Located in the Seto Inland Sea and under the jurisdiction of Hyogo Prefecture, Awajishima (淡路島) or Awaji Island is the largest of the islands found in between Honshu and Shikoku island groups.
Awajishima (淡路島) or Awaji Island
Awajishima Details
Awajishima has an area of 228.64 square miles. It is separated from Honshu by the Akashi Strait and from Shikoku by the Naruto Strait. The name Awaji originally means "the road to Awa". Awa being the historic province in the Shikoku side of Naruto Strait which is now part of Tokushima Prefecture.
The island was finally connected to Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture when Akashi Kaikyo Bridge opened on April 5, 1998. Together with the Kobe Awaji Naruto Expressway and Onaruto Bridge which was opened to the public in 1985,Awajishima finally became a concrete link to Honshu and Shikoku.
Gotta love the view from Awaji Service Area
An article about Awajishima won't be complete without including the myth of its creation. According to the Japanese creation myth, Awaji was the first of the Oyashima islands born from the union of the gods Izanagi and Izanami. Historically, Awajishima was once a province until it became part of Hyogo Prefecture. Today, Awajishima consists of three municipalities which are Awaji, Sumoto, and Minamiawaji.
Ella with our Japanese family
Team Nicerio visits Awajishima
Awajishima is famous for their onions
My family and I got to visit Awajishima during our 10th day in Japan. Our Japanese family brought us to the island on a road trip to see the famed Naruto Whirlpools which forms in Naruto Strait.
Watch the Naruto Whirlpool from the viewing deck of Uzushio Deck Area
Other things to do and see in Awajishima:
- Watch the traditional puppet theater, the Awaji Ningyo-Joruri - Check out the Nojima Fault Preservation Museum in Hokudancho Earthquake Memorial Park
- Drive around Awajishima ( You can check out my first time driving in Japan video below)
Why visit Awajishima?
Overall, Awajishima is a perfect place to visit as it is seldom visited by foreign tourists. This gives it the "road less traveled" feel. Aside from that, the island is also perfect for nature lovers and food trippers. So what are you waiting for? Add Awajishima to your itinerary on your next visit to Japan.
Getting to Awajishima:
From Sannomiya in Kobe City, ride a highway express bus. The ride will take approximately 50 minutes to go to Awaji Yumebutai. You may ride the Awaji Kotsu from Sannomiya to Awaji which costs around 1850 yen. Another bus line is the Honshi Kaikyu Bus, it's more expensive but allows you to visit more destinations. Once you are in Awajishima, you can go around the island by local bus.
I like that this is the 1st island created from the union of two gods. I also really appreciate the road sign you included. I can better imagine visiting Japan knowing I will be able to understand highway signs. I'm curious. At the roadside rest stop, there was a checkered pattern. Does that signify anything?
I have always wanted to visit Japan. Looks like an amazing place. I love learning about the folk lore! Like how Awaji was born of the other two gods. Stories like that make a place really come alive!
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 at Francisco Mercado Street corner Jose P. Rizal Street, Barangay 5 Poblacion, Calamba City in the province of Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal -the National Hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal Shrine (Calamba) Jose Rizal Shrine History Jose Rizal Shrine is probably well known as the ancestral house of Rizal's family. The house serves as a museum that contains furniture and items that belong to the Rizal family. Jose Rizal Shrine - Calamba City, Laguna Young Jose Rizal with his dog I wonder what Young Rizal had in mind Rizal Shrine NHI Marker For those who don't know, the house that stood in the lot is actually only a replica of the old ancestral house which was destroyed during the Second World War. The replica was constructed right after the war. The construction was supervised by the late National Artist Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. The entrance to Jose Rizal Shrine . According to lo
Located in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban in the province of Quezon, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is a famous religious shrine and grotto of the province. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine Kamay ni Hesus Shrine History Also known as Via Dolorosa Grotto , Kamay ni Hesus Shrine was built under the initiative of Fr. Joseph "Joey" Faller in 2003. He is known as a gifted healing priest. Due to Fr. Faller's healing masses, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine became one of the country's most visited healing centers. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Lucban, Quezon Statues of saints can be seen in different areas of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine A replica of Pieta by Michelangelo Pilgrims look like ants from a distance. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church Inside the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church One of the highlights of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is the 50-foot statue of Christ with his arm wide open found on the top of a hill. This statue is often referred to as the Risen Christ or Ascending Christ. Pilgrims an
Located at Daraga-Legazpi Diversion Road in Legazpi City, Albay, Albay Park and Wildlife (as its name suggests) is a park and a zoo rolled into one. Albay Park and Wildlife Albay Park and Wildlife Details With an entrance fee that's very affordable, visitors could already enjoy viewing the animals inside Albay Park and Wildlife . Visitors can also enjoy the park's facilities and amenities. Read on to discover more about Albay Park and Wildlife. Albay Park and Wildlife - Legazpi City, Albay The wall engravings near the entrance Albay Park and Wildlife arch Check out the rates Read the rules first before exploring Lagoon and gazebo Picnic grove Lagoon and gazebo Children's playground Celebrity grove Senior Citizen's grove Food court Aside from these, visitors could also rent one of the cottages or groves so that they could have a place to rest after exploring the park. They could also rent a boat and paddle around the la
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
