Awaji Island Japan blog — The fullest Awaji Island travel guide & What to do in Awaji Island?

Speaking of the two words “beautiful island”, people often think of Jeju in Korea, Kabri in Thailand or Phu Quoc in Vietnam. But did you know that Japan also has a “paradise” island called Awaji? So, what to do in Awaji Island Japan? Let’s check out our the fullest Awaji Island travel guide on how to planing Awaji Island day trip from Osaka from how to get to Awaji island from Osaka (how to go to Awaji island from Osaka) to best places to visit and top things to do on Awaji island to find out the answer!

Awaji island travel guide: Where is Awaji Island located?

Awaji Island Japan (Awajishima Island) is located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. It is also home to the longest suspension bridge in the world – Akashi Kaikyo. This island is also known as the “flower island” because the nature here with trees and plants sprout and bloom brilliantly throughout the four seasons of the year. In spring, come here to enjoy cherry blossoms and tulips. Summer is the best time to take photos with hydrangeas and sunflowers. When autumn comes, the whole island seems to sink in “sea” of autumn flowers such as sorbus anglica blossoms, (the English whitebeam), mimosa. And when winter comes, Awaji Island is more colorful with daisies and camellias. This is definitely the best place for nature lovers or couples looking for a romantic experience.

Awaji island travel guide: How to get to Awaji island from Osaka

From Osaka, you use the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass to take the Shinkansen high speed train to Shin-Kobe Station. Travel time is only about 12 minutes because the train has an amazing speed of 300km/hour. This is also the reason that I’v accepted to spend more money to buy the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass instead of the JR Kansai Pass. The almost unique difference in these two tickets is the privilege to use the Shinkansen. So if you have plenty of time to move and relax, you should buy the JR Pass Kansai Area for savings. If using the JR Kansai Area Pass, you need to take the Special Rapid train to Kobe Station which takes about 30 minutes.

Both the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass and JR Kansai Pass tickets are sold on Klook, delivering Exchange Order to your home in Singapore, Hong Kong or your country.

After arriving in Kobe, you can take the high speed bus or ferry to Awaji Island.

Take the Ferry To Awaji Island

After reaching Shin-Kobe Station, you walk about 5 minutes to Akashi Port; From here, buy tickets to Iwaya Port on Awaji Island. Ferries run quickly and smoothly, arriving on the island in less than 15 minutes. Ferry ticket price is 500 yen/way for adults – about $4.65.

Take the speed ​​bus to Awaji Island Japan

You can buy express bus tickets to Awaji Island. Travel time is about 60 minutes.

How to getting around Awaji Island

To get around Awaji Island, the most ideal means is bus. You catch the bus right next to the port. There are two main types of buses on Awaji Island, including the pink and blue Hello Kitty bus. If you don’t know Japanese, use Google Translate to translate the destination name and give it to the driver. This bus is completely free. If you want, you can donate some money on the bus.

What to do in Awaji Island? Suggested best places to visit in Awaji Island Japan

Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge

Akashi – Kaikyo is the longest suspension bridge in the world, connecting Kobe and Awaji Island. From this bridge, you will have a panoramic view of Osaka Bay and Awaji Island. Visiting Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, don’t forget to visit the Maiko Marine Promenade, which is 47 meters above sea level and jutting out from the Akashi Strait, 317 meters long. This beach promenade consists of 8 floors: 1st floor is the place to introduce the history of the formation and construction of the bridge. You buy a sightseeing ticket on the first floor, then take the elevator to the 8th floor to admire the romantic scenery from extremely impressive height; However, this is an “not recommended” activity for people who are afraid of heights.

Address: 4 Higashimaikocho, Tarumi Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 655-0047, Japan
Total length: 3,911 m

Akashi Kaikyo National Park

When I arrived at Akashi Kaikyo National Park, it was also the time for the sorbus anglica blossoms, (the English whitebeam) festival, starting from September 21 to November 10. The sorbus anglica blossoms are described by locals as the cherry blossoms of the autumn season, which are in full bloom in early September and most brilliant in late October.

Akashi Kaikyo National Park is divided into 2 main areas. The first is the observatory, which allows visitors to see the entire Osaka sea. The second is the entertainment area, including more than 150 fun activities and beautiful lakes. You can sailing and watching flowers, extremely romantic. Flowers in Akashi Kaikyo National Park are grown in groups and shaped very “art”. Besides the whitebeam flowers, cosmos flowers (the purple flowers), Baby Blue Eyes flowers you can also watch chrysanthemums and camellias in full bloom in mid-November.

Address: 8-10 Minamiuzaki, Awaji 656-2307, Hyogo Prefecture
Hours: 9:30AM–5PM
Phone: +81 799-72-2000

Awaji World Park ONOKORO Park

Awaji World Park ONOKORO is a theme park on Awaji Island with a variety of entertainment and activities suitable for all ages, such as ferris wheel, roller coaster and go-kart racing. One of the “magnet” that attracts visitors at Awaji World Park ONOKORO is the “Miniature World” area, where you can easily find the 1/25 scale miniature version of many famous wonders in the world such as Leaning Tower of Pisa or Taj Mahal.

In addition, families with young children also prefer classes made candles or glassware here. Note that this park is only open until about 5 pm so please take advantage of early arrival to participate in all the outstanding activities.

Address: 8-5 Shiotaniijima, Awaji, Hyogo 656-2142, Japan
Hours: 10AM–5:30PM / Saturday; Sunday: 9:30AM–5:30PM
Phone: +81 799-62-1192

England Hill

Add a new “virtual living” location for Instagram followers. Combining the park and the farm, in England Hill you can admire the vegetation (but specifically the flowers) that stand out in the land of cherry blossoms. Don’t forget to spend time playing with small animal friends like Koala bear, rabbit or sheep.

Refer to: Naruto Whirlpool, England Hill, and Kobe Full Day Tour from Osaka.

Address: 1401 Yagiyogikami, Minamiawaji, Hyogo 656-0443, Japan
Hours: 9:30AM–5PM
Phone: +81 799-43-2626
Url: https://www.england-hill.com/en/

The Memorial Hall of Uzunooka Oonarutokyou

If you want to “take home” signature colorful souvenirs from Awaji Island? Head to Uzunooka Oonarutokyou Memorial Hall right now. This ancient memorial hall owns three main floors. The first floor is a science museum. The second floor is a dining area with a diverse menu of fresh seafood, quite “soft” prices. On the third floor, you will reach the viewing area to see the overall view of Oonaruto Bridge. In addition, the Uzunooka Oonarutokyou Memorial Hall is also the place where visitors find the best Japanese beef onion hamburger at the famous restaurant of Awajishima Onion Kitchen Uzushio.

Address: Fukura
Price: 400 ¥
Opening hours: 9am-5pm
Url: http://kinen.uzunokuni.com/

Are you looking for more top things to do in Japan: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.