Awaji Island Travel: A Stylish 2-Day Northern Awaji Itinerary for Couples

Awaji Island is blessed with abundant nature, breathtaking scenery, and famous local cuisine. In recent years, its west coast area has seen a surge of stylish new tourist facilities and restaurants opening up.

That’s why we’ve created this perfect 2-day, 1-night model course for couples exploring Northern Awaji Island! This itinerary is designed for a weekday trip from Osaka without a car, focusing on the island’s northern part.

We’ll introduce many romantic spots and Instagram-worthy locations perfect for couples—guaranteed to be useful for your date plans! We hope you find it helpful.

＜Recommended for＞
・Traveling to Awaji Island from Osaka on a weekday
・Wanting to know how to get around using public transportation (without a car)
・Looking to indulge in luxurious meals and accommodation
・Seeking date spot recommendations
・Wanting to enjoy shopping at stylish spots

Day 1 : Northern Awaji Island ~ East Coast

 【Osaka → Awaji Yumebutai】

①Train: JR Osaka Station (Dep. 8:44) → JR Maiko Station (Arr. 9:32)
-JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line Rapid (for Aboshi)
-Fare: 820 yen

②Express Bus: “Highway Maiko” (Dep. 10:00) → “Awaji Yumebutai-mae” (Arr. 10:18)　
-Route: Kobe ⇔ Awaji Yumebutai / Higashiura (Bound for Higashiura), “Oiso 15号”
-Fare: 590 yen

Note: The “Oiso” bus cannot be booked online. Please purchase tickets by phone or at a convenience store (details here). Bus and train times are subject to change.

While there are direct buses from Osaka to Awaji IC, access from Awaji IC to Awaji Yumebutai is inconvenient and time-consuming, so transferring at Maiko is the better choice! The ride from Highway Maiko to Awaji Yumebutai takes just under 20 minutes.

【Awaji Yumebutai】10:30 | Artistic Architecture & Awaji Gourmet

First, arrive at Awaji Yumebutai! This is a complex facility designed by architect Tadao Ando as a resort coexisting with nature. Highlights include the “View Terrace” and the “Hyakudanen” (Hundred-Step Garden), beautiful from any angle. Ando’s philosophy of “light and shadow” is reflected here. Enjoy the Tadao Ando world together, discussing where the light and shadows fall.

Recommended Lunch

It’s best to have lunch before the crowds arrive, around 11:00 AM. Awaji Yumebutai has the restaurant “Kaisen Ryori Kitora” and the cafe & souvenir shop “TOM’S STUDIO“. We highly recommend the “Kuroge Wagyu Yakiniku Sashimi Gozen” (Black Wagyu Beef Yakiniku and Sashimi Set) at Kaisen Ryori Kitora, where you can enjoy both fresh seafood sashimi from the Awaji sea and Wagyu beef.

Estimated Stay: Just under 2 hours, including lunch.

【Awaji Kokuen Akashi Kaikyo Park】12:30 | A Relaxing Date in the Flower Gardens

Next, head to Awaji Kokuen Akashi Kaikyo Park, about an 8-minute walk from Awaji Yumebutai.

The vast fields of seasonal flowers are like a scene from a dream! The park features flower monuments depicting Awaji’s famous octopus and a phoenix symbolizing recovery and rebirth after the Great Awaji Earthquake. The flowers in these monuments change with the seasons. Be sure to see what they look like during your visit! The 4.3-hectare lawn area is perfect for relaxing, watching children and pets play, or enjoying a picnic. Enjoy a relaxing date time, soothed by the flower gardens and green lawns.

Estimated Stay: Just under 1 hour.

 【Local Bus】From Akashi Kaikyo Park to Sennenichi Sake Brewery

【Akashi Kaikyo Park → Sennenichi Sake Brewery】
①　Akashi Kaikyo Park (Dep. 13:15) → “Awaji Yumebutai-mae” (Arr. 13:30) Walk to the “Awaji Yumebutai-mae” bus stop.
②”Awaji Yumebutai-mae” (Dep. 13:42) → “Kariya” (Arr. 14:02)
– Awa-Jin Awa-Hime Bus (Clockwise)
– Fare: 500 yen
–Bus times are subject to change.

