Hyogo Prefecture Guide

Awaji Island Exploration Tours | Hyogo's Island Adventure

Discover Awaji Island's unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culinary delights with curated tours and activities.

18+ tours
From $$30
Half-day to Full-day

Awaji Island, a verdant jewel nestled in Japan's Seto Inland Sea and part of Hyogo Prefecture, offers a captivating escape from the mainland bustle. Rich in mythology, renowned for its fresh produce and seafood, and boasting stunning coastal landscapes, it's a destination that truly rewards exploration. Awaji Island exploration tours are designed to immerse visitors in the island's distinct character, whether you're drawn to ancient shrines, vibrant flower parks, or the art of local cuisine. These curated experiences allow travelers to navigate the island's diverse attractions with ease. Forget the stress of planning; these tours connect you with the heart of Awaji. Imagine wandering through the meticulously landscaped gardens of Nijigen no Mori, a popular attraction featuring themed zones inspired by anime and manga, or stepping back in time at the Izanagi Shrine, steeped in Japan's creation myths. Food enthusiasts can delve into the island's gastronomic heritage, perhaps with a hands-on experience learning to prepare local delicacies or a guided tasting of Awaji's celebrated onions and wagyu beef. For those seeking natural beauty, coastal drives and visits to scenic viewpoints are often part of the itinerary, showcasing the island's serene blue waters and rolling hills.

Featured Awaji Island Exploration Tours

Discover our top picks for awaji island exploration in Hyogo Prefecture

Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
From $106.28
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kobe! Perched on a hillside sloping down to the sea, Kobe is one of Japan's most attractive and cosmopolitan cities. Compact and designed for walking, it is easily visited as a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. Immerse yourself in the city's distinct atmosphere and dining options! Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

4.8(59)
4h
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Kobe Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private & Custom Tour with a Guide
From $121.71
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour🔥Likely to Sell Out

This isn’t a scripted sightseeing tour. Your host will tailor the day around your interests, from waterfront promenades and bustling markets to peaceful shrines and quiet backstreets. Every moment is designed to reflect your pace and curiosity. After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire so we can match you with a like-minded host. They’ll reach out to suggest an itinerary and confirm a meeting point. The route remains flexible, with time to pause, wander, and explore the real Kobe.

4.7(70)
3h
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Beginner Friendly Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Awaji Island
From $51.53
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

When you visit Kansai, be sure to come to Awaji Island and enjoy stand-up paddleboarding! All equipment is free, and you can easily participate with just swimwear and a change of clothes. It's easily accessible from Osaka and Kobe by highway bus (120 minutes and 60 minutes + a 5-minute taxi ride). Once you arrive at the center, change into your swimsuit, and then walk to the beach with your instructor and high-quality board. After a safety briefing and a discussion about sea conditions, you'll jump into the water with your board! After the lesson, return to the center to check out your photos and videos taken by our photographer, or purchase souvenirs for yourself or your friends. We'll provide you with a digital copy of your photos and videos for free. You'll also be happy with our free changing rooms and hot showers.

2h
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1 Day Trip to Awaji Island From Kobe with Akiko
From $161.03
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

A day trip to Awaji Island! Locals often come here to refresh themselves. The delicious food and nature are soothing. There are hardly any foreigners there, so I think people who love Japan will love it. When I go abroad, I want to experience the unique things about that country, the food, the scenery that can only be found in that country, and interact with the people, and make it a memory to cherish. I hope that everyone who has come all the way from overseas will enjoy Japan to the fullest before returning home.

7h
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Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
From $151.37
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour🔥Likely to Sell Out

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kobe! Perched on a hillside sloping down to the sea, Kobe is one of Japan's most attractive and cosmopolitan cities. Compact and designed for walking, it is easily visited as a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. Immerse yourself in the city's distinct atmosphere and dining options! Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

5.0(10)
6h
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Godzilla Intercept Operation Gold Ticket
From $30.92

