Awaji Island, Awaji Travel Guide

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Explore Awaji Island: where myth meets modern attractions, offering stunning nature, rich history, and unique experiences in the Seto Inland Sea.

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Awaji Island

Awaji Island, nestled in the Seto Inland Sea, is steeped in Japanese mythology as the first island created by the gods Izanagi and Izanami. Today, it offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and modern attractions, easily accessible from major cities like Osaka and Kobe.

A brief summary to Awaji Island

Hyogo, JP

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Awaji Island.

Rent a car to explore the island's diverse attractions at your own pace, as public transportation can be infrequent.
Visit Awaji Hanasajiki for stunning seasonal flower displays overlooking the sea.
Witness the Naruto whirlpools at the southern tip of the island, a natural phenomenon created by colliding ocean currents.
Explore Awaji Yumebutai, an architectural masterpiece designed by Tadao Ando.
Try the local cuisine, including fresh seafood and Awaji beef burgers.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Uzu no Oka Onaruto Bridge Memorial Museum

Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park

Hyogo Prefecture Awaji Hanasajiki

Awaji World Park Onokoro

Awaji Yumebutai

Explore Awaji Island on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Awaji Island, mapped for you.

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Private Car Tour to Kyoto & Beyond | Kobe/Osaka Shore Excursion

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Getting There

Ferry

From Akashi, take the Awaji Jenova Line ferry to Iwaya Port on Awaji Island. The ferry departs from Akashi Port, a short walk south of JR Akashi Station and Sanyo Akashi Station. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes. The adult fare is ¥500, and an additional ¥220 is charged for bicycles.
Bus

Express buses from Osaka and Kobe regularly depart from major transit hubs like Namba and Sannomiya, reaching Awaji Island in under two hours. From Sannomiya Bus Terminal, take a highway bus to various points on Awaji Island. A one-way trip to Sumoto Bus Center costs ¥2,270 and takes about 1.5 hours. Consider purchasing a North Awaji bus ticket for unlimited rides on local buses.
Car

From Kobe, cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to reach Awaji Island. Tolls for the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge can be expensive. Once on the island, the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway provides access to various exits. Alternatively, explore the island via regular roads. Parking is available at major attractions and service areas. An ETC card can be useful for paying tolls.

Discover more about Awaji Island

Awaji Island, located between Honshu and Shikoku, is the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea and holds a special place in Japanese mythology. According to ancient texts, it was the first island created by the gods Izanagi and Izanami, making it a land of deep cultural significance.The island boasts a diverse landscape, from the dramatic Naruto whirlpools to serene flower fields that bloom year-round. Visitors can explore historical sites like Izanagi Shrine, believed to be Japan's oldest shrine, and delve into the island's past at the Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park, which preserves the Nojima Fault from the 1995 Kobe earthquake.Awaji Island also offers modern attractions such as Awaji Yumebutai, an architectural complex designed by Tadao Ando, and Nijigen no Mori, an anime theme park. The island is known for its fresh seafood, local crafts, and hot spring resorts, providing a variety of experiences for tourists. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or entertainment, Awaji Island provides something for everyone.