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

Highlights: Incense-making, fish market auction, lunch at a restored farmhouse, a hidden Tadao Ando temple, and more
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
10:30
10:30
Meet at a designated Awaji Island bus stop (details will be provided)
11:00
11:00
Visit Iwakami Shrine — experience Japan’s ancient nature-based spirituality in a sacred forest
12:00
12:00
Lunch at Harenosara, a beautifully renovated kominka offering Awaji-style French cuisine made with seasonal local produce
13:30
13:30
Incense-making workshop at Kunjudou
15:00
15:00
Explore ei-to, a creative hub inside a renovated elementary school. Enjoy coffee, art galleries, and the option to design and print your own T-shirt
17:30
17:30
Dinner by the sea at VIORIN Cafe with local guests
19:00
19:00
Check-in at the hotel of your choice (we'll gladly help you find a place that fits your travel style and budget!)
Day 2
8:30
8:30
Morning beach walk & locally made breakfast delivered to your inn
11:30
11:30
Arrive at Farm Studio, a tranquil herb farm run by passionate locals. Tour the gardens, hear their story, and blend your own herbal tea with Awaji-grown herbs. Enjoy a picnic-style bento lunch
13:30
13:30
Visit Fishing Port — witness the morning fish auction and meet the fishermen behind the day’s catch
15:00
15:00
Wind down at Honpukuji Mizumido, the iconic underground water temple designed by Tadao Ando. A sacred space for stillness and reflection
16:00
16:00
Visit the AWABI ware gallery — meet artisans continuing Awaji’s ceramic traditions since the Edo period. Browse their beautiful handmade tableware and maybe take home a meaningful souvenir
18:00
18:00
End of tour / transportation support back to Kobe or Osaka

Pricing for this tour

This isn’t just a tour—it's a carefully curated experience made possible through local connections and special arrangements.

All tours are private and include:
✔️ Local guide support
✔️ Cultural experiences (some normally closed to the public)
✔️ Delicious local meals
✔️ Transportation on the island

All in all It’s an experience that only exists because of this collaboration.

About Accommodation (for the 2-day tour)

Accommodation is not included in the tour fee, but we’ll gladly help you find a place that fits your travel style and budget.

Options range:
🏨 from simple, cozy local inns (minshuku) starting around ¥10,000 per person;
🏯 to beautifully restored traditional homes or boutique-style hotels.

Whether you’re looking for something humble and homey or a bit more special for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, we’ll help you choose what’s right for you.

Customize Your Journey with Optional Add-ons

Sennenichi Sake Brewery
Tour a historic sake brewery founded in 1875, meet the 8th-generation brewer Mr. Uenoyama, and enjoy a sake tasting session.
T-shirt Printing
at ei-to
Design and print your own shirt as a creative memento
Kareki Shrine
Visit the birthplace of Japanese incense, where fragrant agarwood washed ashore in 595 AD
Sushi Lunch at Genpei
Possibly the best sushi I’ve had in Japan, with ocean views and a cozy local vibe
Barhopping
Visit best bars in Sumoto, a historic port town on Awaji Island
Private Yoga
or Herb Steam at UMINOIE-TOMARI
A rejuvenating way to close your journey

More Details on this Tour

BOOK THIS TRIP
Join now to get the best price!
LET'S GO!
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