The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) predicted that the Kansai Region would be experiencing cloudy to fine weather today. Sadly, my wife and I did not plan anything today as we were still finalizing our plan to visit Universal Studios Japan sometime this week.
Someone woke up quite early for this trip...
However, this day suddenly became special when Mr. Toshi surprised us with an announcement that we're going on a road trip to Awajishima (island) in Hyogo Prefecture and then head to Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture to see its famed whirlpools.
Upon hearing this, my wife and I immediately prepared, and in less than an hour, we were already on the road. Together with Mr. Toshi's wife, daughter, and their dog Yomogi we drove from their house in Kumatori in Osaka Prefecture to Awaji Rest Area in Awajishima Islandin Hyogo Prefecture. Before reaching it we crossed Japan's longest bridge - Akashi Kaikyo Bridge which is also in Hyogo Prefecture.
Our first order of business after crossing the bridge and stopping at Awaji Rest Area was to have our toilet break. We then bought some snacks and took some photos of the picturesque view of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Kobe City. After this, we continued on our road trip but this time, I was behind the wheel.
Despite practice driving two days back, I was still a bit scared and a bit hesitant to drive as I'm still getting used to right-hand drive vehicles. Aside from that, I know how stiff the fines are here in Japan. Regardless, I mustered all my confidence and successfully drove from Awaji Rest Area to Farmer's Market in Minamiawaji which was 54 kilometers away.
Farmer's Market in Minamiawaji
Checking out the boats at Fukura Bay
A free taste of Awaji Island's famous onion
When we arrived in Minamiawaji, Mr. Toshi inquired about the sightseeing boats for the Naruto Whirlpool viewing. Sadly, the sightseeing boats in this area were all fully booked. We were told that there are other companies offering the same services in the coastal city of Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture.
Going to Uzushio Rest Area
Check out this onion chair probably owned by the Onion Knight (only GOT Fans would get that)
Uzushio Rest Area
Checking out the onion products of the island
More onion products!
Enjoying lunch with our Japanese family
Lunchtime! Gotta love the curry!
Ella and Ms. Taeko bonding time
The viewing area with Onaruto (Bridge) as the backdrop drop
Onion hair souvenir photo!
Before heading there, we decided to eat lunch first so we drove to Uzushio Rest Area near Onaruto Bridge. We ate in Michi no Eki Uzushio restaurant in the said rest area. The restaurant had a great view of the picturesque Naruto Strait. After lunch, we checked out the store in the rest area to buy some onion-themed souvenirs which Awajishima is known for.
One more stopover
... and more onion souvenirs for sale
Tried the different flavors of ice cream
Before leaving, we checked out the schedules of sightseeing boats in Naruto and since it was still too early, we drove to Onaruto Bushi Kineka to check out other possible souvenirs. Although the Maritime Museum was here, we skipped it in favor of lining up to try out the salted milk ice cream and the chat with Mr. Toshi (which I always look forward to) that comes with it.
We then drove across Onaruto Bridge to Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture. A few minutes later we were in Uzushio-kisen which is a tour boat company that offers a "close encounter" experience to the famed Naruto Whirlpools via the Uzushio Line. We found out that we arrived just in time for the next viewing schedule as the next one after that would mean that we'd wait for another 30 minutes.
The ride was scary at first especially when the tour boat is rocked by the whirlpools or when the whirlpools form so close to the boat. Overall, it would probably be one of those once in a lifetime activities that I'd experience in my lifetime (although I still wish that I'd experience it again someday). After the tour, we decided to head back home.
To cap off the day, we had our dinner at Aichan restaurant near Mr. Toshi's residence. Aichan has been a restaurant close to my heart as it was the first restaurant in Japan that we've dined in during our first visit. You can read about that HERE. Just like last time, I ordered their delicious okonomiyaki, and just like last time I loved it. After the meal, I made sure to have a photo taken with Aichan's owners for posterity purposes. Who knows, we might be back again two or three years from now.
