← Explore
Road trip from Osaka · About 1 hr by car
Awaji Island
Awaji Island sits at the eastern end of the Seto Inland Sea, joined to Kobe by the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, one of the world's longest suspension bridges. It is a car island: rolling farmland, flower parks, beaches and seafood towns, with little public transport.
The drive is part of the fun. Stop at the Awaji Service Area for bridge views and the big Ferris wheel, then head down the west coast. Or go all the way south to Fukura to see the Naruto whirlpools by boat.
Where to go
1Awaji Service Area (downbound) & Ferris wheel 淡路SA 大観覧車Expressway rest stop right under the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, with food courts serving Awaji onion and beef dishes and a big Ferris wheel over the strait.45 min–1 hr · Ferris wheel ¥800 per person (under 3 free); 5-person cabin ¥3,500Map ↗
2Awaji Hanasajiki あわじ花さじきHilltop flower park with seasonal fields of flowers overlooking Osaka Bay.1 hr · Free entry; parking ¥200Map ↗
3Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park (Nojima Fault) 北淡震災記念公園 野島断層保存館Museum built over a preserved section of the fault that caused the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake, with an earthquake simulator.1 hr · Adult ¥730, junior/senior high ¥310, elementary ¥260Map ↗
4Uzushio Cruise (Naruto whirlpools) うずしおクルーズBoat trip from Fukura Port in the south of the island out to the tidal whirlpools under the Onaruto Bridge. Best around the tide times shown on the operator's site.1 hr · Adult ¥3,000, elementary ¥1,500, preschool free (1 per adult)Map ↗
5Maiko Marine Promenade 舞子海上プロムナードOn the Kobe side: a walkway inside the bridge 47 m above the sea, with glass floor panels.45 min · Adult ¥250 weekdays / ¥300 weekends; high school and under freeMap ↗
A day there
- 8:30Leave south Osaka; about 1 hour to the bridge
- 9:30Stop at Awaji Service Area for bridge views and the Ferris wheel
- 11:00Awaji Hanasajiki flower park
- 12:30Lunch with Awaji onions or beef
- 14:00Drive south to Fukura for the Uzushio whirlpool cruise (or visit the Nojima Fault museum if staying north)
- 16:30Drive back over the bridge; sunset views from the service area
What to eat
Dishes made with sweet Awaji onionsAwaji Service Area food courts and roadside stations across the island
Awaji beefRestaurants around Sumoto and the northern end of the island
Fresh local seafoodFukura Port area in the south
With kids
The Ferris wheel, whirlpool boat and earthquake simulator are all good for children, and preschoolers ride the Uzushio cruise free (one per adult).
Good to know
- The Ferris wheel is at the downbound (southbound) Awaji SA, so stop on the way onto the island.
- Check the whirlpool tide timetable on the Uzushio cruise website before you plan the afternoon.
- ETC saves a lot on the bridge: ¥910 against ¥2,410 cash.