Christmas, Year-End and New Year’s Dining Recommendations on Awaji Island (2026)

Winter is one of the best times to enjoy Awaji Island’s seasonal specialties alongside beautiful ocean views. Awaji Three-Year Pufferfish, raised in the Naruto Strait, and freshly in-season snow crab take center stage on winter menus. You can also enjoy special Christmas courses available only during this season, with sunset views over Awaji Island’s west coast. 

This guide introduces restaurants on Awaji Island ideal for Christmas celebrations, family gatherings, and New Year celebrations, along with their special menus for 2026.

Christmas and New Year in Japan: Two Holidays, Two Different Traditions 

Christmas and New Year are both special times in Japan, but they are celebrated in very different ways.  

Christmas is a festive occasion for enjoying time with loved ones, often marked by illuminated streets, special dinners, and Christmas cakes. Unlike in some Western countries, it is not traditionally a major family holiday or religious celebration for most people in Japan. Couples, friends, and families may all enjoy a Christmas meal together, with fried chicken and strawberry shortcake among the seasonal favorites. 

New Year (Shōgatsu) is one of Japan’s most important holidays, centered on family, fresh beginnings, and good fortune. Many people return to their hometowns to spend the holiday with family, visit a shrine or temple for hatsumōde (the first visit of the year), and share a traditional New Year’s meal. One of the highlights is osechi ryōri, a collection of small dishes arranged in beautiful, layered lacquer boxes called jūbako. Each dish carries a special meaning and expresses a wish for the year ahead. For example, black soybeans (kuromame) symbolize health and hard work, herring roe (kazunoko) represents family prosperity and many descendants, and sweet rolled omelet made with eggs and fish paste (datemaki) is associated with learning and knowledge because of its scroll-like shape. Sweet chestnuts with mashed sweet potato (kuri kinton) symbolize wealth and good fortune thanks to their golden color. 

Another New Year favorite is ozōni, a warm soup served with rice cakes (mochi). Its ingredients and preparation vary by region and family: some versions have a clear broth, while others use miso, and the vegetables and toppings differ across Japan. On New Year’s Eve, many people also eat toshikoshi soba—buckwheat noodles traditionally enjoyed before midnight. Their long, thin shape represents a wish for a long life, while the noodles’ easy-to-break texture is often associated with leaving behind the hardships of the past year. These dishes are more than holiday food; they bring family traditions and wishes for a good year to the table. 

If you’re visiting Awaji Island during the holiday season, trying these seasonal dishes is a lovely way to experience a little of Japan’s winter traditions. 

Winter Holiday Dining Calendar on Awaji Island’s West Coast (2026) 

Winter dining on Awaji Island begins in November with seasonal pufferfish and snow crab. As the holiday season approaches, restaurants introduce limited-time menus for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, including traditional year-end soba noodles. Check the dates and reservation deadlines below to plan your holiday meals.

Dates	Restaurant	Seasonal Menu & Events
From Nov 1 (Sun)	Aonoya	Awaji Three-Year Pufferfish Set Meal begins
From Nov 1 (Sun)	Oh-SOBAR	Winter multi-course dining featuring a small suppon (softshell turtle) hot pot begins
From Nov 6 (Fri)	Aonoya	Snow Crab Set Meal begins for the start of snow crab season
From Nov 6 (Fri)	Uminoya	Dinner show Miracle on 34th Street (every Friday) begins
Nov 30 (Mon)	Auberge “French Forest”	Deadline for the 10% early-bird discount on Christmas full-course meals
From Dec 1 (Tue)	Uminoya	Winter-exclusive full-course meal begins
From Dec 1 (Tue)	Uminoya	Christmas cake pickup begins (through Dec 25)
Dec 18 (Fri)	Uminoya	Christmas cake reservation deadline
Dec 19 (Sat)–25 (Fri)	Auberge “French Forest” / Uminoya	Christmas special full-course meals available
Dec 26 (Sat)–31 (Thu)	Oh-SOBAR	Year-end soba noodles served at lunch
Jan 31 (Sun)	Oh-SOBAR	Last day of the winter multi-course dining
Feb 28 (Sun)	Aonoya / Uminoya	Last day for pufferfish and snow crab set meals and the winter-exclusive full-course meal

Winter Flavors: The stars of winter dining on Awaji Island are Awaji Three-Year Pufferfish, raised for three years in the strong currents of the Naruto Strait, and snow crab, whose fishing season opens on November 6. Awajigyu beef and sea bream are also featured in seasonal winter courses. 

Sunset Views: The west coast of Awaji Island is known for its beautiful sunsets. In December, the sun sets early, around 5 PM, so arrive before dusk to enjoy the changing colors over the sea. After dark, Aonoya’s projection mapping, and the illuminations at Auberge “French Forest” adds a little extra magic to winter evenings. 

