Top reasons to visit Awaji Island
- Stunning Beaches: Awaji Island boasts beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.
- Cultural Richness: The island is home to historical sites and temples, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local traditions.
- Family-Friendly Attractions: With theme parks and vibrant water parks, there's fun for all ages.
- Wellness Experiences: Enjoy rejuvenating body treatments and hot spring-themed accommodations for a tranquil stay.
- Scenic Landscapes: Explore the picturesque west coast and charming natural scenery throughout the island.
Find great hotels near Awaji Island
Awaji Island offers a delightful selection of accommodations, from luxurious hotels to traditional ryokans, perfect for a rejuvenating getaway. Visitors can indulge in hot spring-themed stays and enjoy the stunning beach and spa facilities. Notable options include Awaji Country Garden, Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort, Nikko Awaji, Pancake Honten Awaji Island Resort, and Aquaignis Hotel, ensuring a memorable experience on this picturesque island in Hyogo Prefecture.
- Seaside Hotel Maiko Villa Kobe: This 4-star seaside hotel is celebrated for its stunning coastal views and beach-themed experience. Located 32km away from Awaji Island, it offers direct access to the beach, making it an ideal choice for beach lovers and golf enthusiasts alike. The hotel features a golf course, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing day on the greens after soaking in the sun. With a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10, visitors appreciate the spacious rooms and the serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
- Smile Hotel Nishiakashi: A comfortable 3-star lodging situated 32km from Awaji Island, Smile Hotel Nishiakashi provides a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Guests can start their day with a variety of breakfast options, including self-serve choices. The hotel features entertainment amenities such as pay movies and flat-screen televisions, ensuring a pleasant stay for those seeking affordable comfort. Its convenient location and value for money make it a practical choice for travellers looking to explore the region without compromising on essential amenities.
- Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa: This 3.5-star resort, located 21km from Awaji Island, offers a family-friendly environment with a focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. With a guest rating of 8.2 out of 10, it boasts a natural hot spring on-site, providing a unique and tranquil experience for guests. Families will appreciate the range of child-friendly amenities, including a playground, arcade game room, and specially tailored breakfast options. The combination of family-focused facilities and soothing hot spring access makes it a distinctive choice for those seeking a restorative getaway.
Where to stay near Awaji Island
Awaji Island, the largest island in the Japanese archipelago, offers a delightful blend of culture, wellness, and family-friendly experiences. From the charming Awaji Province to the vibrant Awaji Municipality, visitors can immerse themselves in romantic atmospheres and adventurous activities. Whether exploring serene landscapes or indulging in local cuisine, travellers will find a welcoming environment filled with friendly people and rich history, making Awaji Island a perfect destination for any type of vacation.
- Sumoto: Nestled a mere 6km from Awaji Island, Sumoto is a vibrant city that blends cultural richness with wellness experiences. Visitors can indulge in rejuvenating body treatments and explore lively shopping centres. The city is famed for its onsen and hot springs, providing a perfect retreat for relaxation. Families can enjoy the local theme park, making Sumoto an excellent destination throughout the year, particularly from July to September. With its unique mix of culture and leisure, Sumoto offers a fulfilling travel experience for all.
- Minamiawaji: Located 21km away from Awaji Island, Minamiawaji is a charming city that invites families and cultural enthusiasts to explore its scenic beauty and wellness offerings. With a reputation for its inviting onsen and hot springs, the area is perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. Visitors can partake in body treatments or enjoy the vibrant shopping areas, with the local water park providing additional fun for families. Peak tourist seasons in April and the summer months promise a lively atmosphere, ensuring a memorable visit.
- Fukura: Situated approximately 19km from Awaji Island, Fukura is a quaint village that caters to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Known for its stunning urban parks and inviting shopping areas, Fukura offers a unique blend of leisure and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy body treatments while exploring the nearby theme park. The village sees a surge in visitors during the months of March, August, and November, making it a delightful spot to unwind and connect with nature, ensuring a refreshing getaway.
Things to do near Awaji Island
Shopping
Awaji Island offers a charming shopping experience at the Awaji Island Plaza, featuring local crafts and souvenirs. For fresh produce, visit the Awaji Farm Park, where you can find unique gifts. Explore the traditional shops in the nearby town for authentic Japanese items to take home.
Recreation
Awaji Island offers the tranquil Awaji Yumebutai, featuring stunning gardens and a wellness centre that focuses on relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy therapeutic treatments surrounded by nature. Visit the island's hot springs for soothing baths that revitalise the body while taking in scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Adventure
The Bizan Ropeway offers a thrilling cable car experience, soaring high above stunning landscapes, located 45km from Awaji Island. Similarly, the Shin-Kobe Ropeway, situated 47km away, provides breathtaking views and an exhilarating ride, making it a fantastic choice for adventure enthusiasts and families alike.
Nightlife
Explore the lively atmosphere at Awaji Island's Izakayas, where you can savour local dishes and sip on sake. For a unique experience, visit the Awaji Yumebutai, featuring bars and cafes with stunning views, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Awaji Island
To save money on your trip to Awaji Island, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January, February, and June for lower accommodation rates. Booking your hotel around a month in advance can also yield the best prices, particularly on Tuesdays, while Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Explore last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia, which allows you to filter by budget and hotel category, including eco-friendly options. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package can provide further savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Awaji Island are January to February and June, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Awaji Island about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Awaji Island is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Awaji Island is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results to display hotel prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable options first. Furthermore, you have the ability to refine your selections by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can reserve.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation on Awaji Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions near Awaji Island
Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture is ideal for cultural, wellness, and family holidays, featuring attractions such as stunning beaches, theme parks, and temples. Visitors can explore the Awaji Yumebutai, the picturesque west coast, and various beaches, all while enjoying the island's rich culture and outdoor experiences. For a comprehensive visit, refer to the Awaji Island tourism guide to discover local highlights and activities tailored for families and culture enthusiasts alike.
- Keino Matsubara Beach: Experience the serene beach vibes at Keino Matsubara Beach, located 11km from Awaji Island. Enjoy the soft sands, gentle waves, and picturesque views, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and leisurely strolls along the shore.
- Naruto Galle No Mori Art Museum: Situated 32km away, this art museum immerses you in local culture and creativity. With its unique exhibitions and beautiful architecture, it offers a captivating glimpse into the world of contemporary art and Japanese culture.
- Nizigen Nomori Park: Just 24km from Awaji Island, this theme park combines entertainment and family-friendly attractions. Enjoy a variety of activities, from thrilling rides to serene nature walks, making it a delightful destination for visitors of all ages.
Best time to go to Awaji Island
The best time to visit Awaji Island can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Awaji Island falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Awaji Island falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Awaji Island
Accessing Awaji Island is convenient from several major airports. Osaka (KIX-Kansai Intl.) is located 37km away, with notable hotels like Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, a 4-star establishment just 161m from the airport, and Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport, 6km away. Alternatively, Osaka (ITM-Itami) is 71km away, featuring luxurious options such as Swissotel Nankai Osaka and The Ritz-Carlton, both 11km from the airport. Lastly, Kobe Airport (UKB) is 45km from Awaji Island, with the 5-star ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe just 8km away, offering convenient shuttle services. Each airport provides easy access to Awaji Island's attractions.