Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Nushima is a small inhabited island that belongs to Minami-Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture. It is a simple island floating in the Seto Inland Sea, where fishing and agriculture are the foundations of life, and traditional village and coastal scenery remain. It is often associated with myths and legends, and its major tourist attractions are the dynamic scenery of the sea and cliffs, and the natural scenery, such as the "Horse's Back" rock ridge jutting out into the sea. The island is small and can be easily circumnavigated on foot, making it an ideal place for a leisurely day trip and to sample local seafood.
Highlights
- Horseback
– A typical view of Nushima. The slender rock ridges formed by wave erosion stretch out into the sea, creating a beautiful contrast with the cliffs and blue ocean. The view changes depending on the sea conditions and tide level, making it a great photo spot.
– Walking around the island villages
– Experience the laid-back island life through the fishing port, old houses, alleyways, etc. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of a local fishing town, small restaurants, and direct sales outlets.
– Seaside scenery and playing on the rocks
– You can enjoy observing tide pools on the sandy beach and rocky shore, as well as fishing and playing on the rocks (access restrictions apply in some areas).
– Local cuisine
– Set meals and sashimi made with fresh seafood, as well as seasonal seafood, allow you to enjoy local flavors at small restaurants and farm shops.
– Island shrines and traditions
– Small shrines and historical sites related to local traditions are scattered throughout the area. You may also be able to experience local festivals and traditional events (please check the dates).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
– Basic route (overall flow)
1. From the main island of Awaji, Honshu, head to the port in Minami-Awaji City (the departure and arrival point for the ferry to the island) by car or bus.
2. Board a ferry or boat bound for Nushima from the port (short-distance boats generally take between a few minutes and 10 minutes).
3. After arriving at Nushima, explore the island on foot. The island is small so you can get around on foot, but if you have a lot of luggage, you can also use a private lodging or local shuttle service.
- Car precautions
– There is limited parking on the island, but you will generally need to park your car on the mainland (at the ferry port) and take the ferry. Please check the ferry arrival and departure times and whether parking is available in advance.
– public transport
– This route involves taking the nearest major station or a local bus to the port and then transferring to a ferry. Routes and the number of services vary depending on the region and season, so we recommend checking the timetable in advance.
– Ferry Information
– There are times and seasons when the number of flights is limited. Please check the latest flight times and fares with official websites or tourist guides before planning your trip.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
– Day trip: 2-4 hours
- Suitable for short walks including horseback rides, village walks, and lunch.
- Relaxed sightseeing, fishing and playing on the rocks: half a day to a full day
– Enjoy playing on the rocks, taking photos, and relaxing with local food and tea.
– Accommodation (minshuku, etc.): 1 night
– If you want to see the morning and evening seascapes and early morning fishing, or if you want to include sightseeing in the surrounding area, consider staying overnight.
Nearby spots
– Tourist spot in Minami Awaji City (mainland side)
– Fukura area: tide-watching, port town atmosphere
– Naruto Strait whirlpools (sightseeing boats and observation decks): Dynamic whirlpools can be seen depending on the season and tide conditions
– Tourist facilities and hot spring resorts in the southern part of Awaji Island, such as Sumoto Onsen and Keino Matsubara (a scenic spot on the coastline)
– A place to stretch your legs in the car
– Other tourist spots on Awaji Island (parks in the flower season, local roadside stations, Awaji beef restaurants, etc.)
Things to be aware of (crowding, etiquette, seasonal precautions, etc.)
– Number of ferries and operation status
– There are not many ferry services. They tend to be crowded and full, especially in the early morning, evening, and peak seasons, so please check the return trip and plan your trip with plenty of time.
- Safety measures
– Rocky areas such as Umanose can be slippery and have poor footing. Wear non-slip shoes and avoid going near the area when the tide is high or the waves are strong. Entry may be prohibited in bad weather.
- Manners
– The island is also a place of life. Please take your trash with you, do not enter private property or fishing grounds in operation without permission, and remember to be considerate of local residents and fishermen.
– Payment and sales information
- Some stores on the island only accept cash and have limited opening hours, so it's a good idea to prepare anything you need in advance.
- Seasonal precautions
– In the summer, you can enjoy swimming and playing on the rocks, but please be careful to take precautions against heatstroke and be careful about sea safety. In the winter or during stormy weather, ferries may be canceled due to strong winds and waves.
– Pets allowed
– Please check the rules before boarding or exploring the island with pets. Care must be taken to avoid any impact on wildlife and fishing.
supplement
- As the latest transport times, business information, and operation conditions are subject to change due to weather conditions, we recommend checking Minami Awaji City's tourist information and official information from the ferry operator before departing. Enjoy a relaxing time while cherishing the tranquil island scenery and the kindness of the local people.