The world's first full-scale Godzilla attraction! Take a zip line into Godzilla's body and take on the shooting challenge to annihilate Godzilla cells! If you make a reservation in advance, you will receive an original postcard of “Godzilla Intercept Operation - National Godzilla Awaji Island Research Center” as a bonus! [Attractions] 1. pre-theater 2. zipline (either one time on the inside or outside supervised course) *Only available for visitors 120 cm or taller and weighing 25 kg or more but less than 110 kg. 3. game of shooting Godzilla cells with a gun 4.Godzilla Museum 5. Awaji Island Special Effects Studio *Additional filming fee is required. 6. AR x Real Riddle Solving Game “Chase the Cells of Unknown Giant Creature! or Real Riddle Solving Game “Pop out! Mysterious Monster Encyclopedia 7. “Forest of Monsters” Accompanied by an adult **Children over 120 cm in height and 25 kg in weight are not allowed to participate.

4.0(3)
1h 30m
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KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour
From $98.93
Free Cancellation

Have fun talking with local people in a super smiley environment. Shioya is a quaint peaceful fishing village nestled in a valley. It takes about 15 minutes from JR Kobe station and 40 minutes from Osaka station. First, let’s go to the harbor. Enjoy a photogenic view of Mt Rokko, Awaji island, the Pearl bridge, even Kansai airport across the sea on a sunny day. Also, you can see Nori (seaweed) facrory when it opens(From Dec to Mar, Depends on the weather) and you can buy it on outlet price. Then through the tunnel, we’ll go into SHIOYA town. I’d like you to know about real Japanese daily life. I want to share my local vision with you, visiting a barber shop which has more than 100 years of history, a tatami factory, and our beautiful heritage Guggenheim house, and others when they are open. While walking, let’s enjoy various local snacks & drinks and communication with friendly local people.

5.0(18)
3h
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Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
From $151.37
👤Private Tour🔥Likely to Sell Out

Nada is the Japan's largest sake producing area and area has long been home to a number of sake breweries. "Nadagogo", the five sake-producing districts is well known in Japan and internationally as some of the best in the world. This is more than an ordinary gastronomic tour for Sake lover—escorted by an experienced licensed local guide, you’ll be introduced to sights that tell of Japan’s rich culture and history of Sake, regaled with fascinating stories, and even meet some of our local brewery heroes throughout shops that still retain the authentic atmosphere of days long past. Legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years of age. Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

4.9(17)
6h
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Explore Crayon Shinchan World Ticket Round Trip Bus
From $77.29
Free CancellationNew

Experience the world of Crayon Shin-Chan with full access to fun attractions and themed adventures at Nijigen no Mori. Enjoy a comfortable round-trip bus ride from Kyoto and explore at your own pace in a colorful anime park loved by all ages!

6h
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Kobe: Earthquake Memories Guided Tour at the Disaster Museum
From $99.84
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

This tour offers a powerful and eye-opening experience that goes far beyond a typical museum visit. At the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution in Kobe, you’ll not only learn about the devastating 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, but also witness the resilience and recovery of a community through immersive exhibits and guided storytelling. Begin with a dramatic video that recreates the shock and chaos of the disaster, then explore exhibits that document real voices, reconstruction efforts, and scientific insights into earthquakes and tsunamis. With a knowledgeable guide to provide context and personal stories, this tour brings history to life and inspires visitors to reflect on disaster preparedness and the human spirit. Ideal for travelers seeking meaningful, educational, and emotionally resonant experiences.

1h 30m
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Shioya Village Discovery: Private Shore Tour from Kobe Port
From $501.66
👤Private TourNew

Escape the bustle of the city and discover the charm of Shioya, a peaceful fishing village near Kobe. On this 4-hour private shore tour, you’ll explore authentic Japanese daily life with a friendly local guide while meeting residents, tasting specialties, and strolling through historic streets. Begin at the harbor for photogenic views of Mt. Rokko, Awaji Island, and the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge. Learn how Japanese nori (seaweed) is grown and enjoy a tasting at a local family shop. Walk through Shioya’s narrow streets to discover a temple, a shrine, and the local shopping street. Visit a 100-year-old barber shop, a tatami factory, and the heritage Guggenheim House. Along the way, sample snacks and drinks while engaging with the welcoming townspeople for a truly authentic experience.

