10 Relaxing Places to Visit on Awaji Island 

Awaji Island is made for a slow-paced journey. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, you can spend your day surrounded by nature, explore the island’s history and mythology, and take your time over a good meal. 

From peaceful Zen experiences and expansive flower fields to shrines connected to Japan’s creation myths, the island offers plenty of ways to enjoy a more relaxed side of Japan. You’ll also find restaurants serving French cuisine, farm-to-table dishes, and seasonal specialties made with ingredients from Awaji Island. 

Traveling without a car? The island’s West Coast is especially convenient to explore. Several major attractions are connected by a shuttle service, making it possible to visit three or four places in a day without having to drive. It’s a simple way to build an itinerary around accessible experiences, scenic stops, and plenty of time to pause along the way. 

Here are 10 places to add to your Awaji Island itinerary when you want to experience the island at an easy, comfortable pace. 

Restaurants to Reserve Before Your Visit 

Restaurant	Best Time to Visit	Reservation Tips
Zenbo Seinei	Day trip / Overnight stay	Reservations are required; same-day admission is not available
Auberge “French Forest”	Lunch / Dinner	Last lunch seating is at 1:00 PM
Farmers Restaurant Haru San San	Lunch	Seating is limited, and weekends can fill up
Nojima Scuola – Café Scuola	Lunch / Dinner	Lunch last order is at 2:00 PM
Oh-SOBAR	Lunch / Dinner	Lunch last order is at 2:30 PM; dinner last order is at 7:30 PM

① Slow Down with a Zen Experience Surrounded by Nature at Zenbo Seinei. 

Set high in the hills of Awaji Island, Zenbo Seinei offers a chance to step away from the pace of everyday life and spend a few quiet hours surrounded by nature. With views stretching in every direction, the setting makes it easy to slow down and focus on the moment. 

Choose from experiences such as Zen meditation and yoga, or try something more traditional with calligraphy, tea ceremony, or incense ceremony. A plant-based shojin cuisine meal, traditional Japanese Buddhist plant-based cuisine, completes the experience, using a mindful approach to both food and well-being. 

You can visit for a day with a lunch or café plan or stay overnight for a longer retreat. If you’re looking for a peaceful change of pace, Zenbo Seinei offers a memorable way to reconnect with yourself and the natural landscape of Awaji Island. 

Click here for reservations

Name	Zenbo Seinei
Address	2594-5 Aza-Banaka, Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 A free shuttle bus is available.
Tel	0799-70-9087
Website	https://www.zenbo-seinei.com/en/
Program Reservations	https://zenbo-seinei.com/en/onedayplan/
Hotel Reservation	https://zenbo-seinei.com/en/zenstayplan/
Operation Hours	Mon: 9:00 am～5:00 pm / Tues～Sun: 11:00 am～6:30 pm Closed: Varies depending on a month. Please inquire.

Click here for details of ZENBO SEINEI

② Wander Through Flower Fields with Sweeping Views of the Sea and Sky at Awaji Hanasajiki. 

For a leisurely walk with some of the island’s most expansive views, head to Awaji Hanasajiki. The flower fields stretch across a hillside overlooking the sea, creating a wide-open landscape where flowers, sky, and ocean come together. 

The scenery changes throughout the year. Rapeseed flowers and Iceland poppies brighten the fields in spring, while sunflowers and cleome arrive in summer. Fall brings cosmos and salvia, followed by stock flowers in winter. 

From the observation deck, you can look across the colorful fields toward the sea and surrounding greenery. There’s something different to see in every season, making it an easy stop to enjoy at your own pace.

③ Take Your Time Over a French Lunch in a Storybook Setting at Auberge “French Forest” 

For a relaxing lunch surrounded by an elegant atmosphere, Auberge “French Forest” brings together French cuisine and the flavors of Awaji Island. 

