Awaji Island, Awajishima in Japanese, is a mild-weathered destination located in the Seto Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku. Featuring a legendary history, rich cultural attractions, breathtaking nature, and delectable cuisine from the land and sea, this island is an off-the-beaten-path retreat that opens your eyes to new perspectives of Japan.
According to Japan’s Creation Myth depicted in the Kojiki—the country’s oldest historical record—Awaji Island was the first island of the Japanese archipelago created by the deities Izanagi and Izanami. This prestigious history is still alive on the island today, preserved in beautiful cultural sites. Alongside the island’s heritage is the impressive modern day feat, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. This bridge links the island’s northern end to Kobe and is the world’s second longest suspension bridge. Culinary delights, such as nationally-beloved onions and high-quality Awaji beef, also await on the island.
As a base for it all, Kamenoi Hotel Awajishima, located on the island’s northern end, beautifully encapsulates the island’s charms, featuring ocean views, refreshing hot springs, spacious guest rooms, and dishes that highlight the regional gastronomy.
Learn more about Awaji Island’s offerings below and keep reading until the end for example itineraries to gain inspiration for your next unforgettable adventure!
What can I do on Awaji Island?
Sightseeing
One of Awaji Island’s most iconic landmarks is Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Maiko Marine Promenade, located on the Kobe side of the bridge, offers an up-close experience of this imposing sight. From the promenade’s observation deck, which is about 47 meters above sea level, you are granted stunning views of the ocean, Awaji Island, and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The promenade’s glass-bottom walkway is especially thrilling.
On the topic of bridges, Onaruto Bridge, situated on the island’s southern end, rests above the island’s most mesmerizing natural phenomenon—uzushio, or whirlpools. These massive whirlpools form in the strait between Awaji Island and Shikoku and can reach up to 30 meters in diameter, making them one of the world’s largest whirlpools. You can witness this expression of nature from Onaruto Bridge or from the sea via a cruise.
Moving inland, you will find numerous spots that meld modern and traditional Japanese aesthetics with nature. Starting with modern architecture, Awaji Yumebutai is a remarkable resort, designed by architect Tadao Ando, that prioritizes coexistence with nature. One of its most striking spots is Hyakudan-en (Hundred Steps Garden), which boasts 100 flower beds beautifully arranged on the mountainside. It is the perfect balance of nature and manmade design and serves as a unique photo spot.
Izanagi Shrine and Onokorojima Shrine are related to Japan’s Creation Myth, making them must-visit shrines for history and folklore enthusiasts. Izanagi Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines and enshrines the deities Izanagi and Izanami. On the grounds, you will find the 900-year-old couple tree, Meoto no Okusu. This power spot is frequented by visitors for good luck in relationships, marriage, and childbirth.
Onokorojima Shrine is one of the places where Onokorojima Island is said to have existed—the island that the Shinto deities first formed before creating Awaji Island. The shrine’s 21.7-meter-tall vermilion torii gate immediately draws you in with its eye-catching presence. Similar to Izanagi Shrine, many people visit this shrine for good fortune in matchmaking and childbirth.
Resting on Mt. Mikumayama and overlooking the city of Sumoto, the Sumoto Castle Ruins are a National Historical Site that transport you to 16th-century Japan. Admire magnificent stone walls partially reclaimed by nature and treat yourself to panoramic views of the encircling area from the castle’s reconstructed main keep.
Experiences
Given its idyllic location, Awaji Island is a hotspot for outdoor activities, such as parasailing, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), fishing, horseback riding, cycling, and so much more. If you plan on visiting the island between April and September, you can also witness its nighttime spectacle, umihotaru, or sea fireflies—a bioluminescent species of marine crustaceans. Once the sun sets, these tiny creatures emit a bluish glow, transforming the blackened sea into a starlit sky. The magical scenery is something that must be seen to be believed. Numerous accommodations on the island offer sea firefly viewing tours.
