A Day Trip Isn’t Enough! Discover Awaji Island’s Best Attractions, Food, and Stays

Hyogo’s Awaji Island, known as one of the top resort destinations in the Kansai region, is loved by travelers from both Japan and abroad. While it’s famous for Awaji onions and the thrilling whirlpool cruises, did you know there’s so much more to explore?

In this article, we’ll introduce the charms of Awaji Island—such as Awaji Yumebutai, Nijigen no Mori, and its many power spots connected to Japan’s creation myth—along with recommended attractions and accommodations that will help you fully enjoy the island.

3 reasons you NEED to visit Awaji Island

Planning your trip? Let’s break down the essentials: transportation, food, and attractions !

Highlight 1: Easy Access — A Resort Just 13 Minutes from Kansai

Awaji Island, part of Hyogo Prefecture, floats in the eastern Seto Inland Sea.
From the Kansai area, you can reach the island in as little as 13 minutes by highway bus or ferry! Ferries are especially convenient, running from around 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. While the departure points are limited, if you want the quickest and most convenient route, the ferry is your best bet.

Here’s a rough guide to travel times:

【Transportation to Awaji Island】

Highlight 2: Meat! Fish! Veggies! Awaji’s Rich Food Culture

Awaji Island is blessed with fresh vegetables, meat, and seafood, boasting plenty of local “Awaji brand” specialties.

Awaji Island Onions

Unlike regular onions (with a sugar content of about 5), Awaji onions reach 9–10! That’s as sweet as strawberries or watermelon. Juicy, mild, and delicious raw, they become meltingly soft and extra sweet when cooked. Try them in onion salad, onion steak, or onion soup!

Awaji Beef & Awaji Pork

Raised in Awaji’s mild climate, the beef and pork are another local highlight. Their tender, high-quality flavor and light, clean fat are perfect for steak, sukiyaki, or shabu-shabu (Japanese style hotpot )

Three-Year Farmed Fugu (blow fish)

Awaji’s coastal waters are full of delicacies like abalone, sea bream, spiny lobster, and blowfish. Among them, the rare “three-year fugu,” grown to twice the size of ordinary fugu, offers firm, rich-tasting flesh. Enjoy it as hot pot (tecchiri), sashimi, or karaage (Japanese Fried Dish) —so good it’s worth a trip to the island just for this!

Highlight 3: Where Ancient Legends Meet Pop Culture

Awaji Island is known as the “Island of Creation,” said to be the very first land formed in Japan, according to the Kojiki, Japan’s oldest historical record. Spots like Nushima and Izana-gi Jingu Shrine, tied to these myths, have preserved traditions for over 1,300 years and remain sacred to both locals and visitors.

At the same time, the island is home to expansive theme parks dedicated to anime, games, and popular characters—subculture attractions you won’t find in big cities. This unique mix of ancient history and modern entertainment makes Awaji especially fascinating.

From the next section, we’ll dive into Awaji’s must-see spots by theme!

2 Stunning Nature Spots on Awaji Island

First up, let’s look at two breathtaking scenic spots where you can experience Awaji’s natural beauty.

Awaji Yumebutai – An Artistic Escape Perfect for a Grown-Up Date

Designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, Awaji Yumebutai was built as a resort that lives in harmony with nature. There are three main highlights you’ll want to check out here.

Highlight 1: The Terrace of Light and Shadow

One of the coolest areas is the observation terrace, where modern design and nature come together beautifully. Ando’s philosophy of “light and shadow” is built right into the space, and as you walk around, you’ll really start to feel like you’ve stepped into the “world of Tadao Ando.”

The terrace is made up of several sections: the Circular Forum, the Sea Corridor, the Oval Forum, and the Mountain Corridor. Wander through and see if you can spot where the play of light and shadow comes into action.

Highlight 2: The Hyakudan-en – 100 Terraced Gardens

Climb a little higher above the terrace and you’ll find the Hyakudan-en, a garden of 100 flowerbeds arranged like steps along the hillside.

From the top, you get a sweeping view of Osaka Bay. From the bottom, you’ll be surrounded by flowers bursting into bloom. Both views are spectacular, so take your time and find your own favorite angle.

Highlight 3 : Food & Souvenirs

On-site, there’s the seafood restaurant Kaisendokoro Kitora and a café and gift shop called TOM’S STUDIO. Whether you’re hungry for a full meal like a set menu, or just want something quick like an Awaji Island burger, you’ve got options.

The souvenir corner is also worth a browse—grab some fried onion snacks or onion-flavored chips made with the famous Awaji onion. Perfect for munching back at your hotel.If you give yourself about 1.5 hours, you’ll have enough time to explore the whole complex at a relaxed pace.