Located in 008 Katipunan Street, Vigan City in the province of Ilocos Sur, the Hidden Garden of Vigan is a place where nature, history, and food meet. It is also a place of love. You'd find out why as you continue reading. Hidden Garden of Vigan Hidden Garden of Vigan Details The Hidden Garden of Vigan , despite the name, is not really hidden. It is found in the heart of Vigan City and is frequented by locals and tourists alike. It probably got its name from the large backyard garden that is hidden from those who are walking in Katipunan Street in front of it. Hidden Garden of Vigan - Vigan City, Ilocos Sur The renovated entrance as of 2017 Some souvenirs sold near the entrance Check out if your photo is included here I do hope I won't dig any holes here The plant collection of Hidden Garden of Vigan Different kinds of herbs (The colonel would surely be jealous) Bonsai Collection Hidden Garden of Vigan or simply Hidden Garden started
Plaza Quince Maritres is a significant landmark in Naga City, Camarines Sur, and is located on Penafrancia Street in the city's sentro. The plaza is named after the 15 Bicol Martyrs. Plaza Quince Martires Plaza Quince Martires details Plaza Quince Martires is considered one of the most popular landmarks in Naga City. It can be found in front of San Francisco Church (another popular landmark of the city.) Plaza Quince Martires is highly regarded by the people of Naga or the Naguenos. Plaza Quince Martires - Naga City, Camarines Sur It is usually the site used for special government functions or meetings. As a matter of fact, the 2014 Independence Day Ceremony was held in the plaza and it was graced by none other than the President of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III. Plaza Quince Martires NHI Marker Plaza Quince Martires is known for the monument that was erected on November 29, 1926. It shows the faces and names of the 15 Martyrs of Bicol. A marker, also placed in
Located in Tagaytay City in the province of Cavite, Tagaytay Picnic Grove is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. Tagaytay Picnic Grove Tagaytay Picnic Grove Details Tagaytay Picnic Grove is known for its numerous picnic huts and tables. It is also one of the places in Tagaytay City where you could try horseback riding, zipline, and cable car rides. An eco-trail is also located in Tagaytay Picnic Grove . What makes this place a favorite destination for many is its prime location. It is one of the best places in the city to view Taal Lake and Taal Volcano . Aside from that, the cold weather also draws tourists who want to escape the heat and pollution of Manila. Tagaytay Picnic Grove - Tagaytay City , Cavite Taal Volcano as seen from the Picnic Grove Great place to go on a picnic If you're looking for souvenirs, there are plenty of stores in Tagaytay Picnic Grove that sells Tagaytay City merchandise like shirts, keychains, ref magnets, and many m
Maragondon is one of the southernmost towns of the province of Cavite. It is also one of those places in Cavite where one can still feel the "provincial vibes" compared to many of the other towns and cities of the province which already embraced urbanization. Top 10 Things To Do in Maragondon, Cavite For those planning to visit the town to check out what it has to offer, here are the Top 10 Things To Do in Maragondon, Cavite. 1. Admire the sculpted images at Inukit Site 2. Cross the Caingin Hanging Bridge 3. Take a photo of the ancestral houses 4. Visit the Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-Tourism Park 5. Go boating or swimming at Maragondon River 6. Go to mass at the historic Maragondon Church 7. Swim or sunbathe at Patungan Beach 8. Visit and learn about Andres Bonifacio's trial at the Bonifacio Trial House 9. Hike Mt. Buntis 10. Hike Mt. Pico de Loro AKA Mt. Palay-Palay I hope my list of Top 10 Things To Do in Marag
Here we are once again, it's another food trip adventure. This time we visit Teppanya in Evia Lifestyle Center in Daanghari, Las Pinas City. Teppanya (Evia) Teppanya Details Teppanya brands itself as the "House of Teppanyaki". This restaurant prides itself on its wide variety of authentic modern Japanese cuisine. Teppanya (Evia) - Las Pinas City Having visited Japan numerous times and falling in love with its culture, particularly its food, made me once in a while crave whenever I see posts about Japanese food in my social media apps. Hence, while waiting for my next trip to Japan, I'm always in constant search for restaurants that serve authentic Japanese cuisines here in the Philippines . Teppanya : The House of Teppanyaki Welcome to Teppanya (Evia) Team Nicerio tries out Teppanya Inside Teppanya Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants like that in my area. For today, the highlight of my food trip is Teppanya in Evia Lifestyle Center. I got to eat in Teppa
I like that this is the 1st island created from the union of two gods. I also really appreciate the road sign you included. I can better imagine visiting Japan knowing I will be able to understand highway signs. I'm curious. At the roadside rest stop, there was a checkered pattern. Does that signify anything?
ReplyDeleteHello Bob! Thank you so much for visiting. I do hope you can visit Awajishima someday.
DeleteThe checkered pattern does not signify anything. It's just a design. =)
What an amazing place to visit! I definitely want to go after
ReplyDeleteReading this!
Hello Mrs. Type A. Please do visit Awajishima when you get a chance. =) Thank you.
DeleteI have always wanted to visit Japan. Looks like an amazing place. I love learning about the folk lore! Like how Awaji was born of the other two gods. Stories like that make a place really come alive!
ReplyDeleteHello Tracy, same here. I love to learn the history and legends of a place. It makes the place or meaningful for me.
DeleteSounds like you enjoyed your trip! Great Photos!!
ReplyDeleteI did. I really enjoyed Awajishima. I hope you get to visit it too.
DeleteWow! The view is breath-taking which convinced me more that Japan is definitely a must-visit country!
ReplyDeleteHi Nina. You should really visit Awajishima. =) You would definitely love it.
DeleteSounds like an absolutely wonderful place to visit!! Hope to get there one day!!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you get to visit Awajishima someday.
DeleteThat rest area view is absolutely beautiful
ReplyDeleteI agree Vas. The rest area in Awajishima has the best view of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (Japan's longest bridge).
DeleteSuch lovely pictures. Enjoyed reading the blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting my blog.
DeleteThis seems like an absolutely wonderful place to travel! I hope to be able to add it to my bucket list of places to see and get there one day!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Please do add Awajishima to your bucket list of places to see. I would be looking forward to hear from you once you do visit it.
Delete