Back on land, Awaji Island is home to multiple industries that are renowned throughout Japan, namely incense and Awaji tiles. Incredibly, 70% of incense sticks produced in Japan come from Awaji Island as it is known for its high quality, refined techniques, and innovative ideas. At Kunjudo, a 130-year-old incense factory, you can join an incense-making experience and craft your own one-of-a-kind scent.
Awaji tiles have a roughly 400-year-old history and are considered one of Japan’s three highest quality tiles. Yasutomi Shiratsuchi Kawara is a company that continues to make these roof tiles, following craftsmanship that has been passed down for generations. Here, you can participate in a factory tour and an Awaji tile clay crafting workshop. Mold small items and create a souvenir intertwined with the island’s culture.
If Japan’s modern pop culture intrigues you, you will not want to miss Nijigen no Mori, a theme park that combines the worlds of anime, manga, and video games with the island’s lush nature. One of the park’s most dramatic attractions is its “Godzilla Interception Operation,” which has you zipline through the gaping mouth of a full-sized godzilla head. The kaiju’s piercing stare, crooked teeth, and rageful expression are guaranteed to elevate your heart rate.
Gastronomy
Thanks to its blessings from both the land and sea, Awaji Island is renowned for its agriculture, fishing, and livestock farming. So, dining on the island is just as memorable as sightseeing! Be sure to integrate the following three delicacies into your Awaji Island travel plans.
Starting with Awaji beef, this high-quality wagyu is known for its irresistible balance of marbling and lean meat. Internationally-renowned wagyu, like Kobe beef, is said to have originated from the same breed of black wagyu cattle—called Tajima Beef. One of the best ways to enjoy Awaji beef is an Awaji Island beef bowl, or gyudon in Japanese. With a base of local rice, this dish combines thinly sliced beef with the island’s renowned onions, creating an addictive marriage of savory and sweet flavors.
Awaji onions are a variety of onions that are sweeter and softer than typical onions and packed with nutrients thanks to the island’s rich soil. They are planted in autumn, harvested in spring, and then dried naturally to enhance their sweetness.
A high-end delicacy from the sea is Awaji Island three-year Japanese pufferfish. Farm-raised pufferfish are typically only nurtured for two years. However, this special type of pufferfish is carefully raised for an additional year. The resulting fish is bigger, has a more satisfying chew, and offers a deeper taste.
Other notable food staples include red sea bream, pike conger, namashirasu (raw whitebait), and Awaji noodles.
Regional souvenirs
Aside from incense sticks and Awaji tiles, the island’s souvenirs are primarily gourmet. Take a piece of Awaji Island home with you and spice up your meal repertoire with the following specialties: local sake, Awaji Tenobe Somen (famous hand-stretched wheat noodles), premium salt, nori (seaweed), and instant onion soup!
Where can I stay on Awaji Island?
With a car, you can easily drive from Awaji Island’s northern end to southern end in roughly one hour, making access to all of its main attractions relatively easy. If you are looking for a cozy hotel that offers prime access to the island’s destinations, look no further than Kamenoi Hotel Awajishima. Located on the island’s northwestern coast, this hotel was recently renewed in August 2025 and brings Awaji Island’s nature, culture, and gastronomy to the forefront of its offerings.
The moment you enter the hotel, the lobby welcomes you with phenomenal panoramas of the ocean, ushering you into a state of wonderment no matter the time of day.
Captivating ocean-view guest rooms
Kamenoi Hotel Awajishima offers a variety of room types, including Western-style rooms, Japanese-style rooms, and Japanese-Western fusion rooms (a maximum of up to five people can stay). Most of the rooms have windows facing the sea, allowing you to admire Awaji Island’s beautiful ocean views. The sunset sinking into the horizon—dyeing the sky and sea orange—is truly spectacular. Privately enjoy this enchanting scenery from the comfort of your room.