The restaurant complex looks like something from a storybook, with two charming buildings set among the greenery. Inside, you can choose from two distinct dining concepts, each offering its own interpretation of French cuisine. One combines French cooking with Japanese influences, while another brings together French and Italian traditions.

Whichever you choose, the focus is on bringing out the character of seasonal Awaji Island ingredients through carefully prepared dishes. 

There is one timing detail to keep in mind: the last lunch seating is at 1:00 PM, and guests arriving after 1:00 PM cannot be seated. If you want to enjoy your meal without rushing, making a reservation between 11:30 AM and noon is recommended. 

Auberge French Forest is served by a complimentary West Coast shuttle stop. It is also about ten minutes by car from Awaji Hanasajiki, making the two spots easy to combine in one relaxed day. 

Click here for reservations

Name	Auberge “French Forest”
Address	2593-8 Kusumoto Aza Banaka, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 A free shuttle bus is available.
TEL	La Rose 0799-70-6062 Grand Baobab 0799-70-6063
Website	https://frenchnomori.jp/
Reservations	https://frenchnomori.jp/reservation/
Hotel Reservation	https://go-frenchnomori.reservation.jp/en
Operation Hours	Lunch – 11:30~15:30 (Last Entry: 13:00) Dinner – 17:30~21:30 (Last Entry: 19:00)
Menu	A Full-Course Lunch ￥7,000～/ A Full-Course Dinner ￥10,000～

Click here for details of Auberge “French Forest”

④ Savor Fresh Island Vegetables in a Peaceful Thatched-Roof Farmhouse at Farm Restaurant Haru San San 

At Farmhouse Restaurant Haru San San, vegetables from the restaurant’s own farm and partner farms across Awaji Island take center stage. Each dish reflects where the ingredients come from and the care that goes into growing them. With the fields just outside, you can enjoy the natural flavors of the vegetables while taking in the peaceful rural setting. 

The menu also includes meat from Awaji Island, prepared to complement the vegetables rather than overshadow them. The meal is designed to let you take your time and appreciate each dish. 

Inside the thatched roof building designed by Shigeru Ban, the atmosphere is quiet and removed from the bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re sharing a meal with a partner or catching up with a friend you haven’t seen in a while, Haru San San is a lovely place to slow down, enjoy the surrounding fields, and savor the flavors of Awaji Island. 

Click here for reservations

Name	Farmer’s Restaurant – Haru San San
Address	1510-4 Nojima-tokiwa Aza Genpachi, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1726 A free shuttle bus is available.
Tel	0799-70-9082
Operation Hours	11:00-18:00（L.O.17:00）
Closed	Wednesdays
Website	https://www.awaji-nlr.com/harusansan
Reservations	https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/noukarestaurant-haru-sansan/reserve

Click here for details of Haru San San

⑤ Explore Tadao Ando’s Architecture Among Gardens and Flowers at Awaji Yumebutai 

Awaji Yumebutai is a fascinating place to experience the architecture of renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando alongside gardens and seasonal flowers. 

The complex was designed as part of an effort to restore land that had been excavated for development, with architecture and landscape working together rather than standing apart. Concrete structures, gardens, stairways, and open spaces create a distinctive landscape that changes with the seasons. 

Take your time walking through the complex, stopping to enjoy the flowers and the changing views along the way. When you’re ready for a break, the nearby hotel offers cafés and lounge spaces where you can sit down and relax. 

Awaji Yumebutai is also easy to reach by direct highway bus, making it a convenient choice for a car-free day on Awaji Island.

⑥ Discover Ancient Japanese Mythology and a 900-Year-Old Sacred Tree at Izanagi Shrine 

For a glimpse into the mythology behind Japan’s origins, visit Izanagi Shrine, one of the most significant historic sites on Awaji Island. 

The shrine is dedicated to Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, the two Gods associated with the creation of the Japanese islands in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Japan’s oldest chronicles. According to the shrine’s tradition, after completing their work of creation, Izanagi and Izanami settled on Awaji Island. 

