Things To Do
in Awaji
Awaji is a picturesque island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, known for its stunning natural beauty and lush greenery. The island is famous for its many hot springs and onsens, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Awaji is also known for its delicious seafood, with many local restaurants serving fresh and flavorful dishes.
The island is steeped in history and culture, with historic sites, traditional gardens, and festivals that showcase its rich heritage.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Awaji Hanasajiki, a flower park with beautiful seasonal blooms. Grab some breakfast at a nearby café while enjoying the scenic views.
Explore the Awaji Yumebutai, an impressive complex featuring gardens and architectural wonders. Have lunch at a local restaurant to taste the island's famous onion dishes.
As the sun sets, relax on the beach and take in the stunning twilight colors over the ocean. Dine at a seaside restaurant for fresh seafood and local specialties.
Begin your day hiking at the stunning Cape Kamikaze and take in the views of the coastline. Enjoy a picnic breakfast amidst the greenery.
Visit the Awaji Island Craft Workshop to try your hand at traditional crafts. Have lunch in the nearby town, sampling some homemade local cuisine.
In the evening, take a peaceful stroll through the flower-lined streets of Awaji City. Enjoy a cozy dinner at an izakaya, experiencing local dining culture.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including stunning coastlines and mountains.
- Rich cultural heritage and history, with numerous temples and festivals.
- Delicious local cuisine, especially seafood and the famous Awaji beef.
- Relaxed atmosphere, making it a great destination for a peaceful getaway.
- Access to natural hot springs (onsen) for a unique Japanese experience.
- Limited public transportation options, making it challenging to get around without a car.
- Less tourist infrastructure compared to more popular destinations like Kyoto or Osaka.
- Some areas may not have English signage or services, which can be a barrier for international visitors.
- Seasonal weather extremes, including hot summers and cold winters, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Potential risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes or typhoons, as the region is located in a seismic zone.
Best Activities in Awaji
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful coastal roads and scenic countryside of Awaji Island on a cycling tour.
Traverse the island's lush forests and volcanic terrain on hiking trails such as the Awaji Yumebutai.
Enjoy the sun and sea at one of Awaji's picturesque beaches, such as Iwaya Beach or Tsusuikyo Beach.
Engage in recreational fishing at various spots around Awaji, known for its abundance of marine life.
Take advantage of Awaji's golf courses, offering stunning views and immaculately maintained greens.
Tours
Uncover the best of Awaji with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Awaji
Visit one of these nice places.
A complex of architectural structures and gardens with panoramic views of the sea and surrounding landscape, offering numerous photo opportunities.
A natural phenomenon where the tides create whirlpools in the Naruto Strait, providing a unique and captivating sight for photo enthusiasts.
An ancient hilltop castle with scenic views of the surrounding city and coastline, making it a perfect spot for capturing breathtaking images.
Food in Awaji
Awaji Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Known for its exceptional marbling and tenderness, Awaji beef is a must-try. Look for it at local restaurants and grills, such as Awaji Beef Yoshiba.
Must-Try!
Freshly caught squid is often served as sashimi, showcasing the island's abundant seafood. Try it at Izanai Sushi or local seafood stalls.
The Naruto Strait near Awaji is famous for its Tai, or seabream. Sample this local specialty at seaside restaurants like Uzushio and Misaki.
These sweet and crunchy onions are a local favorite. They are used in various dishes, from tempura to salads, and can be found at Awaji Onion Kitchen and local markets.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Awaji better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Awaji Fish Market offers a wide selection of exceptionally fresh seafood. Visitors can also enjoy street food stalls serving grilled fish, tempura, and seafood skewers.
This market is dedicated to the island's renowned onions. Visitors can find various onion-based products, including snacks, pickles, and even onion-infused ice cream.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Awaji, Japan, it is customary to bow slightly when greeting someone as a sign of respect.
It is a cultural norm in Japan, including Awaji, to take off your shoes before entering someone's home or certain traditional establishments.
In Japanese culture, including Awaji, it's important to maintain a respectful distance and be mindful of personal space when interacting with others.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Awaji with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Awaji
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Awaji. It is generally not expected or required to tip in restaurants, hotels, or for services.
In Awaji, Japan, cash is the most widely accepted form of payment. Credit cards are also becoming more commonly accepted, especially in larger establishments. It's important for visitors to have enough cash on hand, especially when venturing into more remote areas of Awaji.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Awaji.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to see cherry blossoms, warm weather, and various flower festivals
Warm weather, beach activities, and the Awaji Lavender Festival in July
Mild weather, autumn foliage, and the Awaji Onion Festival in October
Cool weather, illumination events, and hot spring baths to warm up
Awaji at Night
Hiking in Awaji
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful area with well-marked trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding nature and coastline.
This park features various hiking paths, picnic areas, and scenic spots perfect for hiking enthusiasts and families.
A popular hiking destination on Awaji Island that provides more challenging trails and breathtaking panoramic views from the summit.
A unique area that combines horticulture and art, with paths that allow for leisurely hikes along beautifully designed gardens.
Offers several hiking routes and is known for its lush greenery and tranquility, ideal for those looking to escape into nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Awaji through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Awaji by plane.
Kansai International Airport is the primary international airport serving the Kansai region of Japan, located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay.
Osaka International Airport, also known as Itami Airport, primarily serves domestic flights but is located close to the city of Osaka and serves as a hub for nearby international travel.
Ibaraki Airport is located in the Ibaraki Prefecture and serves as a secondary international airport for the Kansai region, offering both domestic and limited international flights.
Kobe Airport is located on an island in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, and serves domestic flights and some international services, offering easy access to and from the Kansai region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Awaji has a significant elderly population, reflecting the broader demographic trend of Japan, where a large portion of the population is aged 65 and older.
This group primarily includes individuals between the ages of 15 and 64, who contribute to the local economy and workforce.
Children and teenagers represent the younger demographic, though this group is relatively smaller due to declining birth rates.
A smaller but growing demographic that includes expatriates and immigrants from various countries, contributing to cultural diversity.
Visitors that come to Awaji, especially during peak seasons, contributing temporarily to the local demographic landscape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is widely played and followed in Awaji, with local clubs and schools participating in regional leagues.
Baseball is extremely popular in Awaji, with many youth teams and an enthusiastic fan base supporting local high school teams.
Tennis is a favored sport in Awaji, enjoyed both recreationally and competitively, with several local courts and tournaments.
Volleyball is popular in schools and community centers in Awaji, with net setups often found in public spaces.
Given Awaji's coastal location, fishing is a common recreational activity and an important part of local culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Awaji.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, some restaurants and cafes, like Cafe Olive, offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's advisable to communicate dietary preferences clearly when ordering.
Gluten-free options may be limited in some traditional dishes, but modern establishments often provide gluten-free alternatives. It's best to inquire about gluten-free choices when dining out.