After relaxing at the park, head to Sennenichi Sake Brewery. The bus ride takes about 20 minutes. It’s just a 1-minute walk from the “Kariya” bus stop to the brewery.

【Sennenichi Sake Brewery】14:05 | Sake Brewery Tour & Tasting

Sennenichi Sake Brewery is a traditional Awaji sake brewery founded 147 years ago. They are dedicated to brewing clean, delicious sake that pairs well with Awaji Island’s fresh seafood and mountain produce. 

Their “Senmusui” sake was born from the desperate efforts of the brewers after the brewery suffered catastrophic damage in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. It’s a must-try to feel the passion behind the sake. 

The shop offers free tastings, and small groups can tour the brewery without a reservation (though you can also book via email if preferred).

Recommended Sake

Their blue-hued “Aishu (Romance)” sake has a low alcohol content (8-9%) and a refreshing, fruity taste, making it easy to drink for everyone. 

The cute pink-packaged plum wine, made with Nanko plums and their “Genshu Awaji” sake with less rock sugar, has a subtle sweetness that highlights the flavor of the plums and sake. They also sell exclusive sake, snacks, and cups. Perfect as souvenirs or for enjoying at your accommodation.

Estimated Stay: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

 【Local Bus】From Sennenichi Sake Brewery to Private Villa Glamping Awaji

【Sennenichi Sake Brewery → Private Villa Glamping Awaji】
①　”Kariya” (Dep. 15:00) → “Oya” (Arr. 15:20)
–  Awa-Jin Awa-Hime Bus (Clockwise)
– Fare: 500 yen
②　”Oya” Bus Stop (Arr. 15:20) → Private Villa Glamping Awaji (Arr. 15:35~) *15-minute walk.*- Bus times are subject to change.

After getting some delicious sake, head to your accommodation, Private Villa Glamping Awaji. After taking the bus, it’s about a 15-minute walk. If you have heavy luggage, consider using the Sumoto Kanko Taxi!

Taxi is an alternative

Source：https://www.sumoto-kt.com/

If walking with luggage is difficult, a taxi is a good option. Sumoto Kanko Taxi can pick you up without a call-out fee. It’s also fun to ask the driver about Awaji Island’s sights and food!

【Private Villa Glamping Awaji】15:30 | Romantic Time Watching the Sunset

Private Villa Glamping Awaji offers ocean-view villas with private pools, providing a private and extraordinary experience. The changing sky from evening to night is beautiful and creates a romantic mood. 

Gazing at Awaji’s clear night sky might make you realize, “We haven’t talked about our future lately.” It’s a perfect time to share your feelings with your loved one.

Indulge in Premium Food & Hot Springs!

The villa offers various meal plans, but we recommend the Glamping BBQ Plan featuring abundant Awaji ingredients. Enjoy Awaji beef and pork steak, plus side dishes like “Aligot & Hot Vegetable Skillet” and “Ratatouille.” 

The villa also has a private hot spring bath, allowing you to relax and soothe your travel fatigue without worrying about others.

Read More

Top 6 Glamping Stays in Awaji Island: Enjoy Private Hot Springs, Saunas, and Gourmet Cuisine Awaji Island is gaining popularity as an easily accessible resort destination from major cities like Kyoto and Osaka. Instead of making it a simple day trip,…

Day 2 : Central Awaji Island ~ West Coast ~Northern Awaji

On the second day, visit Izanagi Jingu Shrine, then head to the West Coast area. This area has recently seen many stylish, resort-like spots appear, with excellent access by local bus! You can enjoy Awaji gourmet food, plus there are many shopping and Instagrammable spots.

【Private Villa Glamping Awaji】10:00 | Enjoy the Hot Spring & Breakfast, Then Depart!

