Things To Do
in Awaji

Small fish markets and morning stalls near Sumoto sell sashimi, grilled skewers and packed seafood bowls; ideal for sampling fresh local catch.

Scattered roadside stands sell seasonal produce—especially onions—home-made pickles, sweets and simple bento-style lunches; great for quick snacks and gifts.

Remove shoes when entering homes, some ryokan and temples; keep voices low in public transport and indoor spaces.

Polite bowing, using 'please' and 'thank you' (onegai shimasu, arigatou) and showing respect to staff and elders is appreciated and expected.

Line up patiently for transport and services; do not push ahead and respect personal space.

Avoid passing food from chopstick to chopstick, sticking chopsticks upright in rice, or pointing with them—these actions are considered rude and have funeral associations.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can sometimes cause confusion; excellent service is included in prices—simply say thank you (arigatou gozaimasu) or leave change if a service charge exists on the bill.

Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used—small towns and markets may be cash-only. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and attractions, and IC transit cards (Suica/Pasmo) work in many urban areas but may have limited use on rural buses—bring cash for convenience. ATMs at convenience stores and post offices usually accept international cards; some bank ATMs may not.

Cherry blossom and flower-season (late March–April) bring mild temperatures and many floral displays; it’s a popular time for park visits, but expect weekends to be busy. Pack a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings.

Warm to hot and humid with beach season in July–August; ideal for swimming, kayaking and coastal activities but be prepared for crowds, mosquitos and the rainy season (June) followed by typhoon risk (late summer).

Crisp, pleasant weather and clear skies with autumn foliage from October into November; excellent conditions for hiking, cycling and outdoor photography.

Mild winters compared with northern Japan, but expect cool temperatures, occasional storms and brisk winds on exposed coasts; some attractions may have reduced hours—this is a quiet time for onsen stays.

A scenic walk along dramatic cliffs and coastal rock formations with viewpoints over the Seto Inland Sea; accessible segments suitable for short hikes and photography.

Short landscaped trails across terraced gardens and platforms offering sea views and architectural interest—easy, well-maintained paths good for gentle hikes.

A popular island hike that rewards with panoramic views of Awaji, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the surrounding sea—routes vary in length and difficulty.

Longer coastal routes connecting beaches and fishing villages; mostly low elevation with occasional cliffs and excellent birdwatching and sunset viewpoints.

Many residents work in agriculture (notably onion cultivation), fisheries and small-scale food production—these communities maintain much of the island’s traditional character.

Some residents commute to Kobe and other mainland cities; there are also workers in tourism and hospitality catering to domestic visitors.

Awaji attracts families and day-trippers from Kansai, as well as older tourists seeking onsen stays and nature experiences.

A modest number of international visitors and expatriates live or visit for seasonal work, hospitality roles, and cultural exchange.

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited; many dishes use fish-based broths (dashi). Ask for ‘dashi-nashi’ or specify ‘vegetarian’ when ordering, and favor vegetable tempura, salads, rice and tofu dishes at larger restaurants or cafes.

Vegan choices are more limited in rural areas; bring snacks and check menus at cafes or bigger hotels. Larger establishments and some markets can accommodate simple vegan meals if requested in advance.

Soy sauce and tempura contain gluten; rice-based dishes are generally safe but confirm sauces and marinades. Carry a gluten-free translation card to show kitchen staff if you have a serious allergy.

Halal options are limited. Seafood is widely available, but for halal-certified meat you’ll need to plan ahead; larger hotels in the Kansai region can sometimes assist with requests if notified.