Awaji Island: A Tour to the Beginning of Japan with Locals

When

Available year-round

Where

Awaji Island
(approx. 1 hr 20 min by express bus from Shin-Kobe Station)

Price

from ¥25,500 (1-day) /
¥51,700 (2-day) per person
(for 6 guests)

Duration

2 days / 1 night — or 1-day option available

Welcome to my first-ever curated tour to Awaji Island—one of my favorite escape destinations in the Kansai area (near Osaka/Kobe).

I chose this island because after my first visit nearly ten years ago, it left a deep mark on me. There’s something about Awaji’s unique atmosphere, the sincerity of its people, the taste of the vegetables (especially the famous Awaji onion!), and the freshness of the fish. I keep returning—and each time, it gently shifts how I see the world.

Awaji island is easily accessible from Osaka and Kobe!

I really wanted to share this island with you, so I’m excited to partner with Authentic Japan, a local, experience-based tour company made up of people who truly know the heart of Awaji Island. Even after ten years of traveling in the area, they still manage to surprise me with hidden places and stories every single time!

Thanks to this collaboration, you’ll gain access to places that are typically closed to the public or available only through special arrangements—you’ll be one of the few people to experience them.

Awaji Island is known in ancient mythology as the very first island of Japan, where the country was born according to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Japan’s oldest historical chronicles. This origin story isn’t just symbolic—it lingers in the forests, shrines, and everyday life on the island.

I hope that by joining this trip, you’ll discover a different side of Japan—a quieter, deeper one that reveals itself through the land, the locals, and the little details that most travelers never get to see.

See Awaji through the eyes of locals × English-supported experience

Your guides on this journey are passionate local navigators like Masae Tokushige and Emi Takagi from Authentic Japan. Originally from other parts of Japan, they were so drawn to Awaji’s charm that they decided to move and build their lives here.

Masae Tokushige

Emi Takagi

They’ve come to know the island inside out—from quiet walking trails to local spots you’d never find on your own. It’s more like exploring with a friend who just really wants to show you the place they fell in love with.

Every tour is tailored to your group’s pace and preferences. Vegetarians, vegans, and families are all welcome.

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What to expect

Incense-making

Awaji Island is the birthplace of Japan’s incense culture. Over 70% of the country’s incense is made here. You’ll join a hands-on incense workshop at Kunjudou, a family-run studio founded in 1893.
Farming & Food

Awaji’s food self-sufficiency rate exceeds 100%. You’ll meet farmers living in traditional homes, and taste bento meals prepared from ingredients grown just meters away.
Fishing Culture

Watch a local fish market auction in action. See how fishermen and buyers negotiate, with pride and community in every moment.
Craftsmanship & Mindfulness

Visit creative spaces like ei-to, a converted elementary school now home to artists and makers. Enjoy slow moments by the sea with local herbal tea, pottery, or simply silence.

Sample Itinerary

You can choose either the full 2-day experience or join for a single day. If time allows, I highly recommend staying overnight to truly feel the island’s slow rhythm.

Day 1