Awaji Island

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Local Time 19:13

  • Symbol : cloudy

    Temp : -6.2°C

    Date : Today

  • Symbol : sunny_cloudy

    Temp : -6.5°C

    Date : Tomorrow

  • Symbol : cloudy

    Temp : -2.9°C

    Date : Sunday

  • Symbol : cloudy

    Temp : 2.2°C

    Date : Monday

In the grand scheme of Japanese history, Awaji is often seen as where everything began. According to legend, this was the first island ever created by the Japanese Shinto gods, Izanami and Izanagi, and this historic and cultural spirit lives on into the modern day. 

Hyogo is geographically unique due to having two coasts, the northern of which is the coast of the Sea of Japan, and the southern one being that of the Seto Inland Sea. The Seto Inland Sea runs between the two major Japanese islands of Honshu and Shikoku, and it is in this sea that Awaji Island is nestled. Between Honshu and Awaji Island is the Akashi Strait. Between Shikoku and Awaji is the Naruto Strait. 

Much of Awaji is agricultural and rural, with low-mountains covering the island. The largest city on the island is Sumoto, located right on the coast with a population of just over 40,000 people. Running through the center of the island is the Nojima Fault, the epicenter of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. There is actually a museum dedicated to the event, with a portion of the fault visible. 

Coast of Awaji Island

Coast of Awaji Island

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There are also tours of the bridge available for those who book online in advance. 

Perhaps Awaji Island’s most famous attraction, however, are the Naruto whirlpools, located in the south, in the Naruto Strait, that can be seen from the Naruto Ohashi Bridge, for which it is named. These whirlpools are caused by tidal movements between the Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean and have currents that can reach 20 kilometers per hour! From the southern port of Fukura, there are daily cruises to see the Naruto Whirlpools and the Naruto Ohashi Bridge. The best time to see them is usually one hour before or after the start point of the tide, which takes place four times a day.

Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge

Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge

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Onaruto Bridge with whirlpools beneath

Onaruto Bridge with whirlpools beneath

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Sumoto Castle which was rebuilt in 1928 after the original Edo Period building had been demolished in the 1630s. The Awajishima Museum, at the base of the castle, is dedicated to the history and culture of the island. It has displays on local festivals, puppet theater, and the art of local painter Tamao Naohara.

Awaji is the home of the Ningyo Joruri Puppet Theater, which is a forerunner of bunraku. The Awaji Joruri Puppet Theater in Fukura, in the south of the island, offers short performances of this over 500-year-old art. On Awaji in particular, the joruri puppet theater utilizes the rich nature of the island, emphasizing the different seasons throughout the year. 

Sumoto Castle in Awaji Island

Sumoto Castle in Awaji Island

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The site includes beautiful gardens, walking trails, and Japan's biggest greenhouse. Another Ando building on Awaji is the modernist Water Temple (Shingonshu Honpukuji; 本福寺) constructed in 1991, a beautiful space constructed with pools and concrete walls. 

Another notable location is Zenbei Seinei, a very unique resort based around the traditional practices of Zen. Guests can stay overnight, engage in meditative practices, and eat unique dishes indicative of Awaji Island. The structure is built mostly of Japanese cedar and is above the trees of a dense forest. It’s architecture incorporates traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary minimalism. 

Yumebutai, Awaji Island

Yumebutai, Awaji Island

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Nearby, Hello Kitty Applehouse features a signature 360-degree theater and even an observation deck to enjoy the surrounding beauty of Awaji Island. Both fans of the Hello Kitty franchise as well as those with an appreciation for modern art and installations ought to visit during their time on Awaji!

An island of fragrance

Awaji is well known for a number of artisanal crafts. One of its most notable exports is that of incense sticks, largely sought after by fragrance enthusiasts. Manufacturers from Awaji Island are also often contracted to produce signature scents for different brands or retailers throughout Japan! A number of different workshops throughout the island offer interactive incense-making experiences that are worth trying out and provide you with a great, usable souvenir for back home!

Incense store in Awaji

Incense store in Awaji

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