After waking up refreshed in Awaji’s clear air, enjoy the hot spring again! A morning bath helps wake you up. Then, recharge with breakfast like the two types of bagel sandwiches and salad. Try not to overeat, as you’ll enjoy more Awaji gourmet food in the afternoon! 

Once ready, check out and head to the couples’ power spot, Izanagi Jingu. While accessible by bus, it’s time-consuming, so we recommend a taxi (approx. 15 minutes).

【Izanagi Jingu】10:15 | A Power Spot to Deepen Your Bond

Awaji Island is known as the “Island of the Birth of the Country” and the “Hometown of Couples.” Izanagi Jingu is the oldest shrine in Japan, dedicated to the first couple in Japanese mythology, Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto. 

The wagtail bird is revered here as a sacred bird that binds men and women together. It’s a must-visit power spot for those wishing for marital harmony or love.

Buy Matching Goods at Sekirei-no-Sato

Within the grounds, “Sekirei-no-Sato” sells charms themed on couples and original products using local ingredients. Buy some matching items!

Estimated Stay: Just under 30 minutes.

 【Local Bus】Izanagi Jingu → Happy Pancake

【Izanagi Jingu → Happy Pancake】
①　”Izanagi Jingu-mae” (Dep. 11:22) → “Happy Pancake-mae” (Arr. 11:37)
 – Shinki Bus Sannomiya-Nishiuramine (Up)
– Bus times are subject to change.

After praying for harmony at the shrine, head to the West Coast. First, to the popular Happy Pancake! It’s about a 15-minute bus ride.

【Happy Pancake】11:40 | Sweets & Photo Time at the “Happy” Spots!

While “Happy Pancake” has locations nationwide, its flagship store is on Awaji Island! The shop includes “Awaji Island Financier Factory” for Awaji-exclusive financiers and “Awaji Island Sweets Terrace” for take-out. The thick financiers, made with French fermented butter and no baking powder, are fluffy and rich. Try a freshly baked one, then buy a box of 10 as a souvenir.

Take photos at the ‘Happy’ Spot !

There are many photo spots like “Happy Stairs,” “Happy Ring,” and “Happy Bell.” It’s also a great place for pre-wedding photos!

Estimated Stay: 1 to 1.5 hours.

 【Local Bus】Happy Pancake → Nojima Scuola

【Happy Pancake → Nojima Scuola】
①　”Happy Pancake-mae” (Dep. 13:28) → “Hikino-ura” (Arr. 13:55)
Awa-Jin Awa-Hime Bus (Clockwise)
– Fare: 500 yen
– Bus times are subject to change.
※バスの発着時刻は日によって変動する可能性があります。

From “Happy Pancake-mae,” take the clockwise Awa-Jin Awa-Hime Bus for about 30 minutes to “Hikino-ura,” then walk 5 minutes to the colorful, stylish school, Nojima Scuola.

【Nojima Scuola】14:00 | A School with Restaurants, Shopping, and a Zoo?!

“Scuola” means “school” in Italian. True to its name, Nojima Scuola is a renovated former elementary school, retaining its charm while becoming a stylish spot. 

Inside, you’ll find restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. If you’re peckish, try the gelato made with Awaji salt at “Nojima Marche“!

Alpacas Walking Overhead?!

There’s even a “Nojima Zoo” inside, with friendly alpacas and goats that may walk over the overhead paths, and fluffy rabbits you can interact with. If timing allows, don’t miss the guinea pig races!

Estimated Stay: About 1 hour.

 【Local Bus or Walk】Nojima Scuola → HELLO KITTY SMILE

【Nojima Scuola → HELLO KITTY SMILE】
①　”Hikino-ura” (Dep. 14:54) → “Nakamura” (Arr. 14:56)
– Awa-Jin Awa-Hime Bus (Clockwise)
– Fare: 500 yen
– Bus times are subject to change.

From Nojima Scuola to HELLO KITTY SMILE, the bus takes 2 minutes. It’s a 13-minute walk if you have time.

【HELLO KITTY SMILE】15:00 | Fall in Love with Limited-Edition Kitty!

