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Awaji Island: Day-trip plans from Osaka and Kobe

Did you know that despite being close to major cities like Osaka and Kobe, Awaji Island has been able to retain its rich nature and classic charm not found near the city? Awaji Island is connected to Kobe by the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge which is approximately four kilometers long, making reaching the island take only 30 minutes from Kobe.

There are several interesting attractions and amusement parks scattered around Awaji Island that can be reached by highway bus. Simply board the bus to Awaji Island from Shinki Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal, located a short three minute walk from Sannomiya Station in Kobe.

Bus Routes to Awaji Island

  • 1

    Northern Awaji Island

    Take the "Kita Awaji WEST COAST LINE" Shinki highway bus
    Bus stops: Click here

  • 2

    Western Awaji Island

    Take the "Awaji Island Goshiki" Shinki highway bus
    Bus stops: Click here

  • 3

    Eastern Awaji Island

    Take the "Awaji Island Sumoto" Shinki highway bus
    Bus stops: Click here

  • 4

    Southern Awaji Island

    Take the "Awaji Island Fukura" Shinki highway bus
    Bus stops: Click here

Shinki Bus Kobe-Sannomiya Bus Terminal

To board the highway bus to Awaji Island, please go directly to the Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal. Tickets for regular one-way travel are not sold at the ticket counter and should be paid on board the bus. You can pay the fare either in cash or by using an IC card such as Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA.

Opening hours: 9:30～13:20 / 14:20～19:00

Northern Awaji Island: Nijigen no Mori

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.

Godzilla attraction

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.

Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park

Both children and adults can enjoy this obstacle course based on the theme of Crayon Shin-chan.

Getting there:

  1. Arrive at Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal
  2. Board the Kita Awaji WEST COAST LINE highway bus
  3. Get off at Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park (car park F for Nijigen no Mori)
  4. Walk 2 minutes

Highway Bus Timetable

Northern Awaji Island: Zenbo Seinei

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's popular amongst travelers seeking mental and physical refreshment.
Official website

Notable points:

  • The all-wooden structure designed by architect Shigeru Ban is breathtaking and allows for a sense of unity with nature
  • Various zen and yoga activities are available for even beginners to participate in
  • You can enjoy shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) made with local ingredients good for the body
  • Some staff can respond in English, so foreign travelers can use the facilities with a peace of mind

Getting there:

  1. Arrive at Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal
  2. Board the Kita Awaji WEST COAST LINE highway bus
  3. Get off at Zembo Seinei

Highway Bus Timetable

Northern Awaji Island: HELLO KITTY SMILE

HELLO KITTY SMILE is an amusement park deticated to the iconic and beloved character, Hello Kitty! Meet Hello Kitty, buy exclusive merchandise, and join shows perfect for families and Hello Kitty fans alike! Even the building, which is shaped like a giant Hello Kitty, is perfect for photos!
Official website

Notable points:

  • You can buy original goods only available at this one location
  • Plenty of photo opportunites which incorporate Hello Kitty designs
  • Hello Kitty dining options are also available

Getting there:

  1. Arrive at Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal
  2. Board the Kita Awaji WEST COAST LINE highway bus
  3. Get off at "Nojima Oishi (Miele)"
  4. Walk 8 minutes

Highway Bus Timetable

Western Awaji Island: A Happy Pancake & Terrace

A Happy Pancake on Awaji Island is a perfect way to enjoy the natural scenery of Awaji Island while dining on fluffy and photogenic pancakes! The restaurant also serves pizza and pasta and has a sweets store nearby to pick up sweets as a souviner. You can enjoy taking a picture at the photo spot "幸せの駅”, or "A Happy Station", with signs pointing to "the past" and "the future".
Official website

Notable points:

  • During sunset you can see beautiful coastal views
  • Plenty of photo worthy spots including a swing, "A Happy Stairs", "A Happy Chair", and "A Happy Wedding Bell"overlooking the water
  • A poolside bar is also available on the premises

Getting there:

  1. Arrive at Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal
  2. Board the Awaji Island (Goshiki) highway bus
  3. Get off at "A Happy Pancake"

Highway Bus Timetable

Activities on Awaji Island: Janohire Dolphin Farm

Learn about the ecology of dolphins and their amazing abilities.

  • Observe:

    Get to see dolphins up close.

  • Interact:

    Make contact with dolphins without entering the water.

  • Swim:

    Swim with the dolphins in the sea.

Getting there:

  1. Arrive at Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal
  2. Board the Awaji Island (Fukura) highway bus
  3. Take a 10 minute taxi to Janohire Dolphin Farm

Highway Bus Timetable

Southern Awaji Island: Naruto Whirlpools

Southern Awaji Island: A day trip exploring the Naruto Whirlpools and traditional culture in a small port town

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.

Getting there:

  1. Arrive at Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal
  2. Board the Awaji Island (Fukura) highway bus
  3. Walk 3 minutes

Highway Bus Timetable

Cruise ship booking information

Local delicacies in Fukura

Challenge Mall Fukura CAP

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.

Getting there:

  1. Arrive at Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal
  2. Board the Awaji Island (Fukura) highway bus
  3. Walk 2 minutes

Highway Bus Timetable

Awaji Aun

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.

Getting there:

  1. Arrive at Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal
  2. Board the Awaji Island (Fukura) highway bus
  3. Walk 3 minutes

Highway Bus Timetable

Awaji Island day trip plans

Itinerary 1

  • Kosokumaiko 9:45 (highway bus; no reservation needed) >> Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park (car park F for Nijigen no Mori) 9:58
  • Three hours at Nijigen no Mori
  • Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park (car park F for Nijigen no Mori) 12:58 (highway bus) >> Toshima Naka 13:21
  • Toshima Naka 13:36 (loop bus anti-clockwise service) >> A Happy Pancake (bus stop) 13:59
  • A Happy Pancake (bus stop) (highway bus | approx. 30min) >> Kosokumaiko bus stop (highway bus | approx. 30min) >> Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal

Itinerary 2

  • Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal (highway bus | approx. 30min) >> Kosokumaiko bus stop (highway bus | approx. 30min) >> A Happy Pancake (bus stop)
  • Spend time at A Happy Pancake
  • A Happy Pancake (bus stop) 12:30 (loop bus clockwise service) >> Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park 12:55
  • Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park 13:33 (highway bus) >> Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park (car park F for Nijigen no Mori) 13:53
  • Spend time at Nijigen no Mori
  • Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park (car park F for Nijigen no Mori) 18:40 (highway bus) >> Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal 19:24

Culture and traditions of Awaji Island: Awaji Ningyoza

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.

Getting there:

  1. Arrive at Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal
  2. Board the Awaji Island (Fukura) highway bus
  3. Walk 3 minutes

Highway Bus Timetable

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