Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture is one of the most popular resort destinations in the Kansai region.
It is easy to reach from Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, the center of Hyogo, and has many unique attractions, including Awaji Yumebutai, Nijigen no Mori, and the Uzushio whirlpool cruises.
Relaxing by the sea is a pleasure in itself, but activities let you experience even more of what makes Awaji Island special.
This article introduces three activities you can enjoy on Awaji Island.
- Horseback riding that takes you into the sea
- Swimming with dolphins
- Fishing from a private charter boat
At the end, it also introduces places to stay that offer plans including these activities, which can help when planning a trip with family, a partner, or friends.
[Horseback Riding and Sea Swimming] A Riding Experience That Goes into the Water
Have you ever been horseback riding?
Many people picture sitting up straight in the saddle and listening to hoofbeats as the horse walks through nature.
On Awaji Island, you can enjoy a different kind of riding experience.
You ride straight into the sea, and in the water you can hug the horse, sit facing backward, or even try standing on its back.
Moves that would feel too risky on land are easier to try in the sea, where a fall simply means a splash into the water.
The horses that swim with you love the sea.
Watching them play happily in the water is a charming sight.
You can also hold on to a horse’s tail and be pulled along as you swim.
With a horse beside you, you may discover a more adventurous side of yourself.
See stay plans that include horseback riding and sea swimming »
[Meet the Dolphins] Swim Alongside Friendly Dolphins
If you have touched a dolphin at an aquarium and wished you could interact with one more closely, this experience may appeal to you.
On Awaji Island, you can take part in a dolphin encounter.
On the course where you swim in the sea with dolphins, you can watch them up close and interact with them, and you will start to notice how each dolphin has its own personality.
For example, you may notice that one dolphin comes closer as soon as you make eye contact, while another prefers to keep a little distance and calmly observe.
Seeing the dolphins behave naturally up close is one of the highlights, and time spent with a friendly dolphin can be very relaxing.
You may even get to give a signal and watch a dolphin perform right in front of you.
See stay plans that include swimming with dolphins »
[Private Charter Fishing] Catch Fish and Eat Them
Surrounded by the sea, Awaji Island lands a wide variety of seafood throughout the year, so it is a good place to enjoy fresh red sea bream, young yellowtail, and yellowtail.
Here you can try catching your own fish and eating it.
On a charter fishing trip, you have an entire well-equipped boat to yourselves.
Families with children do not need to worry about other passengers, and you can move to a new spot or head back to port whenever the children are ready.
All the gear you need can be rented for free, and experienced staff share tips, so even beginners have a good chance of landing a prized fish.
Children who usually avoid fish may enjoy eating one they caught themselves.
Experienced anglers can also take on their own challenges, such as aiming for sea bream.
See stay plans that include charter fishing »
3 Places to Stay with Activity Plans
After a day of activities, a memorable place to stay can make the trip even better.
Below are places to stay that offer stay plans including the activities above. Each one meets the following criteria.
Recommended if you are looking for
– Local food
– Private hot spring baths
– Room for larger groups
[Private Villa Awaji THE SUITE] Night Views from a Luxury Villa
Private Villa Awaji THE SUITE is a private villa rented as a whole that accommodates up to eight guests.
The grounds include a glass-walled barbecue area and a private pool, both beautifully lit at night.
Across the sea, you can also see the illuminated Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, a night view quite different from a city skyline.
The villa also offers meal plans featuring food from Awaji Island.
Meal plans featuring Awaji Island food
– Glamping barbecue (Standard or Top Grade)
– Premium sukiyaki
– Shabu-shabu with Awaji beef and seasonal vegetables
The Top Grade glamping barbecue features a menu produced by Ryowa Daido, a restaurant on Kitano-zaka in Kobe.
Ryowa Daido is a Michelin-starred restaurant centered on Japanese cuisine, which makes its barbecue menu a special treat.
Nearby attractions
| Private Villa Awaji THE SUITE Address: 1801-2 Iwaya, Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture Phone: +81-50-3135-2324 (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) Official website (Japanese): https://www.villa-awaji.com/ |
[GLAMP MARE Awaji] Glamping with Wide Open Sea Views
GLAMP MARE Awaji is a glamping resort in a popular area of Awaji Island.
Glamping often brings to mind dome tents, but GLAMP MARE Awaji offers three types of tents: the Bell Tent, the Mare Dome, and the Molto Dome.
A variety of glamping tents
Bell Tent
A square tent with large windows. Open them wide and relax in the sea breeze.
Mare Dome
A round, charming dome that appeals to guests of all ages. It sleeps up to five, making it a good fit for two-generation family trips or friends traveling together.
Molto Dome
Sleeps up to 10 guests. Two connected domes make it well suited to multiple families or three-generation trips that want separate bedrooms.
GLAMP MARE Awaji also offers meal plans featuring Awaji Island food.
The barbecue serves Awaji specialties such as Awaji beef, Awaji pork, onions, and octopus in Western-style dishes, including tomato and cheese bakes, bouillabaisse, octopus ajillo, and keema curry with turmeric rice.
Shabu-shabu with Awaji beef and seasonal vegetables and premium sukiyaki are also available for those who prefer delicate dashi or classic sukiyaki flavors.
Nearby attractions
| GLAMP MARE Awaji Address: 2013 Tsuda, Kamaguchi, Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture Phone: +81-50-3135-2324 Official website: https://en.glamping-awaji.com/ |
[Private Villa Glamping Awaji] Choose Between Villas and Glamping
Private Villa Glamping Awaji is on the Osaka Bay side of central Awaji Island.
It offers both villas and glamping units, each well suited to a special stay with someone close to you.
Each villa has a private infinity pool that takes on a romantic atmosphere as the sun sets.
The glamping units have a kitchen with a barbecue grill and a bathroom separate from the dome tent used as the bedroom, so bathroom sounds do not carry into the sleeping area.
Here, too, the meals are full of Awaji Island flavors.
The glamping barbecue plan includes Awaji beef sirloin steak, Awaji pork steak, and fresh vegetables served in a skillet and as a salad.
The menu comes with small bread rolls, but consider adding the optional Awaji rice cooked in a Dutch oven.
The Dutch oven brings out the flavor of Awaji rice, giving it a glossy look and a pleasantly chewy texture.
Try it on its own first to taste the natural sweetness of the rice.
Nearby attractions
| Private Villa Glamping Awaji Address: 2071 Otani, Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture Phone: +81-50-3135-2324 (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) Official website (Japanese): https://www.suitevilla-awaji.com/ |
Summary
This article introduced three activities that showcase Awaji Island and places to stay that offer plans including them.
From meeting horses and dolphins that live in Awaji Island’s mild climate to catching fresh fish yourself, there are many experiences you will not find elsewhere.
The island suits travelers who want to avoid crowds and relax, as well as those looking for something new at a resort destination.