I live stopping at rest area although it seems odd to some. So I connected to your story when you stopped at the Awaji Rest Area. It’s nice when rear areas have snacks and places where you can take some photos of the picturesque view of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Kobe City. Keshia Richmond
I really enjoy this series that you have, and you experience so much of Japan that I am being jealous, I don't know if I will be able to see it all, you found the secret onion chair of the onion knight, don't tell anyone, be like Jon Snow and know nothing, I am really glad that you and the Japanese family is having so much fun, also don't worry about driving it's going to come natural.
I'm happy there is another GOT fan here. I'm pretty sure Jon Snow wouldn't want that chair in his castle. Hahahaha. Please do visit Awaji Island when you are in Japan.
Such a wonderful weekend. Yeah I heard about the strict penalties in terms of driving, but at least you feel more confident and safer driving in Japan.
I really love your Japan Diaries series. It's so detailed and very informative that I have constantly saved every single post. Thank you so much for taking the time to point out even the simplest of things in your travels.
Located in the municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is one of the few privately owned resorts in the area that doesn't really require memberships for visitors to enjoy. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Details Although Munting Buhangin Beach Camp doesn't have white sand to boast, it's quite an isolated place which makes the resort stand out. Its light brown sand, sprinkled with different kinds of shells, is cleaned daily by the dedicated staff of the resort. Sadly, during my visit, a broken piece of glass buried in the sand gave one of my toes a deep cut but I know that it's just a rare case (no one needs to be fired) and nobody wanted that to happen. Munting Buhangin Beach - Nasugbu, Batangas One of the best places to go camping... ...or rent nipa huts and treehouse You might want to try kayaking here too Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is ide
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference. Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Located in Barangay San Pedro in Sto. Tomas in the province of Batangas, the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio is a pilgrimage site dedicated and inspired by Saint Padre Pio. National Shrine of St. Padre Pio National Shrine of St. Padre Pio History The shrine initially started out as a bamboo and nipa chapel back in 2003. Then on November 7, 2005, a 1.6-hectare agricultural land was donated to the Archdiocese of Lipa by a generous couple. A year later, another generous individual donated 200 square meters of land to provide the right of way to the site. This land would be the site of the new chapel and later on the Shrine of St. Padre Pio . The salakot like roof as seen from the bell tower Devotees hanging handkerchiefs dipped in the Well of Hope or Bukal ng Pag-asa St. Padre Pio welcomes the pilgrims to the shrine Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry - National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio St. Padre Pio belltower St. Padre Pio painting A relic inside the Reli
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street. Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Located at Barangay Tinago, Camalig in the province of Albay, Quituinan Hills is one of the most beautiful yet least known tourist destinations of the town. Quituinan Hills Quituinan Hills Details For those who have visited Quituinan Hills on a clear day, I bet they'd agree with me when I say that this place is among the top places in the province to view Mayon Volcano. Aside from that, the best way to describe Quituinan Hills is that it has a ranch-like feel. Well, that's probably due to the fact that the developed part of the hill is really a ranch named Quituinan Ranch . Road to Quituinan Hills Welcome to Quituinan Hills This place is a great location for picnics with friends and family. You can either rent a cottage (small P100; big P500) or bring and pitch a tent (P100 space rental) in one of the allowable areas of the hill. Other activities offered here are horseback riding (P60 per 15 minutes) and ATV rental (P200 per 15 minutes). You can also explore