Awaji Greenhouse Renewal (March 20, 2025)！


Source：https://awaji-botanicalgarden.com/re-open1/

Right next to Yumebutai is the massive greenhouse Awaji Greenhouse (Awaji Green Kan), which just reopened after renovations on March 20, 2025.

This is one of Japan’s largest botanical gardens, featuring rare plants like the “Jurassic Tree.” The renewal brings a bold new centerpiece: a tropical orchid display in vibrant red, designed to create an energetic, passionate atmosphere.

Another highlight is a permanent installation by British sculptor James Doran-Webb. His driftwood art piece Jumping Gazelle shows a gazelle searching for food among plants—symbolizing the strength and vitality of nature.

If you love plants, flowers, or just peaceful spaces, definitely add this spot to your list.

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Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park – Perfect for Families

Just a short walk from Yumebutai, you’ll find Akashi Kaikyo Park, another must-see. Here are the two big highlights:

Highlight 1 : Seasonal Flower Fields

No matter when you visit, there’s always something blooming. Tulips, calendulas, and baby blue eyes in spring; sunflowers in summer; cosmos in fall. Huge fields of flowers make for amazing photo ops.

Don’t miss the flower monuments—giant designs shaped like Awaji’s local octopus and the “Firebird,” a symbol of recovery after the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. The flowers change with the seasons, so it feels fresh every time you visit.

Highlight 2 : Huge Playgrounds for Kids

Families will love the massive playgrounds. Yumekko Land is one of the biggest in Kansai, with 150 different pieces of equipment—slides, tunnels, climbing nets—you name it. Kids will be running around non-stop!

If they still have energy left, head to Children’s Forest for a giant jungle gym and slides that feel like a mini adventure park.

Plan to spend about 2 hours here if you want to enjoy the park without rushing.

Theme Parks ＆ Fun for Grown-Ups Too

Awaji Island isn’t just about nature and history—it’s also home to some pretty unique theme parks and attractions that both kids and adults can enjoy. Here are three of the best.

Nijigen no Mori – A Paradise for Anime & Game Fans !

If you’re into Japanese anime, games, or movies, Nijigen no Mori is a must. Fans come here from all over the world, and it’s packed with immersive attractions.

Highlight 1 : Six Big Attractions – Become the Hero!

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

Dragon Quest Island
Godzilla Interception Operation
NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato
Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park
Monster Hunter: The Field
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba collaboration area

Normally, we experience anime and games on a screen—but here, you get to step into those worlds and actually become the hero. Team up with family or friends to clear missions using your brain, stamina, and instincts.

One highlight? The zipline that lets you fly straight into the mouth of a 120-meter-long life-size Godzilla. It’s both terrifying and thrilling—will you dare to face it?

Highlight 2 : Themed Food You Can Only Get Here

Of course, there’s food too—and it’s just as fun. At Ichiraku Ramen inside the Naruto attraction, you can slurp ramen just like Naruto himself.

Fans of Dragon Quest shouldn’t miss Luida’s Tavern, a dining spot that recreates the famous gathering place for adventurers. Keep your eyes peeled—your lunchbox might even hide a cute onion slime! Even if you’re not a hardcore fan, you’ll want to take photos here.

Plan at least 1.5 to 3.5 hours per attraction. Since many involve moving around and climbing, wear comfortable clothes.

【HELLO KITTY AWAJI APPLE LAND】Cute, Colorful, and Photogenic

If you’re more into kawaii culture, HELLO KITTY AWAJI APPLE LAND is pure magic. It’s made up of three main areas:

3 Areas in HELLO KITTY AWAJI APPLE LAND
①HELLO KITTY SMILE
②HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE
③HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX

①HELLO KITTY SMILE　 Explore a Mermaid Princess’s Castle

This spot lets you play, eat, and shop all in one place.

【Play Area】

Step into an underwater fantasy world created with projection mapping, where Hello Kitty appears as the princess Otohime. Look out for hidden Hello Kitties, and don’t miss her boyfriend “Urashima Daniel” making a surprise appearance. After exploring, try hands-on activities like painting or sand art to create your own Kitty-themed souvenir.

【Dining Area】

Choose from two restaurants—GARDEN Terrace (Chinese cuisine) and Ryugu Restaurant Tamatebako, a stylish hidden gem. Keep your camera ready: Hello Kitty herself sometimes shows up for greetings, making it the perfect spot for birthdays or anniversaries.

【Shopping Area】

The HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX SHOP is full of Sanrio goods you won’t find anywhere else. Some are surprisingly chic—like wallets and bags—that even adults can use every day.

②HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE

Just a 5-minute drive from HELLO KITTY SMILE is the quirky Apple House and the Show Box, officially recognized by Guinness as the world’s largest apple-shaped building on July  2nd , 2022. 