One of the most memorable landmarks on the site is Meoto Okusu—the “Camphor Tree Couple.” The enormous tree is believed to be around 900 years old and is formed from two trunks growing together. It has long been associated with blessings for harmony between couples, fertility, safe childbirth, and good relationships. 

Whether you’re interested in Japanese mythology, history, or simply enjoy visiting peaceful shrines, Izanagi Shrine offers a quiet place to slow down and connect with a deeper layer of Awaji Island.

Izanagi Jingu: One of the Oldest Shrines in Japan

⑦ Step Inside a Former Elementary School for Local Food, Shopping, and More at Nojima Scuola 

What was once a local elementary school has been given a second life as Nojima Scuola, a lively destination combining food, shopping, animals, and local culture. 

The former school now houses a restaurant and café, a bakery, a market, and a small zoo. At the market, you can browse local produce, Awaji Island specialties, and regional souvenirs—a good place to pick up something to take home. 

For lunch, Café Scuola on the first floor is a particularly relaxed choice. Its lunch sets include a salad buffet featuring fresh Awaji Island vegetables, allowing you to choose your favorite seasonal produce and take as much as you like. 

Also, there is a small zoo, which is a fun stop for the whole family, where everyone can meet alpacas, goats, rabbits, and other friendly animals. You can also browse the market for local specialties and souvenirs or enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of the former school building. 

It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, have lunch, browse souvenirs, and leave with a few new memories of island life.

Click here for reservations

Name	Nojima Scuola
Adress	843 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 A free shuttle bus is available.
Website	https://www.nojima-scuola.com/
Reservations	https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/nojima-scuola/reserve
Tel	0799-82-1820
Operation Hours	1F Marché /Bakery: Weekdays 10:30~19:00 Sat., Sun., & Public Holidays　10:00~19:00 1F Café Scuola: Weekdays Lunch 11:00~14:00/ café 14:00~18:00 Sat., Sun., & Public Holidays breakfast 10:00~11:00 Lunch 11:00~15:00 Café 15:00~18:00 2F Ristorante Scuola: 11:30~15:30 (in by 14:00) / 18:00~21:30 (in by 19:30) Outdoor Zoo: Weekdays 11:00~16:00 Sat., Sun. & Public Holidays 10:00~16:00 (13:00~14:00 animals in recess) Closed: Wednesdays (Open on Public Holidays)

Click here for details of Nojima Scuola

⑧ Blend Your Own Bottle of Vintage Japanese Spirits by the Sea at SEIKAIHA Koshunoya 

One of the most distinctive experiences at SEIKAIHA Koshunoya is the chance to create a bottle that is entirely your own. 

The first-floor shop and bar features rare vintage sake, shochu, awamori, and plum wine, including spirits that have been aged for more than 40 years. During the blending experience, you can taste several varieties and experiment with different combinations until you find a blend that suits your taste. 

Mixing spirits aged for different lengths of time reveals subtle changes in aroma, sweetness, and finish. You get to taste those differences for yourself before deciding how you want your final blend to come together. 

There’s something special about taking a spirit shaped by decades of aging and adding your own finishing touch. Once your blend is complete, you can take the bottle home as a keepsake from Awaji Island—or give it to someone special as a unique gift. 

Click here for reservations

Name	SEIKAIHA – Koshunoya
Address	70 Nojima-okawa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1723 A free shuttle bus is available.
Tel	0799-70-9020
Website	https://awaji-seikaiha.com/kosyunoya/
Reservations	https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/awaji-seikaiha-kosyunoya/reserve
Operation Hours	11:30~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) Closed: Thursdays

Click here for details of SEIKAIHA – Koshunoya

⑨ Experience More Than 500 Years of Awaji Ningyo Jōruri at Awaji Ningyoza 

Awaji Ningyoza is the dedicated theater for Awaji Ningyo Jōruri, a traditional form of Japanese puppet theater with more than 500 years of history. The art has been passed down through generations on Awaji Island, preserving its traditional techniques while continuing to evolve. In 1976, Awaji Ningyo Jōruri was designated by the Japanese government as a Nationally Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. 

