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Awajishima

A large rural island in the Seto Inland Sea, linked to Kobe by the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and known for onions, beaches and the Naruto whirlpools.

Character
Awaji is the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea after Shikoku. It is mostly farmland and low hills, and Sumoto, on the east coast, is the main town. In legend it is the first island made by the Shinto gods, and Izanagi Shrine is its most important shrine.
Why it stands out
Ei Beach on the west coast is a smaller, less crowded choice than nearby Taganohama, which fills with day-trippers from Hyogo and Osaka in summer.
Getting there
There are no trains on the island. Highway buses from Kobe Sannomiya reach Awaji Yumebutai in about 45 minutes and Sumoto in about 1.5 hours. From JR Osaka Station area, direct buses take about 1.5–2 hours; train plus bus via Kosoku Maiko takes about 1 hour. The Jenova Line ferry from Akashi Port to Iwaya takes about 13 minutes. Nearest airport: Kobe Airport. Nearest Shinkansen station: Shin-Kobe.
Seasons
Summer is beach season, and sea-fireflies glow from April to September. Awaji Hanasajiki flower park is best in spring and autumn. Daffodils bloom at Nadakuroiwa in winter. The Naruto whirlpools are largest at the spring and autumn spring tides.
Watch-outs
There are no trains and local buses are infrequent, so a car helps. Bus stops differ by area, so check the route map before you travel. Parking at Taganohama is free except during the summer holidays.
Neighbourhoods
North Awaji: Closest to the bridge and the Akashi ferry, with Awaji Yumebutai and Izanagi Shrine. / Sumoto: The largest town, on the east coast, with Sumoto Castle. / Fukura (south): Southern port for the whirlpool cruises and the puppet theatre.
Nearby
Uzushio cruise (Naruto whirlpools) / Awaji Yumebutai / Izanagi Shrine / Awaji Ningyo Joruri / Awaji Hanasajiki / Keinomatsubara Beach / Goshikihama / Sumoto Castle

Awajishima condotels and hotel condos for sale

A condotel (hotel condominium) is a hotel room you own outright, which the hotel rents to guests when you are not using it. These are the Awajishima buildings and resort clubs this site tracks, with their current asking prices.

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