Complete Guide to Awaji Island: Where to Go and What to Do

According to ancient Japanese mythology, the gods Izanagi and Izanami stood in heaven and dipped a jeweled spear into the chaotic oceans below. As they pulled the spear from the water, salty droplets fell and formed the first island. They moved to the island and created more islands, one of the first of which was said to be Awaji Island. Located within the Seto Inland Sea between the islands of Honshu and Shikoku, this sacred land where Japan’s creation myth began remains a place of deep cultural significance and natural beauty. From the thunderous whirlpools of the Naruto Strait to fields of flowers that bloom year-round, Awaji Island offers a journey through Japan that’s not to be missed.

The most direct route to Awaji Island is by bus or rental car. From Osaka or Kobe, express buses depart regularly from major transit hubs like Namba and Sannomiya, reaching the island in under two hours. If traveling by car, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge offers a breathtaking drive over the Seto Island Sea. Travelers from Tokyo can fly into Kansai International Airport or Kobe Airport and then take a bus or rental car.

Awaji Island is best explored by car, allowing easy access to its diverse attractions. While public buses serve major points of interest, they run infrequently, making travel less flexible. Cycling is another popular option for shorter distances, especially along the island’s scenic coastal roads.

1. Cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

Spanning nearly 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is one of the world’s longest suspension bridges, connecting the city of Kobe to Awaji Island. The bridge itself is an engineering marvel designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons while offering breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. Visitors can experience the scale of this structure by joining a tour, which includes a walk along the bridge’s maintenance path high above the water.

2. Witness the power of the Naruto whirlpools

At the southern tip of Awaji Island, the Naruto Strait roars to life as ocean currents collide, creating powerful whirlpools. This natural phenomenon occurs due to the rapid tidal shifts between the Pacific Ocean and the Seto Inland Sea. The best way to see the whirlpools up close is by boarding a sightseeing boat that takes visitors to the heart of the swirling waters. Alternatively, the Uzu no Michi walkway on the Onaruto Bridge offers a glass-floor vantage point above the churning waves.

3. Wander through Awaji’s famous flower fields

Awaji is home to some of the most breathtaking flower fields in Japan. At Awaji Hanasajiki, a vast hilltop park, visitors can stroll through waves of colorful blossoms that change with the seasons. Spring brings bright poppies and vegetable flowers, summer sees sunflower fields stretch towards the sky, autumn carpets the park in cosmos flowers, and winter reveals delicate stock flowers in full bloom. Overlooking the sea, the park provides a stunning contrast between land and water, making it an ideal stop for photographers.

4. Experience Ando architecture at Awaji Yumebutai

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, Awaji Yumebutai is a striking blend of modern architecture and landscaping. Originally a soil excavation spot, Ando transformed it into a series of terraced gardens, minimalist concrete structures, and reflecting pools. The Hyakudanen, or “100 Stepped Garden,” features a cascading series of flower beds with different species of plants. Walking through the site is a meditative experience, where water, greenery, and geometric forms create a seamless harmony.

5. Explore Sumoto City and Sumoto Castle

A city on Awaji Island, Sumoto is known for its fresh seafood, lively markets, and local crafts. Overlooking the city, Sumoto Castle dates back to the 16th century and provides panoramic views of the coast. While the original castle no longer stands, the reconstructed stone walls and pathways make for a rewarding hike. Sumoto is also home to a number of hot spring resorts, where visitors can soak in mineral-rich waters while hazing out over Osaka Bay.

6. Shiawase no Pancake Honten Awaji Island Resort

Shiawase no Pancake Honten Awaji Island Resort is a delightful destination that combines delicious pancakes with stunning views on Awaji Island. This charming cafe is renowned for its fluffy, mouth-watering pancakes served in a picturesque setting, including the serene ocean views and lush greenery. There are several photo spots, such as the shiawase no kaidan or Stairs of Happiness, where the staircase leads to a door frame with the sky and ocean in the backdrop.

Awaji Island’s rich farmlands and surrounding waters produce some of Japan’s finest ingredients. The island is particularly famous for Awaji Wagyu, a premium beef known for its rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Seafood lovers can indulge in everything including freshly caught sea bream, octopus, and whitebait, all of which are locally sourced.

Toto Seawind Awaji

Designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, Toto Seawind Awaji is a masterpiece of minimalist architecture that harmonizes with the natural surroundings. Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, the hotel’s sleek concrete walls, open-air corridors, and strategically placed windows frame stunning ocean views while embracing Ando’s signature interplay of light and space.

Grand Nikko Awaji (Awajishima)

Another work of Tadao Ando, Grand Nikko Awaji offers a luxurious night’s stay within the iconic Awaji Yumebutai complex. The hotel’s refined interiors and sweeping bay views complement Ando’s architectural vision, making it an ideal retreat for those who appreciate both comfort and design. Guests can relax in elegant rooms, stroll through the stunning terraced gardens of Yumebutai, or unwind in the hotel’s sauna.

Grand Chariot Hokuto Shichisei 135

For a unique and indulgent stay, Grand Chariot Hokuto Shichisei 135 offers a collection of luxury cottage-style accommodations nestled in the hills of Awaji Island. Each private villa is designed to provide an intimate, exclusive retreat, complete with panoramic views of the sea and sky. This secluded haven is ideal for travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind luxury experience away from the crowds.