Awaji Island, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is a beautiful destination rich in history and natural beauty.
This leads to it attracting tourists from around Japan.
For international tourists though, it’s a little off the beaten path.
Recently, we decided to drive down from Nagoya.
The plan was to spend the day there, then head to Kobe to sample some of the famous A5 Kobe beef.
It was a 4- hour trip from Nagoya to Awaji island by car.
This trip plus 2 past trips have led to me compiling this article where I will. share some things to do on Awaji island.
Let’s get started.
Natural Attractions
Awaji Island does not take a long time to get from top to bottom.
If you are near the bottom end there are lots of fun places to see.
One such wonder is the Naruto Whirlpools, situated in the strait between Awaji Island and Shikoku.
These mesmerizing whirlpools are created by the tidal forces that flow in and out of the strait and can be viewed from the Onaruto Bridge.
For visitors looking to enjoy the island’s beautiful landscapes, the Hanasajiki flower fields are an excellent destination near the northern end of the island.
Spread over a vast area, these fields display a rich variety of vibrant flowers that bloom throughout the year, making this spot a colorful and delightful sight for nature lovers.
Here is a video I made walking around the flower park.
Here, visitors can witness a serene setting, surrounded by other amazing plants and flowers.
Cultural Experiences
Awaji Island, known as the birthplace of Japan, offers a unique blend of cultural experiences for visitors.
The island’s rich history comes to life through various attractions, such as the ancient Izanagi Shrine.
This pays homage to the deities Izanagi-no-mikoto and Izanami-no-mikoto.
Both are creators of the Japanese archipelago.
Another must-visit cultural destination is the Awaji Ningyo Joruri puppet theater.
This centuries-old art form captivates audiences with intricate puppetry, accompanied by traditional Japanese music and storytelling.
While visiting, be sure to catch a performance.
And even participate in a puppet handling workshop to get a behind-the-scenes look at this impressive craft if you can,.
On a more somber note, the Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park honors the victims of the 1995 Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake.
Visitors can learn about the disaster through exhibits and a special earthquake simulation room.
Other Activities
Adventure lovers can immerse themselves in the interactive attractions at Nijigen-no-Mori.
This features fun-filled activities such as the Hello Kitty Park, Parchez House of Scents, and Onokoro Theme Park.
For those looking to relax and unwind, Awaji Island boasts scenic open-air onsens.
This experience allows visitors to take in the island’s picturesque views as they soak in natural hot springs and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch.
Local Cuisine
Awaji Island is known for its delectable local cuisine, including the famous Awaji beef.
This is available to enjoy year-round.
But, the island is most famous for Onions!
We spent a fun few hours at Uzu Hill park.
Here, the theme is all things related to onions.
Even the tables look like a cut onion.
We enjoyed an onion burger, with rings and if you end up in the souvenir shop, try some of the onion soup.
It’s great and offers some great views and photo opportunities.
Travel Tips
A visit to Awaji Island can be a memorable experience if you plan ahead and follow these helpful travel tips.
While traveling to Awaji Island, the primary means of transportation is by bus or car.
Consider renting a car or taking a bus for convenient travel around the island.
Buses connect major tourist spots, but remember to check the bus schedule ahead of time, as some routes may have limited service
Awaji’s weather is mild throughout the year, with the best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November).
During these times, the climate is comfortable, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Cherry blossoms blooming in the spring and vibrant foliage in the fall.
