiting Awaji Island, a tour to the Naruto Whirlpools is not to be missed. The massive whirlpools created by the forces of nature are amazing—something you can observe up close from the safety of a boat. The whirlpool sightseeing boats depart from the port of Fukura.
A three-minute walk from Fukura Bus Terminal.
Awaji Ningyoza is a traditional puppet theater troupe located on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture.
With a history that dates back to the Edo period, this troupe continues to preserve the local culture.
Zenbo Seiei is a facility surrounded by the rich nature of Awaji Island, offering a tranquil space where you can enjoy Zen experiences, yoga, and Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori). It' popular amongst travelers seeking mental and physical refreshment.
Access: From Kobe Sannomiya, take a highway bus (Shinki Bus) for about 40 minutes and get off at "Awaji IC." Then take the free shuttle bus "Bus Jishima" and get off at the "Zenbo Seinei-mae" bus stop.
Official website
Notable points:
Located on Awaji Island, Fukimodoshi no Sato is the only facility in Japan where you can experience making the nostalgic Japanese toy “fukimodoshi” (party blowers or roll-out whistles). It's a popular spot to enjoy and learn about traditional Japanese toys and history.
Access: From Kobe Sannomiya, take the express bus (Shinki Bus) for about 1 hour and get off at Higashiura Bus Terminal. Then, transfer to the Awaji City Community Bus "Awa-kami Awa-hime Bus" on the Higashiura-Hokudan Line and get off at "Fukimodoshi no Sato-mae" bus stop.
Official website
Notable points:
A selection of popular food stalls housed in stylish-looking light blue shipping containers. All of the stores adhere to the concept of using ingredients produced on Awaji Island.
A popular seafood restaurant with a focus on local fresh fish and shellfish.
The menu changes with the seasons; snapper dishes in spring, conger eel in summer, and blowfish in winter.
The ever-popular snapper with somen noodles can be enjoyed year-round.
*The restaurant does not accept walk-ins—reservations are accepted by phone only.
Learn about the ecology of dolphins and their amazing abilities.
Get to see dolphins up close.
Make contact with dolphins without entering the water.
Swim with the dolphins in the sea.
Osaka Station (JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line | Special Rapid Service; approx. 25min) >> Sannomiya Station (three-minute walk) >> Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal (highway bus; no reservation needed | approx. 1hr 30min) >> Fukura Bus Terminal
Osaka Station (JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line | Special Rapid Service; approx. 50min) >> Maiko Station (five-minute walk) >> Kosokumaiko bus stop (highway bus; no reservation needed | approx. 1hr) >> Fukura Bus Terminal
Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal (highway bus; no reservation needed | approx. 1hr 30min) >> Fukura Bus Terminal
For anime fans, Nijigen no Mori is definitely a highlight of Awaji Island. This amusement park offers some exciting attractions based on the themes of popular anime works, including Naruto, Crayon Shin-chan, and Godzilla.
One of the most notable attractions is the zipline experience that sends you hurtling into the jaws of Godzilla. This thrilling 120-meter-long adventure experience is unlike anything else.
Both children and adults can enjoy this obstacle course based on the theme of Crayon Shin-chan.
A Happy Pancake is a must-visit café on Awaji Island. While there are locations in other cities, the atmosphere is really special on the terrace of the Awaji Island store—the best location to savor the flavor of some fluffy pancakes.
Fukura Bus Terminal (highway bus; approx. 60min | airport limousine bus to Kobe Airport or Kosokumaiko/Kobe Sannomiya) >> Awaji Interchange (approx. 30min walk | about 2km) >> Nijigen no Mori
Fukura Bus Terminal (highway bus; approx. 50min | airport limousine bus to Kobe Airport or Kosokumaiko/Kobe Sannomiya) >> Hokudan Interchange (local bus 5–8min | bound for Takataya Kahei Park or loop bus anti-clockwise service ) >> A Happy Pancake (bus stop)
You can see plenty of Awaji Island in a single day, but if you have the time, we recommend you stay overnight to discover many more charms of the island.
Why not spend a bit more time on the island to truly take in the stunning natural scenery, partake in some activities, and enjoy the delicious food?
