Awaji Island, located in the eastern part of the Seto Inland Sea, is a place steeped in ancient romance, embodying the creation myth that opens the "Kojiki," Japan's oldest chronicle of myths. The creation myth, known as the "Kuniumi myth," tells the story of Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, who stirred the waters with a jeweled spear, creating the first island called "Onokoro-jima." The divine couple then became husband and wife, giving birth to the islands of Japan. According to this myth, Awaji Island is believed to be the first island to have been born.
This myth is depicted in the Noh play called "Awaji."
The Summary of the Noh Play 'Awaji'
Blessing Dance Performance by Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Creator of Japan's Land
When a group of the Emperor's attendants visits Awaji Island, an old man appears. He tells the creation myth of Japan and reveals himself as the incarnation of Izanagi-no-Mikoto before disappearing. That night, Izanagi-no-Mikoto appears again, praising the ancient sanctuary of Awaji that has remained unchanged since ancient times. He performs a blessing dance and sings. Finally, he promises the prosperity of Japan before disappearing. This piece is filled with a celebratory atmosphere, with Izanagi-no-Mikoto appearing in the latter part as the main character, performing a spirited dance.
Awaji Island Itinerary
Awaji Island Itinerary allows you to visit the legendary sites associated with the creation myth of Japan. You can also experience the history, culture, and natural beauty of Awaji Island while immersing yourself in the dynamic world of the Noh play 'Awaji.'
Eshima Island
Izanagi-jingu Shrine
Onokorojima Shrine
Uzushio Cruise
Nushima Island
How to Enjoy Awaji Island
Access to Awaji Island
From Kobe Sannomiya to "Awaji Island Sumoto Bus Center: 1 hour and 26 min by express bus.
From Osaka to Awaji Island Sumoto Bus Center: 2 hours by express bus
Eshima Island
A Legendary Site of "Onokoro Island" from the Birth of Japan Myth
In the Noh play "Awaji," it is chanted that two deities first created Onokoro Island and then gave birth to the islands of Japan. While several locations around Awaji Island are believed to be Onokoro Island, Eshima, floating off the northern tip of Awaji Island, is one of the candidate sites.
Eshima Island, located near Iwaya Port where ferries come and go, is a scenic spot that boasts Awaji Island. Although people cannot enter the island, Eshima is illuminated at night, offering a fantastic sight as a "stage of light floating on the sea."
Japan's Oldest Shrine Dedicated to Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto
Izanagi Shrine stands as one of Japan's most ancient shrines, noted in the 'Kojiki,' Japan's oldest chronicle. In the first half of the Noh play 'Awaji,' an elderly farmer praises the bountiful blessings brought by the divine couple, Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, who are enshrined at Izanagi Shrine.
Regarded as Japan's oldest shrine, Izanagi Shrine was erected at the sacred site where Izanagi-no-Mikoto met his end.
Within the shrine precincts lies the 'Meoto-ookusu (the husband and wife giant camphor tree),' a revered tree dating back approximately 900 years, believed to embody the spirits of the divine couple. It is revered for granting blessings of marital harmony, safe childbirth, and prosperous relationships. The monthly nighttime special visits on the 22nd offer a magical ambiance, with the main hall, main gate, grand torii gate, and the Meoto-ookusu Tree illuminated, accompanied by the warm glow of 300 candles along the approach.
Shrine Related to the Creation Myth, Famous for its Matchmaking Power Spot
The hill where Onokorojima Shrine stands is said to be the sacred site of creation known as Onokoro Island. This shrine also enshrines the divine couple Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, and is known for blessings in matchmaking and safe childbirth. The 21.7-meter-tall vermilion-painted grand torii gate is one of the "Three Great Torii Gates of Japan." Near the shrine, there are two places associated with the creation myth, each marked by a monument.
Ama no Ukihashi (Floating Bridge of Heaven): This is believed to be the place where the divine couple descended when they stirred the ocean with the Heavenly Jeweled Spear.
Ashiharanokuni: Another name for Japan created by the divine couple in the creation myth. It is said to be a fertile land with abundant reeds along the seashore, symbolizing a rich harvest.