HELLO KITTY SMILE features an underwater world where Hello Kitty appears as the Princess of the Dragon Palace. Enjoy finding hidden Kitties, kaleidoscopes, and a mirror maze! After finishing, visit the Hello Kitty room for a chat and photo.

Buy Limited-Edition Hello Kitty Goods!

Source：https://awaji-resort.com/hellokittysmile/

The “HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX SHOP” sells exclusive Sanrio character goods, including practical wallets and bags perfect as souvenirs.

Estimated Stay: About 1 hour.

 【Free Shuttle Bus】HELLO KITTY SMILE → Awaji Chef Garden By Pasona / Ladybird Road

Next, head to the trendy resort Awaji Chef Garden. The free “Kita Awaji Shuyu Bus” takes 1-2 minutes (walking takes 18 minutes).

【Awaji Chef Garden By Pasona / Ladybird Road】16:00 | Healthy Sweets for a Beauty Boost!

This area features colorful containers and European-style streets filled with shops offering Awaji’s cuisine, especially dishes using select ingredients and health-conscious options.

The healthy vegan chocolate factory is a must-see!

Source：https://www.awaji-chefgarden.com/viecholat

VIE CHOCOLAT, Awaji’s first vegan chocolate factory, sells healthy chocolate sweets with reduced fat and calories. The “Vegan Bonbon Chocolat” is cute and makes a great gift.

Estimated Stay: About 1 hour.

 【Express Bus + Train】Awaji Island → Osaka | 17:25~

【Awaji Island → Osaka】
①　”Awaji Chef Garden” (Dep. 17:25) → “Awaji Inter” (Arr. 17:40)
Kita Awaji Shuyu Bus (Northbound), Free
②　”Awaji Inter” (Dep. 18:11) → “Shin-Kobe Station” (Arr. 18:55)　
Nishi-Nihon JR Bus (Osaka/Kobe ⇔ Nijigennomori/Sumoto), “Kakehashi 44号”　
– Fare: 780 yen → Buy tickets here
③　“Shin-Kobe” (Dep. 19:10) → “Sannomiya” → “Osaka” (Arr. 19:43)
– Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line (Local for Seishin-Chuo) / JR Tokaido Main Line (New Rapid for Yasu)
– Fare: 630 yen
– Bus and train times are subject to change.

After enjoying Awaji’s stylish spots, return to Osaka via express bus and train. 

First, go to “Awaji Inter” for the bus. As direct buses to Osaka are limited in the evening, taking the bus to Shin-Kobe and then the train to Osaka is common. This itinerary assumes a round trip from Osaka, but ending your return trip in Kobe is easier.

Awaji Island Transport Q&A

この章では、淡路島の移動に関する情報やお役立ちツールをQ＆A方式で解説します。

Q1. How do I get to Awaji Island?

From the Kansai area, express buses or ferries can get you to Awaji Island in as little as 13 minutes! Ferries, in particular, run from early morning until late at night. Although departure/arrival points are limited, ferries are recommended for speed and convenience. If you know where you want to go on Awaji, a direct bus might be better.

【Transportation to Awaji Island】

Q2. Where can I find local bus information?

The screenshots in this article were taken using “buSmo“, a web app that covers Awaji Island’s public transport, useful for searching bus and ferry connections. You can save it to your home screen without installing an app. 

You can search for bus stops near attractions and save favorite stops. Does not include 

“Kita Awaji Shuyu Bus” info.

Q3. How do I pay for local buses?

IC cards are not usable on Awaji’s local buses. Please prepare cash or a pass. 

The Awa-Jin Awa-Hime Bus costs a flat 500 yen per ride for adults. The 1-Day Free Pass (1,000 yen) is recommended if you plan to ride multiple times. You can buy passes on the “Busmori!” app and use them directly on the bus, which is very convenient.

Summery

We’ve introduced a detailed 2-day, 1-night model course for couples visiting Awaji Island from Osaka using public transport!

 We hope this realistic itinerary helps you plan a wonderful trip with your loved one.

Read More

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 f…