Inside, projection mapping brings “Hello Kitty’s Dream” to life, with cute scenes like Kitty enjoying afternoon tea. Climb up through the apple and you’ll reach the observation deck—where a giant Hello Kitty face stares back at you. It’s a surreal photo op you’ll definitely want to capture.

③HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX – A Restaurant with Live Shows and Vegan Cuisine!

At HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, you don’t just eat—you watch a live performance while you dine! The restaurant serves creative vegan cuisine made entirely from plant-based ingredients.

Believe it or not, every single dish in the menu photo above is completely vegan—no meat at all! And yet, the flavors are so satisfying that even non-vegetarians rave, saying, “Wait, this is vegan!?” If you’re a meat-lover, this is your chance to taste vegan food that might just change your mind.

Heads Up : Pay Attention to Entry Times
The restaurant’s opening hours are scheduled around the live shows, so timing is important:
Lunch Time entry: 11:00–12:00
Café Time Part 1: 14:00–15:30Café Time Part 2: 15:30–17:00
If you want to catch a specific show, make sure to plan your visit to HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE accordingly so you don’t miss your slot here.

Time Needed for the Hello Kitty Attractions

HELLO KITTY SMILE: Around 1 to 1.5 hours
HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX + APPLE HOUSE: About 1 to 2 hours together

So if you allow roughly 3.5 hours in total, you’ll have more than enough time to fully enjoy all three Hello Kitty spots without rushing !

Uzunooka Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall – A Facility Dedicated to All Things Awaji!

This spot combines everything that makes Awaji Island special, with four highlights you don’t want to miss.

Highlight ① Uzushio Science Museum – Learn the Mystery of the Whirlpools

On the first floor of the Memorial Hall, the Uzushio Science Museum explains how whirlpools form, using videos and hydraulic models that recreate natural water flow inside a tank.

If you plan to hop on a whirlpool cruise, stopping here first will help you understand the phenomenon and make the real-life experience even more thrilling!

Highlight ② “Ottamage!” Quirky Onion-Themed Fun

On the grounds, you’ll find a 2.8-meter-tall giant onion monument, a playful onion claw machine, and even a neon-lit onion street called Tamaden.

The whole project, Ottamage! Awaji Island, was created to show off Awaji’s surprises. The word “Ottamage” comes from “ottamageru” (to be shocked), which literally means “to be extremely surprised.” Pairing that with “onion” makes for a clever pun you won’t forget.

Don’t leave without snapping some fun photos with the many onion installations scattered around!

Highlight ③ Shop Uzunokuni – Irresistible Local Souvenirs

If you love unique local gifts, this is your paradise. From “Oni Pota”, a creamy onion potage soup, to “Fried Onion”, a magic seasoning that goes with any dish, the shop is loaded with goodies.

Many items are Awaji exclusives, so if the word “limited” makes your heart race, beware—you might end up buying too much!

Highlight ④ Onion Kitchen – Taste Awaji’s Signature Gourmet Burgers

When it comes to Awaji gourmet, nothing beats the Awaji Island Burger sold from the Onion Kitchen food truck.

The Awaji Onion Beef Burger and the Awaji Onion Gratin Burger have earned 1st and 2nd place at the National Local Burger Grand Prix!

The star of the burgers? Onions, of course. The Beef Burger is layered with onion cutlet, onion slices, onion chips, onion fondue, and tomato sauce—basically an onion lover’s dream.

The Gratin Burger swaps tomato sauce for miso-meat sauce and adds creamy onion gratin on top. Despite the hearty size, it’s surprisingly easy to finish, which explains its popularity.

Don’t choose—try both!

※ Awaji Onion Beef Burger: 1st place, 2013 Local Burger Grand Prix
※Awaji Onion Gratin Burger: 2nd place, 2014 Local Burger Grand Prix

Awaji Exclusive! Uzushio Whirlpool Cruise Experience　

No trip to Awaji is complete without witnessing the legendary whirlpools. Before you board, here are three key points to know:

Point①See the World’s Largest Whirlpool Up Close

The Naruto Strait, near the Onaruto Bridge, is home to whirlpools so huge they can reach 20 meters in diameter during spring and autumn tides—that’s the width of four cars side by side!

On the Uzushio Cruise, the ship sails right next to the action, letting you feel the power up close. No worries about safety—the large vessels can hold 500–700 people, are very stable, and won’t be swallowed by the whirlpools.

Point②Timing Is Everything

Whirlpools don’t appear all the time. Their size depends on the tide and current. The best chance to see a giant whirlpool is during full moons and new moons—about twice a month.

