Awaji Island lies in the Seto Inland Sea between Kobe and Shikoku, and most coaches cross it without stopping. For a group based in Kobe or Osaka, it gives a full day of sea views, whirlpools and local food, away from the busiest Kansai sights. Our Japan team covers the island in its Awaji Island guide for groups. Here we look at where it fits in a programme you sell.
Where It Fits
- As a day trip. A private coach from Kobe or Osaka reaches the north of the island over the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which is almost four kilometres long.
- As a transfer day. The Onaruto Bridge links the south of the island to Tokushima on Shikoku, so Awaji turns a long drive into a day of sightseeing.
- For smaller groups. A high-speed boat crosses from Akashi to Iwaya in about 13 minutes.
What Clients See
- The Naruto whirlpools. Sightseeing boats leave from Fukura Port in the south of the island. The whirlpools are biggest at certain points of the tide, so the cruise is timed to the tide table.
- Awaji Yumebutai. Gardens, a conference centre and a hotel designed by the architect Tadao Ando, built after the 1995 earthquake.
- Flowers and farms. Large flower parks, and onions that are known across Japan.
What to Tell Your Clients
Boat trips can be cancelled in rough weather, so we plan an alternative on land. The island is about 50 kilometres long, so a full day works best with a coach. Seafood and Awaji beef make a good group lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a group get to Awaji Island?
By private coach over the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from Kobe, or by high-speed boat from Akashi to Iwaya.
Can the whirlpool cruise be guaranteed?
No. The size of the whirlpools depends on the tide, and boats do not sail in rough weather. We time the cruise to the tide and keep a land option ready.
Does Awaji work on the way to Shikoku?
Yes. The island links Kobe to Tokushima by bridge, so a group can sightsee on the island during a transfer day.
Where Explera Fits
Our Japan team plans the coach, the route and the whirlpool cruise around the tides, and can join Awaji to a Kobe, Osaka or Shikoku programme.
Write to b2b@expleradmc.com or message +66 93 656 8090 on WhatsApp. Explera DMC is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (900408341).