4h
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Shodoshima Island Ferry Tour from Kobe
From $295
👤Private Tour

Shodoshima is the second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea and one of the region’s most popular destinations for travelers looking to explore the Inland Sea archipelago. The island is noted for its distinctive food culture, which reflects Shodoshima’s comparatively mild climate and its location near major shipping lanes. Traditional specialties include soy sauce and long, thin somen noodles, while olives are a more recent addition. ・Move to Shodoshima island by Jumbo Ferry from Kobe (Round trip, tickets included) ・Sightseeing by private taxi with driver ( 6 hours ) at Shodoshima island. *Communication with Pocket Talk ・Visit the following sightseeing spots: ◆Kankakei Vallay Ropeway ◆Nakayama Senmaida ◆Angel Road ◆Shodoshima Olive Park etc.

20h
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Luxury Day Tour from Himeji to Setouchi Triennale Art Festival
From $247.74
Free Cancellation

Join us for a luxurious one-day trip on our premium bus to explore the contemporary art festival, Setouchi Triennale! This festival is held every three years and features numerous artworks scattered around the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Our vehicle will depart from Himeji and will take you to Uno Port, the gateway to the Setouchi Triennale. Here, our staff will provide you with round-trip ferry tickets to Naoshima island and help you board the ferry. Naoshima has many artworks scattered all around the island, most of which are free to view. Here, you will have plenty of free time to explore the art installations at your own pace. After you return to Uno Port, our vehicle will be waiting for you to take you back to Himeji. 【Schedule】Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun Himeji [8:45] → Uno port → ~ferry~ → Naoshima island (free exploration, about 3 hours) →Uno Port → Himeji [19:10]

11h
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Why Choose Awaji Island Exploration in Hyogo Prefecture?

Mythological Roots

Delve into the ancient legends of Japan's creation, with tours often visiting sacred sites linked to Izanagi and Izanami.

Culinary Delights

Savor the island's renowned produce, from sweet Awaji onions to premium wagyu beef, often featured in food-focused tours.

Natural Beauty

Experience breathtaking coastlines, vibrant flower fields, and unique theme parks like Nijigen no Mori.

Cultural Immersion

Gain insights into local crafts, history, and the unique island lifestyle through expertly guided experiences.

Convenient Exploration

Tours handle logistics, offering a stress-free way to see the island's highlights, especially for first-time visitors.

Diverse Options

From family-friendly theme park visits to historical explorations and gourmet adventures, there's a tour for every interest.

Types of Awaji Island Exploration in Hyogo Prefecture

Nature & Scenic Tours

These tours focus on Awaji Island's natural splendor, encompassing coastal drives, scenic viewpoints, and park explorations.

Coastal drivesPanoramic viewpointsVisits to parks like Awaji HanasajikiOptional hiking trails

Cultural & Historical Tours

Immerse yourself in the island's rich history and mythology. Tours often include visits to ancient shrines and significant cultural sites.

Izanagi Shrine visitLocal craft workshopsHistorical site explorationMythology storytelling

Culinary & Food Experiences

A treat for the taste buds, these tours highlight Awaji's celebrated food scene, from farm-to-table experiences to local market visits.

Awaji onion tastingsWagyu beef experiencesLocal market toursCooking classes

Theme Park & Family Fun

Specifically designed for entertainment, these tours often center around popular attractions like Nijigen no Mori, offering a fun-filled day.

Nijigen no Mori admissionThemed zone explorationInteractive activitiesFamily-friendly focus

What to Expect on Awaji Island Exploration Tours

Duration

Tours typically range from a half-day (3-4 hours) to a full-day (6-8 hours), depending on the itinerary and number of stops.

Weather

Awaji Island experiences a temperate climate. Summers can be warm and humid, while winters are mild. Pack layers and be prepared for potential rain, especially during the rainy season (June-July).

Group Size

Group sizes vary; some tours are small and intimate (4-8 people), while others may be larger (up to 20-30 people). Private tour options are also available.

What's Included

Common inclusions are guided commentary, transportation on the island (especially for multi-stop tours), and entrance fees to specified attractions. Meals and personal expenses are usually extra.

Meeting Point

Meeting points are typically at major transportation hubs like Awaji Station or specific popular attractions. Clear instructions will be provided upon booking.