The cruise website posts a calendar showing “Giant Whirlpool Days,” “Medium Whirlpool Days,” “Small Whirlpool Days,” and “Low Expectation Days.” Be sure to check in advance!

The cruise takes about 60 minutes, with two ships—Kanrin Maru and Nippon Maru—operating on different schedules.

Point③Kanrin Maru vs. Nippon Maru

The Kanrin Maru is a replica of the steam-powered sailing ship that famously crossed the Pacific in 1860 under Kaishu Katsu. Its retro exterior hides a fully barrier-free interior, equipped with wheelchair access, multipurpose toilets, a nursing room, and even a kids’ corner—perfect for families.

The sleek white Nippon Maru is often chartered for fireworks cruises and corporate events in summer. It’s a great choice for groups wanting a private rental.

Both cost the same, but here’s the tip:

・Families → Kanrin Maru
・Groups/charters → Nippon Maru

Discover Awaji’s Mythical Legends – 2 Must – Visit Shrines

As Japan’s “birthplace island,” Awaji is filled with sites tied to ancient myths. Two stand out as must-visits: Nushima and Izana-gi Shrine.

Nushima – The Leading Candidate for “Onokoro Island”

Floating off Awaji’s Pacific coast, tiny Nushima is believed to be the mythical “Onokoro Island,” the very first island described in Japan’s oldest record, the Kojiki.

The Kojiki’s Creation Myth:
In the beginning, the land was chaotic. Two deities, Izanagi and Izanami, stirred the seas with a heavenly spear. Droplets fell from its tip, forming “Onokoro Island.”

※Summarized from the wesite：https://kuniumi-awaji.jp/story/

The word “Onokoro” (自凝島) means “an island that naturally solidifies.” Even the sound effect “kooro-kooro” resembles the name.

Why Nushima? Two main reasons:

1. Kami-tategami Rock

Said to be where the two deities married. A heart-shaped mark on the rock is believed to symbolize their love, attracting couples seeking blessings for romance and harmony.

2. Origin of the name “Numa”

Even today, the spear’s name pops up in modern games and anime—proof of how deeply these myths influence Japanese subculture.

Beyond Kami-tategami Rock, you’ll also find Benzaiten Shrine, Onokoro Shrine, and Nushima Hachiman Shrine, all linked to the legend.

Izanagi Shrine – Spiritual Site Spot for Couples and Families

Izanagi Shrine holds the distinguished title of Japan’s oldest shrine, dedicated to the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami. As the divine couple who gave birth to the Japanese islands, it’s no wonder this sacred ground is a powerful magnet for those seeking blessings in love and marriage. Visitors come to pray for happy unions, successful relationships, or to commemorate milestone anniversaries like their 25th (silver) and 50th (golden).

Inside the grounds, the souvenir shop Sekirei no Sato sells charms and original goods themed around couples, made with local ingredients. “Sekirei” is a bird considered a divine messenger of the shrine, symbolizing bonds between men and women.

2 Recommended Places to Stay on Awaji

There’s simply too much to explore on Awaji Island for just a day trip! To make the most of your visit, check out these two standout accommodation choices.

Private Villa Awaji The Suite – Ideal for Groups in Northern Awaji

If you want luxury, privacy, and stunning views, book a stay at this villa. Perfect for BBQs, hot springs, and enjoying the illuminated terrace and pool at night, all with the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in the background.

Each villa accommodates up to 8 people, with bedrooms on both floors—ideal for friend trips or multi-generational families.

Meals feature Awaji’s freshest local ingredients, making every dinner memorable.

Nankaiso – A Hidden Gem Ryokan in Southern Awaji

Tucked away in southwest Awaji Island, the Nankaiso ryokan is a cherished retreat, famous for its stunning views, exquisite cuisine, and relaxing hot spring baths.

Each guest room is uniquely designed by local artists, drawing inspiration from Awaji’s essence with themes like “Onokoro,” a reference to the island’s ancient creation myth, and “Shimakaze” (Island Wind), evoking a sense of refreshing breeze.

The culinary experience is a highlight, featuring Italian-inspired dishes crafted from the day’s freshest catch—such as conger eel and sea bream—from the nearby Maruyama Port, all expertly paired with a selection of fine wines.

Complete your stay with a soak in the on-site Uzushio Onsen, a renowned “beauty bath” whose bicarbonate-rich waters are celebrated for leaving skin feeling wonderfully smooth.

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Summary

Awaji Island stands as one of Kansai’s true resort gems, a unique destination where ancient mythology meets gourmet feasts and unforgettable attractions.

 To truly embrace its magic, we recommend moving beyond a simple day trip and planning a stay of one or two nights !

 Whether your perfect getaway involves breathtaking ocean views, soothing hot springs, or the freshest local cuisine, Awaji Island is a destination that truly has it all.