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!
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 membership 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 treehouses You might want to try kayaking here too. Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is...
Updated: October 30, 2020 Our adventure today will take us 46.11 kilometers south from kilometer 0 in Manila. The historic atmosphere still lingers due to the historical landmarks that you can see all around this place. One of the most famous landmarks this city has to offer is the Rizal Shine or more popularly known as Rizal's house. However I'm not here to give you a history adventure but instead, I will tell you the different side of this city. 88 Hotspring Resort and Spa Calamba City in the province of Laguna is a city that has more resorts than the number of days in a year. Because of the fast-growing number of resorts (661 and counting), this city earned the nickname Resort Capital of the Philippines. 88 Hotspring Resort and Spa - Calamba, Laguna Travelers and resort seekers who didn't read my blog The Adventurer's List would surely be unprepared for what's to come. It would surely take a day for you to choose and pick the most suitable reso...
Ashoro Roadside Station ( 道の駅 足寄町 ) , formally called Roadside Station “Ashoro Ginga Hall 21” ( 道の駅 あしょろ銀河ホール21 ), is one of the roadside stations of Hokkaido. It is located at 1 Chome-21 Kita 1 Jo in the town of Ashoro, Ashoro District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Ashoro Roadside Station Ashoro Roadside Station Details Located in the heart of Tokachi, Ashoro Roadside Station "Ginga Hall 21" is more than just a rest stop — it’s a place where local history, music, and community spirit come together. Officially registered as a roadside station on August 9, 2004 (Registration No. 84) , this facility was originally built as Ashoro Station for the Hokkaido Chihoku Highland Railway’s “Furusato Ginga Line.” Although the line was discontinued in 2006, the station building was reborn as a roadside attraction that celebrates Ashoro’s story. Ashoro Roadside Station - Ashoro town, Hokkaido Prefecture Managed by the NPO Ashoro Tourism Association, the station reopened on April 18,...
Satsunai Garden Hot Spring ( 札内ガーデン温泉 ) is a highly rated day-use onsen. It is located at 55 Satsunai Kitamachi in the town of Makubetsu, Nakagawa District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Satsunai Garden Hot Spring Satsunai Garden Hot Spring Details Satsunai Garden Hot Spring offers a truly unique bathing experience with its rare moor hot spring water, a natural resource recognized as a Hokkaido Heritage Site. Known for its distinctive dark color rich in organic plant matter, this hot spring warms the body deeply and leaves the skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. Satsunai Garden Hot Spring - Makubetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture A Rare and Mineral-Rich Hot Spring Satsunai Garden Hot Springs uses 100% natural moor hot spring water that springs from deep underground. This mineral-rich water has been cherished since ancient times for its healing and beautifying properties. Visitors can soak in several types of baths, including a large public bath, rock bath, jet vibrator bath, an...
Ashoro Museum of Paleontology ( 足寄動物化石博物館 ) is a natural history museum that exhibits a lot of prehistoric fossils. It is located at 1 Chome-29-25 Konan in the town of Ashoro, Ashoro District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Ashoro Museum of Paleontology Ashoro Museum of Paleontology Details Opened on July 1, 1998, the Ashoro Museum of Paleontology in Hokkaido is a fascinating destination for history buffs, science enthusiasts, and families alike. The museum was established with the theme of the evolution of marine mammals, focusing on the Ashoro Fauna—Late Oligocene marine mammal fossils unearthed in Morawan, Mora Bay, Ashoro Town, including scleractinians and cetaceans. Ashoro Museum of Paleontology - Ashoro town, Hokkaido Prefecture Explore Unique Fossils and Geological Wonders The museum’s collection features desmostylians , a rare group of extinct marine mammals, along with other fossils discovered in the Ashoro region. Visitors can also learn about geological formati...
