Awaji Island: Hyogo's Island Between Honshu and Shikoku

Sweet onions, a giant suspension bridge, puppet theater and calm coastal roads, all within an hour of Kobe.

Published October 18, 2026 at 8:47 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Awaji Island is the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, part of Hyogo Prefecture, and links Honshu and Shikoku. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge connects it to Kobe, so buses and cars reach it quickly. It is known for sweet onions, hamo (pike conger), seaside scenery, gardens and traditional puppet theater, and suits a relaxed day or overnight trip.

Where Awaji sits and why it matters

Awaji Island lies in the eastern Seto Inland Sea, between the main island of Honshu to the north and Shikoku to the south. It is the largest island in this inland sea and belongs to Hyogo Prefecture, the same prefecture that includes Kobe and Himeji. Because bridges now connect it in two directions, it works as a stepping stone between regions, although many travelers treat it as a destination in its own right. Old Japanese chronicles describe Awaji as one of the first lands created in the myths of the islands, and the island has long carried a certain sacred reputation.

Today, that history shows in its shrines, which include a well-known shrine linked to the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami. The mood of the island is calm and rural, with farms, small harbors and long views over the water. Because Awaji is long and narrow, with the main roads running along the coast, driving or riding from one end to the other takes a good while. It helps to pick a section of the island, such as the north near the bridge, the west coast with sunset views, or the south around the Naruto strait, and explore it properly instead of racing across all three.

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge crosses the strait between Kobe and the northern tip of Awaji. For many years, its central span was the longest of any suspension bridge in the world, and it remains among the longest. It opened in the late 1990s and forms part of the route linking Honshu and Shikoku over several bridges. Crossing it by bus or car offers wide views of the strait and the sea.

At the Awaji end, the area near the bridge has parks, a shopping complex and an exhibition facility that explains how the bridge was built. Tours that take visitors onto the bridge structure are sometimes offered, so check the official page for current programs. The bridge lights up at night in changing patterns, which is a nice sight from the shore.

Food: onions, hamo and seafood

Awaji is famous for its sweet onions, which grow well in the island's mild climate and fertile soil. They are noticeably sweet and mild, and they appear in many dishes: raw in salads, grilled whole, in soups and even in burgers. Look for onion-based snacks and souvenirs, such as dressings and chips. The island is also known for hamo, or pike conger, a long, slender fish that is prized in western Japan and particularly in summer. It is prepared with careful cutting to deal with its many fine bones and is served in soups, tempura or lightly boiled and chilled.

Awaji beef, sea bream, sea urchin and shirasu are other local foods. Fresh seafood restaurants line the coast, and set lunches make a good introduction. Roadside stands and farm shops sell onions in season, often at modest prices, and some restaurants build entire menus around them. Try them in the simplest form, sliced raw with a light dressing or grilled whole, to taste the sweetness. If you are traveling by public transport, a packaged onion soup or dressing travels well as a souvenir.

Gardens, architecture and art

Awaji has an unusual concentration of designed spaces. Awaji Yumebutai, a hillside complex designed by architect Tadao Ando, combines gardens, a hotel, a conference center and walkways with sea views. A large flower garden of terraced beds is a highlight, and plants bloom in different seasons. Elsewhere, you can find hillside parks, herb gardens and farm-based leisure areas.

There are also art-focused spots and cafes along the coast. Each has its own opening times and ticket policies, so check official pages before you go. Because the island is large, it helps to choose two or three places to visit rather than trying to see everything in a day.

Awaji ningyo joruri puppet theater

Awaji is associated with a traditional form of puppet theater called ningyo joruri. It has been performed on the island for a very long time and is thought to have influenced the better-known bunraku tradition. Puppeteers, narrators and shamisen players tell dramatic stories with large, expressive puppets that require several operators.

A dedicated theater hosts regular performances, and in some seasons there are special programs. Even if you do not understand Japanese, the craft of the puppet movements is captivating, and some programs provide explanations in English or leaflets. Check the schedule in advance, and reserve if required. Visiting a performance is a good way to connect with local culture.

Getting to Awaji and getting around

Highway buses run from Kobe (Sannomiya) across the bridge to various points on Awaji, typically taking under an hour to reach the northern part of the island. Buses also connect Osaka and Awaji. Another option is a ferry from Akashi to Iwaya on the island, a short crossing.

Public transport on the island is limited, and buses run less frequently than in cities. Many visitors rent a car, which makes it easier to visit scattered sights. Cycling is also popular, and there are routes that circle parts of the island. If you rely on buses, check timetables carefully, and plan around the last departure back.

Best seasons and pairing Awaji with nearby places

Spring brings blooming flower gardens and mild weather. Summer is hot, but sea breezes help, and hamo is in season. Autumn offers cooler air and harvest foods. Winter is mild compared with northern Japan, and daffodils and other winter flowers bloom in some gardens. Typhoons can pass through in late summer and early autumn, so watch forecasts if you plan to cross by bridge or ferry. Wear comfortable shoes for garden walks and a light jacket for sea winds. Sun protection is helpful in summer. Because many attractions are outdoors, a clear, dry day is ideal.

Awaji makes a good addition to a trip that includes Kobe, Himeji and Osaka. It also connects with Tokushima on Shikoku, home to the Naruto whirlpools, a tidal phenomenon in the strait between Awaji and Shikoku. Whirlpool boat tours depart from the Shikoku side and the Awaji side, and the best viewing depends on tides. If you cross to Shikoku, you can continue to Tokushima, the Iya Valley or Takamatsu. This makes Awaji a convenient gateway for exploring the region. As always, check transport and tour details close to your travel date, since schedules vary by season and tide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Awaji Island from Kobe?

Take a highway bus from Kobe Sannomiya across the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The ride to the northern part of the island is typically under an hour. Alternatively, take the ferry from Akashi to Iwaya. Check current timetables before traveling. Buses from Osaka also serve the island, and the crossing over the bridge offers wide sea views.

What is Awaji Island known for?

Awaji is known for sweet onions, hamo (pike conger), Awaji beef and fresh seafood. It is also noted for the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, gardens designed by famous architects, and a tradition of traditional puppet theater. Visitors often plan a meal around the island's onions, which appear in everything from soups to burgers.

Do you need a car on Awaji Island?

A car makes exploring easier because buses on the island run less frequently than in cities. You can still see highlights using buses and taxis, or by cycling in some areas. Plan your route carefully and check bus schedules in advance. Rental cars are available near Kobe and at major stations on the island.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Hyogo Prefecture Travel Guide, Takamatsu: Ritsurin Garden and Udon Culture and Ferries in Japan: Island Hopping Basics.