Sightseeing in Awaji

From HyogoAJET

Contents 1 Getting to Awaji 2 Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮) 3 Puppet Theatre (淡路人形浄瑠璃資料館) 4 Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋) 5 Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park (北淡震災記念公園) 6 Fish, Seaweed, and Onions (魚、昆布、玉ねぎ)

Getting to Awaji

Traveling around Awaji can be tricky without a car, and if you aren't meeting someone with a car, we recommend you bring your own (or come with a friend who has one). If you are driving onto the island you can either take the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge or use one of the Ferries. The bridge will obviously be faster, but it also costs ¥2,300 to cross it. Your other option is using a ferry, and the most popular one would probably be the Taco Ferry (see www.taco-ferry.com).

There are also buses to Awaji from Akashi, Kobe, and Osaka. For more information, check out Shinki and Nishi Nihon JR at Buses.

Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮)

The strait between Awaji and Shikoku is narrow enough that whirlpools form during high tide and low tide. If you want to check out this phenomenon, you can view it from observation points on the Onaruto Bridge, or you can take a boat trip and actually enter the whirlpools (don't worry, these boats are big enough not to get sucked under).

Boat Trips

• www.uzu-shio.com

Onaruto Bridge Tour

• www.uzunomichi.jp

Puppet Theatre (淡路人形浄瑠璃資料館)

Awaji is home to a form of puppetry very similar to Bunraku known as Ningyo Joruri. There is a museum in Minami Awaji called the "Awaji Ningyo Joruri Shiryokan" where you can see a free demonstration of this style of puppetry, and maybe even handle the puppets yourself.

TEL: 0799-43-5037
URL (Japanese Only): www.city.minamiawaji.hyogo.jp
Address: 〒656-0661 兵庫県南あわじ市市三条880番地

Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋)

The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world, and connects Awaji to mainland Japan. It is lit up at night with lights that constantly change color, making it an impressive spectacle. Tours are available of the facilities, or you can dine at one of the restaurants in the Seaside Hotel Maiko Villa Kobe and enjoy a nice view of the bridge.

Tour Information (Japanese Only)

• www.jb-honshi.co.jp/bridgeworld

Maiko Villa Kobe

• www.maikovilla.co.jp/english

Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park (北淡震災記念公園)

The effects of the 1995 earthquake were preseved at this park, making it a good place to visit if you want to witness and learn more about the extent of the damage. While there make sure you visit the Nojima Fault Memorial Museum.

TEL: 0799-82-3020
URL (Japanese Only): www.nojima-danso.co.jp
Address: 〒656-1736 淡路市小倉177番地

Fish, Seaweed, and Onions (魚、昆布、玉ねぎ)

With all its ocean, it comes as no surprise that Awaji is a great place to get fresh fish and seaweed. Interestingly, Awaji is also wellknown for its onions (so much that, there is even an "Awaji Onion Hello Kitty"). During your visit, make sure you pick up some onion dressing, onion soup, onion cookies (I'm not making this up), onion shochu, and of course, fresh onions.

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