A performance brings together three essential elements: the powerful storytelling of the tayū narrator, the resonant sound of the shamisen, and the detailed movements of the puppeteers. Together, they create the distinctive sound and movement of Awaji Ningyo Jōruri. 

The puppets are brought to life through carefully coordinated movements, combining expressive gestures with the voice and music of the performers. Even if you have never experienced Japanese puppet theater before, a live performance offers an engaging introduction to one of Awaji Island’s traditional performing arts. 

Awaji Ningyoza is located near Michi-no-Eki Fukura, making it easy to combine a performance with time in the Fukura area. You can also board the Uzushio Cruise, departing from Fukura Port, to see the Naruto whirlpools. 

“Ningyo Joruri” : The Traditional Cultural Heritage on Awaji Island, Japan

⑩ Watch the Sunset Over the Sea Over a Modern Soba-Kappō Dinner at Oh-SOBAR 

At Oh-SOBAR, the view is part of the meal. The restaurant overlooks the Harima Sea, with seats facing the sea and its famous sunsets, while the menu centers on handmade soba and seasonal Awaji Island ingredients. 

The signature soba kappō course features a variety of noodles. Alongside traditional Ni-hachi soba, you can try seasonal noodles made with ingredients such as akamoku seaweed, chōmeisō, and konjac, served with a salt-koji onion condiment. 

The meal continues with seasonal dishes that showcase the island’s ingredients, such as Awaji Island onion and fava bean chawanmushi, steamed abalone with wakame seaweed, lightly seared pike conger, and seasonal tempura. 

The chef makes the day’s soba fresh by hand, and you can watch the preparation up close while you dine. It adds another layer to the experience—you’re not simply eating soba but seeing how it comes together. 

The magic truly begins around sunset. As the sky changes color over the Harima Sea, torch lights flicker around the infinity pool, and the view gradually shifts from bright sea to evening horizon. Take your time with dinner and let the changing scenery become part of the final course of your day on Awaji Island. 

Check more details and reserve

Address	269-2 Aza-sunagawa, Nojima-todoroki, Awaji City A free shuttle busavailable
Parking	14 spaces（free）
Tel	050-3821-2229
Operation Hours	11:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.(L.O.8:00 p.m.)
Official Website	https://www.oh-sobar.com/
Official Reservation Site	https://www.tablecheck.com/en/oh-sobar/reserve/message/

Click here for details of Oh-SOBAR

Conclusion: A Slow-Paced Way to Experience Awaji Island 

Awaji Island brings nature, food, and culture together in one easy-to-explore destination. You can take in seasonal flowers and sea views at Awaji Hanasajiki, experience Tadao Ando’s architecture at Awaji Yumebutai, and step into Japan’s creation mythology at Izanagi Shrine. 

Slow down at Zenbo Seinei, watch a 500-year-old performing art at Awaji Ningyoza, or create your own bottle of vintage sake at SEIKAIHA Koshunoya. Throughout the day, there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy seasonal Awaji Island ingredients, from farm-fresh vegetables to seafood and handmade soba. 

The best way to experience the island isn’t necessarily to see as much as possible. A slow-paced itinerary with time to linger can make the day more enjoyable. Several major destinations along Awaji Island’s West Coast are connected by a complimentary shuttle service, making it possible to visit three or four places in a day without driving. 

One simple way to plan your day is to reserve a restaurant first, then choose a scenic spot and a cultural experience to enjoy before or after your meal. Leaving some breathing room between stops gives you time to take in the scenery, enjoy your food, and make spontaneous discoveries along the way. 

