Awaji Island, located in Hyogo Prefecture, lies just across the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge connecting the mainland of Honshu with Shikoku. Blessed with a mild climate and rich natural beauty, the island offers a wide variety of attractions throughout the seasons: colourful flowers in spring, crystal-clear seas and beaches in summer, fresh seasonal produce in autumn, and relaxing hot springs in winter. Awaji is also renowned for its gourmet offerings, including its famous sweet onions and high-quality Awaji beef. Local restaurants, such as TRATTORIA amarancia and Haru San San, make the most of these fresh ingredients, delighting food-lovers from near and far. With excellent access from Osaka and Kobe, Awaji Island has in recent years expanded its appeal with cultural facilities and resorts that combine nature and art, making it a destination suitable for couples, families, and groups of friends alike.
When visiting Awaji, one of the best ways to experience the island is to stay at either Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Awaji Higashiura or Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Awaji Fukura. These properties are part of a unique hotel concept located next to roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki). Fairfield hotels are accommodation focused, designed to provide travellers with comfortable and simple rooms while encouraging guests to venture out into the surrounding area to enjoy local dining, specialties, and cultural experiences. By not operating in-house restaurants, the hotels actively promote local gastronomy, inviting visitors to discover the island’s authentic flavours.
In the north, Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Awaji Higashiura sits beside the Higashiura Terminal Park roadside station, where visitors can shop for freshly-harvested local produce, particularly Awaji onions, at affordable prices directly from nearby farmers. Just a short distance away, within Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park, lies the innovative theme park Nijigen no Mori, which combines anime, advanced technology, and nature. Here, guests can immerse themselves in interactive attractions, physically engaging with their surroundings while experiencing the world of Japanese subculture and anime. For fans of pop culture and families alike, this is a highlight not to be missed. The northern area also offers easy access to landmarks such as the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the National Akashi Kaikyo Park, where seasonal flowers and large scale playgrounds provide additional attractions. Together, they make Higashiura an ideal base for sightseeing.
Heading further south, Awaji continues to reveal its diverse character. At Fukura Marche, visitors will find an abundance of freshly-caught seafood, seasonal vegetables, and Awaji’s famous specialties, all perfect as souvenirs or to savour during their stay. Nearby, at Michino-Eki Fukura, the renowned Uzushio Cruise departs from the Uzushio Dome Nanairokan, taking passengers to witness the world’s largest whirlpools up close, an unforgettable natural spectacle. Culture lovers will also appreciate Awaji Ningyoza, the island’s traditional puppet theatre with over 500 years of history, offering performances that bring a piece of Awaji’s heritage to life. Another must-visit is the Uzunooka Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall, where panoramic views can be enjoyed from its terrace and rooftop deck. Here, guests can also indulge in local gourmet favourites such as the wildly popular Awaji Island Onion Burger at Onion Kitchen, combining entertainment, food, and stunning scenery.
For those exploring the southern part of the island, Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Awaji Fukura makes for the perfect stay. Much like its northern counterpart, this hotel focuses on comfort and simplicity, acting as a convenient base for exploring the unique blend of natural wonders, local delicacies, and cultural heritage that southern Awaji has to offer.
Awaji Island is more than just a travel destination, it is a place where traditional culture, gourmet experiences, cutting-edge subculture attractions, and breathtaking landscapes coexist in harmony. By choosing to stay at Fairfield by Marriott, travellers can discover not only the comforts of a modern hotel but also the authentic flavours, creativity, and spirit of the island itself.
Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki
Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Awaji Higashiura
■Address: 678-1 Ura, Awaji, Hyogo 656-2305
■Tel: +81 799-73-6785
■Nearby: Michi-no-Eki Higashiura Terminal Park
■Web: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ukbfi-fairfield-hyogo-awaji-higashiura/overview/
Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Awaji Fukura
■Address: 512-154 Fukurako, Minamiawaji, Hyogo 656-0501
■Tel: +81 799-38-6625
■Nearby: Michi-no-Eki Fukura
■Web: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/osafi-fairfield-hyogo-awaji-fukura/overview/