Honbetsu Roadside Station , formally called Roadside Station Stella Honbetsu ( 道の駅 ステラ ★ ほんべつ ) , is one of the roadside stations of Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located at 1-1, Kita 3-chome in the town of Honbetsu, Nakagawa District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Honbetsu Roadside Station Honbetsu Roadside Station Details Honbetsu Roadside Station , officially registered as roadside station number 107 on March 12, 2009, is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Hokkaido. This site holds significant historical value as it was formerly Honbetsu Station . This key transportation hub has served the local community for nearly 100 years since the railway first opened in Honbetsu Town in 1909. Honbetsu Roadside Station - Honbetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture Although the Furusato Ginga Line was discontinued in April 2006, Honbetsu Roadside Station continues to thrive as a vibrant local center, offering a variety of services and attractions for visitors and residents alike. ...
Taiki Roadside Station “Cosmall Taiki” ( 道の駅 コスモール大樹 ) is one of the roadside stations found in Hokkaido. It is located along National Route 622 at 98 Nishihondori in the town of Taiki, Hiroo-gun in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Taiki Roadside Station “Cosmall Taiki” Taiki Roadside Station “Cosmall Taiki” Details Roadside Station Cosmall Taiki , officially registered as Michi-no-Eki No. 75 on August 13, 2002, is one of the most unique roadside stations in Hokkaido. This roadside hub offers a perfect mix of convenience, local culture, and space-themed attractions that reflect Taiki’s growing reputation as “ Hokkaido’s town of space .” Roadside Station Cosmall Taiki - Taiki town, Hokkaido Prefecture Shopping Center and Local Services Unlike ordinary rest stops, Cosmall Taiki combines a shopping center, economic hall, and cultural hub all in one. Visitors can browse local specialty products, pick up daily essentials, or enjoy practical services such as a supermarket, pharmacy, clothing...
Do you want to witness and be part of the exciting and colorful cultural activities in the Philippines in this month of April ? Please check out the list of popular fiestas or festivals happening this April . Rodeo Masbateno Festival Location: Masbate City, Province of Masbate Details: The festival is celebrated every 9th to 14th of April. Its highlights are the bull riding competition, lassoing, 2-4 carambola, and bulldogging. This festival showcases the "cowboy skills" of the Masbatenos. Kangayedan Festival Location: Pagudpod, Province of Ilocos Norte Details: The festival is celebrated every 22nd to the 26th of April. Its highlight is the parade of cultural dances. This festival's objective is to safeguard the ecological beauty from destruction and also to renew the vow of the townspeople to replenish and protect the environment. Butanding Festival Location: Donsol, Province of Sorsogon Details: The festival is celeb...
Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station ( 道の駅 ガーデンスパ十勝川温泉 ) is one of the two roadside stations of the town of Otofuke. It is located along National Route 73 at 14-1 Tokachigawa Onsen Kita, Otofuke Town, Kato District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station Details Located in the scenic Tokachigawa Onsen area, Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station is a modern hub for day trips, offering visitors a perfect combination of relaxation, local cuisine, and cultural experiences. Officially registered as Hokkaido’s Roadside Station No. 128 on July 1, 2020 , this facility has quickly become a favorite destination for travelers seeking both leisure and a taste of Tokachi’s rich offerings. Garden Spa Tokachigawa Roadside Station - Otofuke town, Hokkaido Prefecture Soak in the Spa and Outdoor Garden Baths The mall hot spring at Garden Spa Tokachigawa is designed for families, couples, and groups, all enjoying th...
The first time I encountered and tasted this food was in Lucena City during the Niyogyugan Festival of 2016 . Puto Bao or Puto sa Bao was the featured product of the towns of Unisan and Agdangan during the said celebration. Puto Bao At first glance, one would think that these purple delicacies are made from ube or yam, but it is actually made from the same ingredients that are used to make suman and puto bibingka which is glutinous rice or malagkit rice. Puto Bao Surprise! All packed and ready to be consumed! Nom nom nom! The real surprise, however, lies not on its purple-colored exterior but on what's actually inside it. The Puto Bao has a filling of shredded coconut that gives it its sweet taste. Puto Bao is best eaten right after it is taken out of the steamer. (Don't worry it would still taste good after several hours out of the steamer). Puto Bao Ingredients: Here's how it looks like malagkit (glutinous) rice mixed with ordinary ric...
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