10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City Asahikawa City ( 旭川市 ) is the second largest city in Hokkaido Prefecture. Its name came from the misinterpretation of the Ainu name for the Asahi River. The Ainu called it Chiu Pet , which means "River of Waves," but it was misinterpreted as Chup Pet , which means "Sun River," and therefore became known as Asahi River in Japanese. For those planning to visit Asahikawa City to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Asahikawa City : Asahikawa Manhole Cover 1. Take a picture of Asahikawa’s unique manhole covers . So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole design not counting the special Asahikawa Pokemon Manhole Cover . Asahikawa Roadside Station 2. Visit Asahikawa Roadside Station . You can buy souvenirs, eat authentic Asahikawa ramen, and also get the Asahikawa Roadside Station stamp for your stamp collection. As a bonus, you will also find the Asahikawa Pokemon Manhole Cover featuring the Alolan Vulpix, Cubchoo, a
Located in the heart of Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto Station ( 京都駅 ) is one of Japan 's largest train station buildings. It serves as the main gateway for locals and foreigners coming in and out of the city. Kyoto Station ( 京都駅 ) Kyoto Station History Kyoto Station opened for service on February 5, 1877, by decree of Emperor Meiji. In 1889, its railway connected to Tokyo giving way to the present day Tokaido Main Line. In 1895, the station became a terminal to the Nara Railway (present-day Nara Line) connecting Kyoto with the southern regions of Kyoto Prefecture and Nara City. Then in 1897, the station became a terminal to the Kyoto Railway (present-day Sagano Line) connecting Kyoto Station with the northern regions of Kyoto Prefecture. First Kyoto Station building* Second Kyoto Station building* Third Kyoto Station building* The station got a facelift in 1914 and a Renaissance-inspired facility replaced the old station. This new station was spacious and designed
Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center / Kazemachi Shokudo Information Center ( 風待食堂 観光案内所 ) is a tourist information center and souvenir shop, housed in a historical building. It is located at Bentencho in the town of Mashike in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center details Originally, the building was a grocery store that was established in 1913, and it was later used as a filming location for the 1981 movie " STATION ", which starred the famous actor, Ken Takakura . Today, the building serves as a tourist information center that provides information on the town's filming locations, related newspaper articles, and even Showa retro things such as dial-type public telephones, old-fashioned radios, and various goods of " Mercy-kun ", a seagull character that's unique to Mashike. Kazemachi Restaurant Information Center - Mashike town, Hokkaido Prefecture One of the most popular attracti
Located in 48 Noboriojicho, Nara City in Nara Prefecture, Kohfukuji ( 興福寺 ) is a Buddhist temple that serves as the national headquarters of the Hosso school of Buddhism. Kohfukuji ( 興福寺 ) Kohfukuji History Kohfukuji or simply Kofukuji was established in 669 by Kagami no Okimi in the hopes that it would please Buddha, which in turn, would help her husband Fujiwara no Kamatari recover from his illness. The first temple was built in Yamashina, Yamashiro Province which is in present-day Kyoto. Then in 672, the temple was dismantled and moved to Fujiwara-kyo as it was the first planned Japanese Capital. However, the temple was dismantled again and moved to its present location in 710. It was built on the east side of the then newly established capital Heijo-kyo which is present-day Nara. Follow the signages going to Kohfukuji Go up the stairs to reach Kofukuji Kofukuji was always associated with the highly influential Fujiwara Clan. Hence, it enjoyed influence over the people a
Located on the coastal area of the town Barcelona in the province of Sorsogon, Barcelona Ruins Park refers to the park where century-old ruins of Spanish colonial-era buildings are found. Barcelona Ruins Park Barcelona Ruins Park History Speaking of the ruins of Spanish Colonial-era buildings, there are two such ruins in Barcelona Ruins Park . The school building ruins at the southeastern tip of the park and the prominent Presidencia building ruins in the northwestern tip of the park. The ruins of the Presidencia building as seen from across the street A closer look at the Presidencia Building The ruins of the school building at the far end of Barcelona Ruins Park The Presidencia building was once the office of the governadorcillo during the colonial period. If you're wondering why the building seems massive in size, well it's because it doubled as a fortress that guards the town against the pirates and Moro raider that once frequently attacks Spanish-cont
Minamiawaji totally great place for Family vacation. Awesome photos!
