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Spend two days exploring Awaji Island together with local creators, farmers, and artisans.
This small-group experience offers a rare opportunity to step beyond typical tourism and discover the island through the people who shape its culture.
We will visit an organic strawberry farm by the sea, try indigo dyeing and pottery, explore the retro streets of Sumoto, and enjoy the island’s delicious food.
Along the way, we will also have relaxed conversations about life, travel, and working in Japan, sharing ideas and experiences that may inspire your own future journeys.
Because the group is very small, the experience will feel relaxed and personal, more like traveling together with friends who love Japan.
Mountain views
Organic Farm
Indigo Dye Workshop
Pottery
Retro bars
What Makes This Tour Special
This experience is designed to go deeper than a typical sightseeing trip.
During the tour, you will:
01
Visit local places on Awaji Island together with island navigators
02
Experience strawberry farming, pottery, and traditional indigo dyeing
03
Explore the charming seaside town of Sumoto
04
Meet local creators and artisans and hear their stories
05
Gain insight into how cultural tourism projects are created in Japan
Because the group is small, there will be plenty of time for conversation, questions, and spontaneous moments during the trip.
About Your Guide
Kristina Minami
My name is Kristina Minami, founder of Inner Japan, a platform dedicated to discovering lesser-known places, crafts, and local cultures across Japan.
After traveling through all 47 prefectures of Japan, I now focus on connecting international visitors with the people and traditions that shape regional communities.
During this tour, my colleague Sachi and I will guide the experience and introduce participants to local hosts across Awaji Island.
Awaji Island Itinerary
Day 1
Local Life and Indigo Craft
11:00
11:00
Farm Studio
Lunch with local ingredients and strawberry picking at a farm overlooking the sea. We will also have a relaxed conversation with local hosts in a traditional farmhouse.
15:00
15:00
Organic Indigo Village Onokoro Ai
Visit Onokoro Ai, a studio dedicated to traditional indigo dyeing (aizome), where you will dye fabric by hand using locally grown indigo while meeting the young creators revitalizing this craft.
17:00
17:00
Travel to Sumoto
Check in at your hotel and relax. If you choose a hotel with onsen, you can enjoy the hot spring before dinner.
19:00
19:00
Sumoto Bar Hopping
Explore small local bars in Sumoto’s historic streets — from retro record bars to tiny neighborhood spots where conversations with locals happen naturally.
Food and drinks are not included, so you can choose what you feel like trying, and most places are very affordable.
I also know many of my followers enjoy quieter travel. If bar hopping isn’t your thing, feel free to skip this part and spend a relaxing evening at your hotel or onsen instead.
Food and drinks are not included, so you can choose what you feel like trying, and most places are very affordable.
I also know many of my followers enjoy quieter travel. If bar hopping isn’t your thing, feel free to skip this part and spend a relaxing evening at your hotel or onsen instead.
Day 2
Pottery and Island Culture
11:00
11:00
Awabi Ware Pottery Experience
Create pottery with the artisans of Awabi Ware, a contemporary ceramic studio on Awaji Island housed inside a renovated retro clinic.
13:00
13:00
Lunch at Hisanuma
Enjoy a seasonal Japanese lunch featuring Awaji Island vegetables and fresh seafood, served in a beautifully renovated traditional house.
15:00
15:00
Walk Through Sumoto
Explore the quiet streets of Sumoto, a historic castle town where small creative shops, pottery galleries, and renovated traditional buildings are slowly bringing new life to the area.
16:00
16:00
Visit Iwagami Shrine
A peaceful shrine surrounded by forest, known for its massive sacred rock. The atmosphere feels mysterious and deeply connected to Japanese mythology.
19:00
19:00
Hidden bar (Optional)
If you decide to stay one more night on Awaji Island, we may visit a hidden bar inspired by the scents of the island. Food and drinks are paid separately.
About accommodation
Accommodation is not included so participants can choose a hotel that fits their preferences and budget.
We will recommend several options in Sumoto, starting from around ¥10,000 per night per person, including affordable hotels with onsen.
AccessThe meeting point will be Higashi-Ura Bus Terminal on Awaji Island. You can reach it by bus from Shin-Kobe Station, which is easily accessible by train from:
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Access
The meeting point will be Higashi-Ura Bus Terminal on Awaji Island.
You can reach it by bus from Shin-Kobe Station, which is easily accessible by train from:
You can reach it by bus from Shin-Kobe Station, which is easily accessible by train from:
- Osaka
- Kyoto
- Kobe
We will provide detailed instructions to help you choose the correct bus, so no worries even if it’s your first time taking a bus in Japan.
Who This Tour Is ForThis tour may be especially interesting for:
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Application
Apply before
April 8 (Wednesday) – 17:00 Japan Time
Participation is first-come, first-served.
Because the schedule depends on several local hosts, this will be the only time we organize this experience this year.
If these dates don’t work for you, we also run regular Awaji Island tours with local guides throughout the year (with a slightly different itinerary and without me, Kristina, as the host).
You can find more information and pricing here.
You can find more information and pricing here.
About Your Guide
What Travelers Say
Your feedback means a lot — thank you for sharing your experience!
More Details on this Tour
Curious travelers looking for slower, local, and culturally immersive experiences. Great for solo travelers, couples, and small groups.
Yes! Your guides are Japanese locals, and while I (Kristina) won’t be present due to my travel schedule, I’ve personally traveled with and trust them deeply. The experience will be supported in English, and you’ll be in good hands.
At a designated bus stop on Awaji Island (detailed directions provided after booking). Guides will help you choose the best train/bus route.
It’s easier than you think!
From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe Station (approx. 2.5–3 hours), then hop on a direct express bus to Awaji Island—no transfers needed.
From Osaka/Kyoto: Just 60 minutes by train to Shin-Kobe, then the same direct bus.
We’ll guide you step-by-step once you book, so don’t worry even if it’s your first time.
From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe Station (approx. 2.5–3 hours), then hop on a direct express bus to Awaji Island—no transfers needed.
From Osaka/Kyoto: Just 60 minutes by train to Shin-Kobe, then the same direct bus.
We’ll guide you step-by-step once you book, so don’t worry even if it’s your first time.
Guide services, meals (lunch/dinner), workshop fees, and optional accommodation if you stay overnight.
We can absolutely accommodate you—just let us know in advance!
You'll be guided by warm local hosts like Masae Tokushige and Emi Takagi, who live on the island and know every hidden story and trail. I’ve personally collaborated with them many times—they’re kind, knowledgeable, and incredibly welcoming.
Click the booking button below. Our partners at Authentic Japan will contact you to help tailor the plan to your interests.
In collaboration with Authentic Japan, released August 1, 2025