Experiencing the Whirlpool: A Glimpse into the Creation Myth's Ocean-Stirring Scene with the Heavenly Spear
At Fukura Port in Minamiawaji City, you can embark on the "Uzushio Cruise" to witness the thrilling whirlpools of the Naruto Strait. Step aboard the "Kanrin Maru," a large sightseeing ship modeled after Japan's first vessel to cross the Pacific Ocean, and set sail towards the Naruto Strait. There, you will get an up-close look at the powerful whirlpools and feel the force of the currents. Seeing these whirlpools up close is an incredibly breathtaking experience.
For more whirlpool adventures, you can also take a whirlpool sightseeing boat from Naruto Tourist Port in Tokushima Prefecture. Or, stroll along the 'Uzu no Michi Walkway,' a promenade under the Onaruto Bridge, which spans the strait's narrowest section. Both offer unique views of the mesmerizing whirlpools.
Foremost Contender for Onokoro Island Shaped Like a Magatama
Nushima is an island located off the southern coast of Awaji Island, just a 10-minute high-speed boat ride from Habu Port. The "numa" in its name is believed to be derived from the "Amanonuhoko" spear in the creation myth, making it the most likely contender among the various locations proposed for the mythical Onokoro Island.
The island is surrounded by many peculiar rocks, with the most notable being the "Kamitate Kami Iwa," a 30-meter-tall rock that rises from the sea. This rock is said to be the "Ame no Mihashira," where the deities Izanagi and Izanami conducted their celestial marriage, and it has become a cherished symbol of Nushima. The island is rich in history and legend, with sites such as the Onokoro Shrine, dedicated to these two deities, and the Nushima Hachiman Shrine, where sailors pray for safe voyages.
Since hosting Japan Flora in 2000, Awaji Island has established itself as the "Island of Flowers." The island boasts numerous expansive parks filled with seasonal flowers, offering visitors a chance to encounter a variety of blooms all year round.
Awaji Hanasajiki (Photo): With the Akashi Strait and Osaka Bay as its backdrop, this extensive flower park covers about 15 hectares. It is a haven for flower enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of blooms with each season, including rapeseed in spring, verbena in summer, and cosmos in autumn.
Awaji Yumebutai: Designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, this complex resort features the "Hyakudanen," a series of 100 terraced flower beds, and the "Awaji Greenhouse," one of Japan's largest greenhouses, home to a collection of rare plants.
Awaji Island was a food treasure trove since the Heian period, known as the "Land of Food." The Noh play "Awaji" praises the bountiful harvest brought by the two deities. Awaji rice is also a specialty of the island, and there are various local rice bowl dishes using Awaji rice.
Awaji Island Raw Shirasu Bowl: A rice bowl featuring abundant fresh shirasu caught at Iwaya Fishing Port. Awaji Island Beef Bowl: A rice bowl with representative ingredients of Awaji Island, such as onions, Awaji beef, and Awaji rice. Awaji Island Raw Spanish Mackerel Bowl: A rice bowl inspired by the island's fishermen's meals. There are many types, including seared bowls, tataki bowls, marinated bowls, oyakodon, and dashi chazuke.
Touring the Rich Hot Spring Sources
Awaji Island, with its abundant hot spring sources, offers a variety of hot spring experiences that can be enjoyed casually, such as day-trip baths and footbaths.
Sumoto Onsen (Photo): The largest hot spring area on Awaji Island, located at the foot of Sumoto Castle. It features facilities with open-air baths overlooking the sea along the coastline. Minamiawaji Onsenkyo: There are six rich hot spring sources, each with different qualities and benefits. Facing the Naruto Strait, you can relax in the scenic coastal beauty while enjoying the hot springs.
Visiting Keino Matsubara, One of Japan's 100 Best Sunset Locations
Keino Matsubara is a scenic spot on the Seto Inland Sea with a pristine white sand beach framed by the Harima-nada Sea and adorned with ancient black pine trees. It is a place of poetic beauty, celebrated in the ancient 'Manyoshu' by poets such as Kakinomoto no Hitomaro.
Experience one of Japan's 100 Best Sunset Locations as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow through the pine trees over the Harima-nada Sea. It is a view that will take your breath away.
Stroll along the romantic 'Proposal Road' within Keino Matsubara, where heart-shaped tiles carry messages of 'Kawaranu Ai (eternal love)'—a clever play on the word 'kawaranu,' meaning both 'tile' and 'unchanging.' This area is also famed for producing Awajigawara tiles, a symbol of Japan's rich roofing heritage.