Winter Flowers: At Nada Kuroiwa Narcissus Park in the southern part of the island, wild daffodils typically blanket the hillsides from late December through late February. It’s a lovely stop to add to a year-end or New Year’s road trip around Awaji Island. 

Recommended Christmas Restaurants on Awaji Island 

Christmas dining on Awaji Island in 2026 centers around one special week: December 19 (Sat)–25 (Fri). Whether you choose the Auberge “French Forest” with live music or an elegant SEIKAIHA restaurants overlooking the sea, you can celebrate with seasonal ingredients from Awaji Island. All make lovely settings for a romantic anniversary dinner or a Christmas gathering with the whole family, including multiple generations.

Auberge “French Forest” 

Spend Christmas Eve at a Restaurant Where You Can Stay the Night 

This Auberge “French Forest”, also recognized as Lover’s Sanctuary, offers a romantic setting surrounded by nature. Its grounds feature a glass carriage and a white gazebo with a bell, while seasonal illuminations light up the property after dark. After Christmas dinner, you can retreat to a guest room with a private cypress bath. For families with children or multigenerational Christmas gatherings, Grand Baobab is a great choice, with live music and private dining rooms. For a more intimate evening, choose La Rose, where French cuisine meets Japanese culinary influences.  

Limited-Time Noël Christmas Full-Course Lunch and Dinner 

• La Rose: Rossini-style Awaji Wagyu (beef) and foie  gras, with roasted lobster 

• Grand Baobab: Creamy pasta with Awaji Sea urchin and wood-fired Awaji Izanami Black Beef fillet 

Details	Information
Available	December 19 (Sat)–25 (Fri)
Price	Dinner from ¥18,700 / Lunch from ¥6,600
Overnight Stay	Dinner-inclusive stay for two from ¥71,600 per room

Regular Hours 

Lunch	11:30 AM–3:30 PM (last seating at 1:00 PM)
Dinner	5:30 PM–9:30 PM (last seating at 7:00 PM)
Regular Closing Days	La Rose: Tuesdays / Grand Baobab: Wednesdays

Winter Schedule 

November 24–February 28: Regular business hours apply. 

• Closing days: La Rose: Mondays and Tuesdays / Grand Baobab: Wednesdays and Thursdays 

• The restaurant may close on days when no dinner reservations have been made. 

• La Rose will be closed on December 31. 

10% OFF: Book here, through the official website by November 30 (Mon) to receive 10% off. 

SEIKAIHA Uminoya 

Christmas Dining and a Live Vocal Show in a Nostalgic Retro-Western Setting 

Overlooking the Harimanada Sea, SEIKAIHA Uminoya is a charming restaurant with a nostalgic retro-Western ambiance, featuring antique furnishings and the warm glow of Venetian glass lighting. Live music is performed every day, and guests can even request songs that hold special memories. With kids’ menu options such as omurice (Japanese-style omelet rice) and hamburger, as well as children’s chairs, it’s also a welcoming place for a Christmas dinner with the whole family. 

Limited-Time Christmas Full-Course Meal: Seika  

• Pâté de campagne aged for more than 10 days 

• Rossini-style Awajigyu beef with foie gras and truffle 

• Individual-sized Bûche de Noël 

Limited-Time Dinner Show: “Miracle on 34th Street” 

• A Christmas classic performed with live singing and music 

• Special performance menu featuring Awaji Sea bream and Awajigyu beef 

• Doors open at 6:30 PM / Show starts at 7:15 PM / Ends at 8:30 PM 

The first half features a musical opera, followed by a gala concert of beloved Christmas songs in the second half. You don’t need to know the original story to enjoy the performance. 

Limited-Time Christmas Cakes at Uminoya 

Alongside Uminoya’s signature zuccotto cake, this year’s lineup introduces smaller cakes for intimate celebrations and assorted selections for those who want to sample different flavors. 

• Reservations: October 2 (Fri)–December 18 (Fri) 

• Pickup: December 1 (Tue)–25 (Fri), 12:00 PM–7:00 PM, at the restaurant 

Whether you’re planning a family celebration or a smaller gathering, you can choose from a whole signature cake, individual-sized options, or an assortment. Pick one up after dinner and enjoy it later at your hotel or during a Christmas gathering at home. 
 
Make a reservation through the official website 

Uminoya Christmas Cakes 2026: Menu & Reservations 

Christmas Full-Course Meal: Seika	7 courses · ¥11,000 / December 19–25
Dinner Show	Every Friday, November 6–December 25 · Adults ¥8,250 / Children ¥4,400
Christmas Cakes	9 varieties · Reservations through December 18 · Pickup December 1–25, 12:00 PM–7:00 PM

Regular Hours 

Service	Hours
Lunch	11:00 AM–3:00 PM (last order 2:00 PM)
Café	2:00 PM–5:00 PM
Dinner	5:00 PM–9:00 PM (last order 7:20 PM)
Regular Closing Day	Thursdays

Winter Schedule 

November 24–February 28: 

• Dinner: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM (last order 7:00 PM) 

• Closing days: Wednesdays and Thursdays 

• Friday evenings are open only for the dinner show. 

