Awaji Island Drive Course from Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to Flowers and Sea Views

Cross one of the world longest suspension bridges, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, to reach Awaji Island. This is a drive course you can enjoy all day, touring flower spots and stunning coastal viewpoints. The calm Seto Inland Sea and the flowers that bloom in every season are the island charm. With a car you can tour the island at your own relaxed pace. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is about 3,911 meters long, and from its opening in 1998 until 2022 it was known as the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Course Route

9:00 Cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to Awaji Island Cross the bridge from the Tarumi ward side of Kobe and arrive at the gateway of the island. Its central span reaches about 1,991 meters, making it a truly majestic bridge. 9:30 View the bridge from Awaji service area Enjoy the scenery first from a viewpoint that overlooks the great bridge. This is the classic place to capture the whole span in a photo. 10:00 Stroll the Akashi Kaikyo Park and flower areas Enjoy a leisurely flower walk in a park filled with seasonal blooms. Tulips and nemophila in spring and roses in early summer are among the changing stars of each season. 12:00 Lunch at a seaside restaurant Savor dishes made with Awaji onions and fresh seafood. Raw whitebait and sea bream are among the gifts of the Seto Inland Sea. 13:30 Drive the west coast Drive the coastal road known for its beautiful sunsets while enjoying the views. 15:00 To the whirlpool spot Near the southern tip of the island you can watch the whirlpools created by the tides in the Naruto Strait from a sightseeing boat. 16:30 A break at a scenic seaside spot Pause at a cafe or viewpoint while gazing over the Seto Inland Sea. 17:30 Finish while watching the sunset on the west coast A sun sinking into the horizon is a perfect way to close the day.

Highlights

Awaji Island is also called the island of flowers, and the flower fields that bloom each season are a major highlight. The majestic form of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the sunset seen from the west coast are also popular. The whirlpools near the southern tip are a famous spot where you can feel the dynamism of nature, and seafood is one of the pleasures of the trip.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: For the flower fields, spring to early summer is the peak, when many varieties bloom together. If you are after the sunset, an evening drive along the west coast timed to sundown is moving.
• Avoiding crowds: Traffic tends to build up around the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge on weekends and long holidays, so crossing early in the morning is recommended.
• Time guide: Crossing the bridge from Honshu, then linking the flower area, the west coast and the southern whirlpools makes for a full day drive. Since the island is long from north to south, allow plenty of travel time.
• Budget feel: The main costs are the bridge toll and fuel, the sightseeing boat fare and meals. Checking the boat timetable in advance makes planning easier.
• Real nearby spots: In the north is the Awaji Island Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park, and near the southern tip is the Naruto Strait, famous for its whirlpools. There are many ocean view cafes along the coast, so you will not be short of places to rest.

Access and Tips

Awaji Island is reached by crossing the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from the Honshu side. Public transport on the island is limited, so a rental car or private car is convenient for driving. Since the sights are scattered around the island, deciding the order before you set off makes things smooth.

A Quick Tip

The best time to see the whirlpools changes with the tides, so checking a tide table or the sightseeing boat timetable in advance is a sure bet. If you are aiming for the sunset, plan to head to the west coast around the time of sundown for a moving finish. Some areas of the island have few petrol stations, so refueling early gives peace of mind.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Assumptions for this course: Takes about 1 day / public transport on the island is limited, so this course assumes you have a car. The highlights are scattered from the northern to the southern tip of the island, and some sections take more than an hour just to drive one way.
• Awaji Island Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park: 8-10 Yumebutai, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture (tel. 0799-72-2000). Admission is 450 yen for adults (high school age and above), 210 yen for seniors (65 and over) and free for junior high school students and younger. Opening hours vary by season; from July 1 to August 31 they are 9:30 to 18:00 (tickets are sold until 17:00). The splash pool and water play equipment operate from April 1 to October 31. Discounted combination tickets with the adjacent "Awaji Green House" are also available.
• Access to Akashi Kaikyo Park: As well as by car, you can come by bus from JR Maiko Station, by bus from JR Sannomiya Station, or by boat from JR Akashi Station. Awaji Yumebutai and Awaji Green House are right outside the connecting exit; Awaji Hanasajiki is about 14 minutes away by car (about 10 km), the Michi-no-Eki Awaji roadside station about 8 minutes by car (about 5 km), and the Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park about 21 minutes by car (about 14 km).
• Whirlpool cruise (tide-viewing boat): Departs from Fukura Port and the Uzushio Dome Nanairo-kan in Minamiawaji City. Operated by Joyport Awajishima Co., Ltd. (tel. 0799-52-0039, 9:00 to 17:00, open all year round). There are two boats, the "Kanrin Maru" and the "Nippon Maru."
• What needs booking: The whirlpool cruise can be booked online up to 40 minutes before departure (reservations are payable by credit card only). On the day, aim to arrive about 30 minutes before departure. If you have booked, having your QR code ready makes boarding smoother.
• Choosing when to see the whirlpools: Departure times change from day to day. The timetable on the official site shows the times of high and low tide for the day and an "expectation rating" for each sailing (large, medium or small whirlpools, and so on). The closer to high or low tide, the faster the current and the more dramatic the whirlpools are likely to be. The "15:00" in this model course is only a guide; in practice, build your day's itinerary around the tide table.
• Points to note: Sailings can be cancelled suddenly when the weather changes. Some days are fully booked or reserved for charter, so booking early is safest. On weekends and during Golden Week the roads on either side of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge tend to be congested, so crossing the bridge early in the morning is recommended. Some parts of the island have few petrol stations, so make a habit of filling up early.

Note: If you bring a small pet (8 kilograms or less), it must be kept in a pet carrier or similar while on board.

(Sources: Awaji Island Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park official site; Whirlpool Cruise (Joyport Awajishima Co., Ltd.) official site. As of July 2026)