ReplyDeleteIt is Maysz. It is really a great to visit Awajishima with the family.
DeleteI'm enjoying living vicariously through your travels in Japan. It is one of my favorite destination points and I plan to return there.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Eliz. I hope you can visit Awaji Island in the future.
DeleteWhat an amazing trip! Definitely want to visit myself now!
ReplyDeleteYes please do visit Awajishima and Naruto in the future.
DeleteThank you so much for sharing your day with us 😍 I really love reading your posts ❤
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting my blog Nohaila. =)
DeleteI live stopping at rest area although it seems odd to some. So I connected to your story when you stopped at the Awaji Rest Area. It’s nice when rear areas have snacks and places where you can take some photos of the picturesque view of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Kobe City. Keshia Richmond
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you Keshia. The Awaji Rest Area is more than a rest area it is more of a tourist destination in itself.
DeleteWonderful story. It's always great traveling with your loved ones. I'd love to also try the dishes you featured here.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Ivan. =) You should visit Awaji Island too. =)
DeleteJapan!! Beautiful set of pictures. Personal and Informative post.
ReplyDeleteJapan is really beautiful. You have to see the Naruto Whirlpools. My photo and video are nothing compared to the real thing.
DeleteI think I'm reading these backwards, but I'm enjoying them anyway 😂 seeing a whirlpool has to be amazing
ReplyDeleteIt truly is. The Naruto whirlpools are best seen with ones own eyes. =)
DeleteI liked the pictures and the Japanese culture. Hope you had a great trip.
ReplyDeleteHello Sanjota. We really had a great trip. Thank you. I hope you get to visit Awaji Island someday.
DeleteBeautiful Article. The most adorable thing in the article was the Kid, with no doubt.
ReplyDeleteHahaha oh Ella my daughter. Thank you so much. You should visit Awaji Island with your family too. You'd surely enjoy it.
DeleteI'd love to sit in that onion chair and chill out for the day. I commend you getting a car and driivng around for two days.
ReplyDeleteDriving in Japan was challenging but enjoyable. You'd love driving in Awaji Island for sure as there are few cars there.
DeleteI really enjoy this series that you have, and you experience so much of Japan that I am being jealous, I don't know if I will be able to see it all, you found the secret onion chair of the onion knight, don't tell anyone, be like Jon Snow and know nothing, I am really glad that you and the Japanese family is having so much fun, also don't worry about driving it's going to come natural.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy there is another GOT fan here. I'm pretty sure Jon Snow wouldn't want that chair in his castle. Hahahaha. Please do visit Awaji Island when you are in Japan.
DeleteIt was a great trip for you. Glad you enjoy each moments of the trip.
ReplyDeleteWe surely did enjoy our trip. Thank you. You should find time to see Naruto Whirlpools when you are in Japan.
DeleteI enjoy your travel diaries. 👍🏻
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. =)
DeleteWow, this looks beautiful. Your travelling tour is awesome.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Please do visit Awajishima and Naruto when you go to Japan.
DeleteWe have always wanted to visit Japan!
ReplyDeleteYour blog series has not made it a must have for us
Thank you so much for continually reading my articles. I do hope you get to visit Japan soon.
DeleteSuch a wonderful weekend. Yeah I heard about the strict penalties in terms of driving, but at least you feel more confident and safer driving in Japan.
ReplyDeleteThat's true Blair. If you get caught over-speeding you'd be fined so big that you would just wish you just bought a ticket back home.
DeleteI really love your Japan Diaries series. It's so detailed and very informative that I have constantly saved every single post. Thank you so much for taking the time to point out even the simplest of things in your travels.
ReplyDeleteWow! Thank you so much Sheena. That really made my day. =)
Deletevery cool. this is absolutely right!
ReplyDeleteThe Naruto Whirlpool is really cool I agree.
DeleteAlways on my list of must-visit ones. Loved reading it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sophie. I do hope you get to visit Awajishima soon.
Delete