• Café service ends at 4:00 PM on Fridays. 

Holiday schedule 

December 24 and 25: Lunch only. Christmas dinners are available December 19–23. 

Reserve Your Table at the Official Website 

Recommended Restaurants for the Year-End and New Year Holidays on Awaji Island 

The year-end and New Year holidays are a wonderful time to gather with family over Awaji Island’s seasonal winter specialties. Enjoy Japanese dishes featuring pufferfish and snow crab, winter full-course meals with Awajigyu beef and sea bream, or year-end soba noodles served with ocean views. Here are some restaurants suited to multigenerational family gatherings and special outings to close out the year. 

SEIKAIHA Aonoya 

Enjoy Winter Pufferfish and Snow Crab with Ocean Views 

Aonoya is a Japanese restaurant where every seat offers a view of the sea. At sunset, the restaurant looks out over a spectacular scene recognized among “Japan’s Top 100 Sunsets.” After dark, projection mapping illuminates the windows, adding a touch of magic to your dining experience. The winter highlight is Awaji Three-Year Pufferfish, raised for three years in the strong currents of the Naruto Strait. Larger than typical two-year farm-raised pufferfish, it is known for its firm texture and thick, flavorful flesh. Aonoya is a great choice for family gatherings and special celebrations, with live piano and violin performances creating a pleasant atmosphere for guests of all ages. 

Limited-Time Winter Set Meals 

• Awaji Three-Year Pufferfish Set Meal: Includes pufferfish sushi, thinly sliced raw pufferfish (tessa), fried pufferfish, and pufferfish hot pot (tecchiri). 

• Snow Crab Set Meal: Features Matsuba crab from the Tango region, served as crab chirashi sushi, crab chawanmushi (savory steamed egg custard), and crab hot pot. 

Seasonal Menu	Price & Availability
Pufferfish	¥13,500 / November 1–February 28. Reservations required at least 3 days in advance, by 7:00 PM.
Snow Crab	¥11,000 / November 6–February 28. Reservations required by 7:00 PM the day before.

Regular Hours 

• Lunch: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM (last order 2:00 PM) 

• Dinner: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM (last order 7:30 PM) 

• Regular closing day: Thursda 

Winter Schedule 

November 24–February 28: 

• Dinner: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM (last order 7:00 PM) 

• Closing days: Wednesdays and Thursdays 

Enjoy projection mapping by the windows after sunset. 

Reserve Your Table on the Official Website 

SEIKAIHA Uminoya 

A Winter Full-Course Meal Featuring Awajigyu Beef and Sea Bream 

This limited-time winter full-course meal brings together two of Awaji Island’s signature ingredients: Awajigyu beef and Awaji Sea bream. From the seasonal main dishes to the baked apple dessert, the menu captures the flavors of winter. It’s a lovely choice for a family gathering over the holidays or a New Year’s celebration. After your meal, you can also take home one of Uminoya’s signature zuccotto cakes or retro-style custard puddings as a sweet treat to enjoy later. 

Limited-Time Winter Full-Course Meal: Fuyuiro 

• Poached Awaji Sea bream with smoked beurre rouge sauce 

• Roasted Awajigyu beef with winter vegetables 

• Baked apple and vanilla ice cream mille-feuille 

Details	Information
Price	¥8,500 / 8 courses
Available	December 1–February 28 (excluding December 19–25)

Winter closing days: Wednesdays and Thursdays. Reserve early for year-end dining. 

Reserve Your Table on the Official Website 

Modern Soba Kappo Oh-SOBAR 

Enjoy Year-End Soba and Winter Multi-course Dining with Ocean Views 

Oh-SOBAR is an ocean-view soba restaurant designed by renowned architect and interior designer Yasumichi Morita. The restaurant’s cuisine is supervised by a respected Osaka restaurant specializing in traditional kappo dining. “Kappo” literally means “cutting and cooking,” referring to a traditional style of Japanese cuisine prepared with skill and care. An infinity pool stretches between the dining area and the sea, creating the impression that the ocean continues right beyond your table. Alongside its signature nihachi soba (80% buckwheat, 20% wheat flour), the restaurant serves creative varieties made with ingredients such as akamoku seaweed and chomeiso longevity herb. At the end of the year, you can enjoy freshly hand-cut soba prepared in the restaurant as part of the Japanese tradition of eating toshikoshi soba to welcome the New Year. 

Limited-Time Winter Multi-Course Dining at Oh-SOBAR 

• The highlight is a small hot pot of suppon (softshell turtle). Softshell turtle is prized in Japan as a delicacy, known for its rich, collagen-rich broth and traditional reputation as a nourishing food. 