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, meeting up with friends, or bringing the whole family—including the grandkids—Awaji Island offers plenty of ways to enjoy Japan at a more relaxed pace. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Exploring Awaji Island  

1. Can I enjoy Awaji Island without driving? 

Yes. Several major destinations along the West Coast are connected by a free shuttle bus, making it possible to visit three or four places in a day without renting a car. 

From Osaka and Kobe, you can reach Awaji Island by highway bus, and Awaji Yumebutai is served by a direct highway bus service. For destinations outside the shuttle route, such as Izanagi Shrine and Awaji Ningyoza, you can combine public transportation with a taxi. 

2. How many places can I realistically visit in one day? 

For a comfortable itinerary, three to four stops is a good starting point. Rather than filling every hour with sightseeing, give yourself enough time at each destination to enjoy the experience without rushing. 

A simple itinerary could look like this: 

Morning: Enjoy the scenery at Awaji Hanasajiki or Awaji Yumebutai 

Lunch: Take your time at one of the island’s restaurants 

Afternoon: Visit a cultural attraction or enjoy a hands-on experience 

This leaves room for coffee, photos, shopping, and the occasional unexpected stop along the way. 

3. Should I make restaurant reservations? 

Reservations are recommended for all five restaurants featured in this article. 

Zenbo Seinei operates with a limited capacity and does not accept same-day visitors.  
Farmers Restaurant Haru San San has limited seating and can fill up on weekends. 

It’s also worth keeping an eye on dining times. Auberge French Forest has a last lunch seating at 1:00 PM, while Café Scuola has a 2:00 PM lunch last order. At Oh-SOBAR, the last lunch order is at 2:30 PM, and the last dinner order is at 7:30 PM. 

Once you know which day you’re visiting, reserving one restaurant first can make the rest of your itinerary much easier to arrange. 

4. Are there places where I don’t have to walk very far? 
 At Awaji Hanasajiki, you can enjoy wide views of the flower fields and sea from the observation deck without walking through the entire park. 

Awaji Ningyoza is another comfortable option for a slower-paced afternoon, as performances are enjoyed while seated. 

5. What can I do on a rainy day? 

There are several indoor experiences to choose from. 

Watch traditional puppet theater at Awaji Ningyoza, create your own blend of vintage sake at SEIKAIHA Koshunoya, or try Zen, calligraphy, or tea ceremony experiences at Zenbo Seinei. At Nojima Scuola, you can combine shopping and a meal under one roof. 

These options make it easy to keep your itinerary interesting even when the weather changes. 

6. What is the best season to visit Awaji Island? 

There is something different to see throughout the year at Awaji Hanasajiki. 

In spring, the fields come alive with rapeseed flowers and Iceland poppies. Summer brings sunflowers and cleome, while fall is the season for cosmos and salvia. In winter, stock flowers add color to the landscape. 

If flowers are your main reason for visiting, plan your trip around the blooming period of the varieties you want to see. 

For sunset views at Oh-SOBAR, fall and winter have an advantage: the sun sets earlier, so you can enjoy the changing colors over the Harima Sea without having to wait until late in the evening. 

7. Is Awaji Island a good destination for a multigenerational trip? 

Absolutely. Nojima Scuola is particularly easy to enjoy together. The animal area has alpacas, goats, rabbits, and other animals, while the restaurant offers a salad buffet where everyone can choose their favorite seasonal vegetables. 

Because the complex was created from a former elementary school, the setting also offers something different for different generations. 

8. Are there memorable souvenirs or hands-on experiences? 

At SEIKAIHA Koshunoya, you can create your own blend using vintage sake, shochu, awamori, and plum wine, including spirits aged for more than 40 years. You can take your finished bottle home, making it both a personal souvenir and a thoughtful gift. Sometimes the best souvenir is something you make—or taste—yourself. 

For something edible, stop by the market at Nojima Scuola, where you can browse local produce, Awaji Island specialties, and regional souvenirs.