For a truly indulgent stay, consider booking a guest room with a private open-air hot spring bath. These luxurious room types feature spacious terraces with grassy areas. You can also enjoy the natural hot spring “Ogurayama Onsen” 24 hours a day, without leaving your room. Without time constraints or concerns about privacy, you can unwind at your own pace. Rest in the steaming water and feel your whole body relax. The terrace and open-air bath are especially charming at night as they grant unobstructed views of the starry night sky.
Creative kaiseki cuisine by the head chef in the evening and buffet-style meals in the morning
Dinner features kaiseki cuisine prepared by the head chef, using an abundance of seasonal ingredients. In summer, you can enjoy hamo (pike conger/sea eel) with its refined flavor and delicate texture, while in winter, the menu includes richly flavored, three-year Japanese pufferfish raised in the Naruto Strait for three years. Other seasonal specialties include Awaji sea bream cooked in a clay pot as tai-meshi (sea bream rice) and tai shabu-shabu. The menu also offers Awaji beef, known for its tender texture and natural sweetness, Awaji Island onions, and a variety of fresh seafood such as sea bream, octopus, and sawara (Spanish mackerel), allowing you to fully enjoy the culinary bounty of each season.
Breakfast is also popular for its rich local flavors unique to Awaji Island. Signature dishes include grilled items and curry made with sweet onions, kakiage (mixed vegetable tempura), octopus takikomi gohan (seasoned rice cooked with octopus), shirasu-don (rice bowl topped with fresh whitebait), and rich, smooth pudding made with local milk. At the live kitchen, you can enjoy freshly fried kakiage, allowing you to savor the taste of dishes made to order.
If you are feeling hungry after star gazing or soaking in hot springs, Kamenoi Hotel Awajishima also offers complimentary, late-night Dandan noodles from 9pm–10:30pm. Every month, the hotel serves either spicy sichuan, black sesame, or white sesame noodles.
Hot springs
Kamenoi Hotel Awajishima brings hot spring relaxation to your vacation. Sourced from Ogurayama hot spring, the hotel’s bath water is gentle on the skin and suitable for everyone. The hotel has two hot-spring baths: a first-floor open-air bath and a fifth-floor observation bath. The first-floor bath provides a chic bathing experience with a sheltered view of the ocean, and the large fifth-floor bath offers a nourishing soak beside floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal the vast sea beyond.
As you relax in the natural hot spring waters and observe the peaceful ocean scenery, your mind and body will feel utterly refreshed.
Amenities and activities
Kamenoi Hotel Awajishima offers a plethora of services that guarantee a comfortable stay. You can order a room massage after your bath, sing your favorite songs in a private karaoke room, and explore the hotel’s souvenir shop—stocked with an array of Awaji Island specialties.
Example itineraries on Awaji Island
If you are looking for some trip inspo, check out two of our day-trip itineraries below—all of which start and end at Kamenoi Hotel Awajishima. Car travel is the most convenient way to get around the island, so the below itineraries utilize rental cars to optimize time.
Awaji Island: A unique Japanese experience
Awaji Island offers a wealth of diverse experiences in a relatively small area. With easy access by car, you can explore historical sites related to the country’s Creation Myth, join cultural hands-on workshops, admire remarkable modern architecture, dine on high-quality cuisine, and witness grand ocean sceneries. After sightseeing, return to Kamenoi Hotel Awajishima for a rejuvenating and immersive island stay. Discover a lesser-known side of Japan on Awaji Island.
Access to Awaji Island
From Tokyo, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe Station (about 2.5 hours). Then, take the West Japan JR Bus to the Hokudan Interchange on Awaji Island (about 65 minutes). From Osaka and Kyoto, take the JR Tokaido Main Line New Rapid Service to Sannomiya Station (25 minutes and 55 minutes, respectively). Then, take the West Japan JR Bus to the Hokudan Interchange (about 50 minutes).
From the Hokudan Interchange, you can take a free, hotel-operated shuttle to the hotel (about 15 minutes). The shuttle only departs once a day at 3:01pm, and a reservation is required.
If you start at Kansai International Airport or Kobe Airport, make your way to Sannomiya Station, and then follow the steps outlined above.