• Other dishes change monthly to showcase seasonal ingredients, followed by nihachi soba and creative soba varieties. 

Seasonal Menu	Details
Year-End Soba	Available at lunch from December 26–31
Winter multi-course dining	¥10,000 / November 1–January 31 (not available at lunch from December 26–31)

An additional service charge applies to the multi-course dining. 

Regular Hours 

• Lunch: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM (last order 2:30 PM) 

• Dinner: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM (last order 7:30 PM) 

• Regular closing day: Wednesdays 

Winter Schedule 

November 1–February 28: 

• Lunch: Last order at 2:00 PM 

• Dinner: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM (last order 7:00 PM) 

• Closing days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 

Multi-course dining reservations must be made at least five days in advance. 

Reserve Your Table on the Official Website 

Tips for Making Reservations 

1. Book Christmas dining in November. The Auberge “French Forest” offers an early-bird discount through November 30. 
2. Check reservation deadlines for seasonal menus. Awaji Three-Year Pufferfish Set Meals require reservations at least three days in advance, while Oh-SOBAR’s multi-course dining requires five days’ advance booking. 
3. Share your group size and children’s ages when making a reservation. 
4. Check out winter opening hours and closing days before heading out.

Winter Closing Days and Holiday Schedules 

From November 24 to February 28, many venues have additional closing days and shorter dinner hours. Check out the latest schedule before planning your visit, especially during the year-end and New Year holidays. 

Restaurant	Regular Closing Days	Winter Closing Days
Auberge “French Forest” La Rose	Tuesdays	Mondays and Tuesdays / Closed December 31
Auberge “French Forest” Grand Baobab	Wednesdays	Wednesdays and Thursdays
Uminoya	Thursdays	Wednesdays and Thursdays
Aonoya	Thursdays	Wednesdays and Thursdays
Oh-SOBAR	Wednesdays	Tuesdays and Wednesdays (from November 1)
Ocean Terrace	Wednesdays (open on public holidays)	Wednesdays and Thursdays
Aman no Shokutaku Utage	Tuesdays	Tuesdays and Fridays / Fridays open for group reservations only

Winter schedules generally run from November 24 to February 28. Oh-SOBAR follows its winter schedule from November 1 to February 28. Please check each venue’s official website for its year-end and New Year holiday operating dates.

 
Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. When can I enjoy Christmas full-course meals on Awaji Island? 

The Auberge “French Forest” and SEIKAIHA Uminoya will offer special Christmas full-course meals from December 19 (Sat)–25 (Fri), 2026. Please note that Uminoya serves lunch only on December 24 and 25. 

Q. Are there any Christmas restaurants on Awaji Island that are suitable for families with children? 

SEIKAIHA Uminoya offers a children’s menu, and kids can attend its “Miracle on 34th Street” dinner show at the children’s rate of ¥4,400. At the Auberge “French Forest” Grand Baobab welcomes children under 11 and also has private dining rooms, making it a good option for family celebrations. 

Q. Where can I order a Christmas cake on Awaji Island? 

SEIKAIHA Uminoya offers Christmas cakes, including its signature zuccotto cake, smaller sizes for intimate gatherings, and assorted selections. Reservations are open through December 18 (Fri), 2026. Cakes can be picked up at the restaurant from December 1 (Tue)–25 (Fri), between 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM. 

Q. How long can I enjoy pufferfish and snow crab on Awaji Island? 

At SEIKAIHA Aonoya, the Awaji Three-Year Pufferfish Set Meal is available from November 1, 2026 (Sun)–February 28, 2027 (Sun), while the Snow Crab Set Meal is available from November 6, 2026 (Fri)–February 28, 2027 (Sun). 

Reservations are required by 7:00 PM at least three days in advance for the pufferfish set meal and by 7:00 PM the day before for the snow crab set meal. 

Q. Where can I enjoy traditional Japanese year-end soba noodles on Awaji Island? 

Modern Soba Kappo Oh-SOBAR serves toshikoshi soba, a traditional Japanese dish eaten to mark the end of the year, during lunch from December 26 (Sat)–31 (Thu), 2026. 

Q. Are there restaurants on Awaji Island that can accommodate large year-end and New Year parties? 

Yes. Several restaurants offer group dining options: 

• Ocean Terrace: Up to 100 guests 

• Aman no Shokutaku Utage: Up to 81 guests (135 for private events) 

• Craft Circus: Up to 120 guests (300 for private events) 

For group reservations and inquiries, contact the group booking desk at 050-3684-4874.

Q. Is parking available at the restaurants? 

Yes. Each facility has its own parking arrangements. SEIKAIHA Uminoya and Aonoya share a common parking area. Please check each restaurant’s official website for parking details and any applicable conditions.