Costs

Prices generally start from around $30 USD for shorter experiences and can go up to $150 USD or more for full-day, in-depth tours with included meals or activities.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Consider booking a tour that includes transportation, as getting around Awaji Island without a car can be challenging.

2

Check the weather forecast before your tour and pack accordingly; comfortable walking shoes are a must.

3

If you're a food lover, prioritize culinary tours to taste the island's famed onions, seafood, and wagyu.

4

Allow ample time for Nijigen no Mori if it's on your itinerary, as the park has multiple zones and attractions.

5

Book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (spring cherry blossoms, autumn foliage) to secure your preferred tour.

6

Many tours focus on specific areas; if you want to see the whole island, consider a multi-day exploration or a combination of tours.

7

Don't hesitate to ask your guide questions – they are a fantastic source of local knowledge and insights.

8

Carry some Japanese Yen in cash for smaller purchases or if any vendors don't accept cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:How do I get to Awaji Island from Osaka or Kobe?

A: You can typically reach Awaji Island by bus from major cities like Osaka or Kobe, usually connecting via the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Many tours offer pick-up points at key stations.

Q:Are there any tours suitable for families with young children?

A: Yes, tours focusing on attractions like Nijigen no Mori or those with less strenuous activities are generally great for families. Always check the tour description for age recommendations.

Q:Can I book a private tour for my group?

A: Many operators offer private tour options. This can be ideal for customized itineraries or for groups seeking a more personalized experience. You can usually filter for these options when searching.

Q:What is the best time of year to visit Awaji Island?

A: Spring (March-May) for pleasant weather and blooming flowers, and autumn (September-November) for comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage are generally considered ideal. However, the island is enjoyable year-round.

Q:Do I need to know Japanese to take a tour?

A: Most tours catering to international visitors will have guides who speak English. However, it's always a good idea to confirm the language of the tour when booking.

Q:What if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

A: Tour operators usually have cancellation or rescheduling policies for severe weather. It's best to check the specific terms and conditions of your booking or contact the operator directly if you have concerns.

Q:Are meals always included in Awaji Island tours?

A: Meals are not always included, especially on shorter tours. Some longer culinary tours might include lunch or tastings. Always verify what's covered in the tour details to plan accordingly.

Don't Miss the Perfect Hyogo Prefecture Experience

Book your awaji island exploration today - 18+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Hyogo Prefecture?

Experience the stunning blend of historic castles and modern cityscapes in Hyogo Prefecture.

Discover Kobe's vibrant port city charm and the serene beauty of Awaji Island.

Enjoy world-class sake breweries and delicious regional cuisine unique to Hyogo.

Explore the samurai legacy at Himeji Castle, Japan's most beautiful feudal fortress.

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Rokko Mountains and coastal scenery.

Hyogo Prefecture offers a captivating journey through Japan's rich cultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Hyogo Prefecture experiences distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. The coastal areas are milder, while inland regions can see more temperature fluctuation. Spring brings pleasant temperatures and cherry blossoms, while autumn offers crisp air and vibrant foliage.

Best Months

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for visiting Hyogo Prefecture, offering comfortable weather for sightseeing and enjoying the natural beauty.

Peak Season

Spring, particularly April, is the peak season due to cherry blossoms, attracting large crowds. Expect higher prices for accommodation and transportation during this time.

Off Season

Winter (December to February) and the summer months (June to August) are generally off-season. While winters can be cold, they offer fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, perfect for experiencing local culture without the rush.

Plan Your Hyogo Prefecture Trip

Transportation Tips

Getting around Hyogo Prefecture is quite efficient. The Shinkansen (bullet train) connects major cities like Kobe and Himeji. Within cities, local JR lines and private railways are excellent options. For exploring Kobe, the subway and bus systems are reliable. Consider the Hanshin or Hankyu lines for easy access between Kobe and Osaka. Renting a car can be beneficial for reaching more remote areas like Awaji Island, but parking can be challenging in urban centers. Local buses and ferries also service many attractions within Hyogo Prefecture.

Car Rental Deals in Hyogo Prefecture

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Where to Stay

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Best Hotel Deals in Hyogo Prefecture

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