Awaji Island sits between Kobe and Shikoku in the Seto Inland Sea. Most visitors cross it on the expressway without stopping. For groups based in Kobe or Osaka, it is an easy and uncrowded day out, and a natural stop on the road to Shikoku.
Getting there
- By road. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, almost four kilometres long and one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, links Kobe to the north of the island. The Onaruto Bridge links the south of the island to Tokushima on Shikoku.
- By boat. A short high-speed boat runs from Akashi to Iwaya on the north of the island.
- By coach. For groups, a private coach from Kobe or Osaka is the simplest way to see several sites in a day.
What to see
- The Naruto whirlpools. Strong tides in the Naruto Strait create whirlpools. Sightseeing boats leave from Fukura Port in the south of the island. The size of the whirlpools depends on the tide, so we time the cruise to the tide table.
- Awaji Yumebutai. A complex designed by the architect Tadao Ando, with terraced gardens, a conference centre and a hotel. It was built after the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
- Flowers and farms. Awaji has large flower parks and is known across Japan for its onions.
- Bridge views. The coast near the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge gives the best views of the bridge.
Group practicalities
- Weather and sea. Boat trips can be cancelled in rough weather. We have an alternative ready.
- Distances. The island is about 50 kilometres from north to south, so a full day works best with a coach.
- Food. Seafood and Awaji beef suit a group lunch.
How we plan it
We plan the route, the coach and the whirlpool cruise around the tides. Awaji pairs well with Kobe or with the drive to Shikoku. See our Kobe guide, our Shikoku guide and our day trips from Osaka.
FAQ
How do you get to Awaji Island? By road over the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from Kobe, or by high-speed boat from Akashi.
Where can you see the Naruto whirlpools? On a sightseeing boat from Fukura Port in the south of Awaji Island. The size of the whirlpools depends on the tide.
Is Awaji Island a good day trip for groups? Yes. With a private coach, a group can see the whirlpools, Awaji Yumebutai and the coast in one day.
Want Awaji Island in your clients' Kansai programme? Write to b2b@explera.jp, message the trade desk on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090, or register on the B2B portal. Proposals within 24 hours. IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
