Awaji Island: 8 Must-Visit Restaurants for Kaisendon, Hamayaki, and More

Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, located in the eastern part of the Seto Inland Sea, is so rich in food ingredients that it is called "Miketsukuni". In addition to delicious specialties such as Awaji beef, Awaji chicken, and onions, fresh seafood caught and landed on the island is not to be missed. In this issue, we will introduce a variety of seafood lunch restaurants from Awaji City in the northernmost part of the island to Sumoto City in the center and Minami Awaji City in the southern end. Please take a look at them as a reference for your outing.

• Kinki
• Hyogo
• seafood
• robatayaki

[Awaji City] Awaji Island Tsuzumiya

Savor Seasonal Creations All Year Round

A creative Japanese restaurant offering seasonal delicacies made with the finest ingredients from Awaji Island. The lunch menu features diverse options, including the "Sashimi Tempura Set Meal," "Awaji Beef Sukiyaki Nabe Set Meal," and "Aged Awaji sea bream, Rice Bowl." Adjacent to the restaurant is écrin, an inn offering full-building rentals for a relaxing stay on the island. Guests at the inn can enjoy a 10% discount on meals at Awaji Island Tsuzumiya, making it a great option for those looking to combine dining and lodging.

[Awaji City] Awajishima Seafood Chirashi Sakura no ki

A Visual and Culinary Treat: Chirashi Sushi

This restaurant specializes in chirashi sushi, lavishly topped with fresh seafood from Yura Port in Awaji Island. As a fresh fish wholesaler, it offers premium sushi-grade seafood at reasonable prices. The visually stunning chirashi zushi features seasonal ingredients—comparable to those served at high-end sushi restaurants in Osaka and Sannomiya—at reasonable prices such as fresh shirasu, hamo (pike conger), red sea urchin, and more. Enjoy your meal in the calm atmosphere of table and counter seating.

[Awaji City] Awajishima Dining Akatsuki

Enjoy a Luxurious Moment in a Fine Restaurant

Located in Ozaki on Awaji Island, this house-style restaurant is open only on weekends and requires reservations and pre-orders. It is perfect for those seeking a luxurious lunch with family or loved ones on special occasions. The menu includes "Awaji Beef Sirloin Steak Bowl," "Kyoku Oyako Donburi" made with Awaji chicken, and "Seafood Bowl." You can also order individual dishes such as sirloin steak or tempura. A children’s lunch option is available, making it family-friendly.

[Awaji City] BBQ Terrace

Exquisite BBQ with a View of the Sea

If you want to savor the true flavors of Awaji Island, how about a barbecue? At Nojima Scola, a renovated former elementary school, you can enjoy barbecues on a terrace overlooking the sea from mid-March to mid-November. The set includes Awaji beef, freshly picked vegetables, and seafood from the island. Everything you need is provided, so all you have to do is make a reservation and arrive empty-handed. Perfect for a lively gathering with friends or family!

[Sumoto City] Yakiniku/Seafood Yoshi

Savor Awaji Beef and Fresh Seafood to Your Heart's Content

At Yakiniku & Seafood Yoshi, you can indulge in Awaji beef, fresh local fish, and vegetables. This Japanese cuisine and yakiniku restaurant is perfect for those who want to enjoy both meat and fish from Awaji Island. The lunch menu offers a variety of Japanese set meals, including value-for-money yakiniku set meals, sashimi, grilled seafood, and seafood rice bowls. Unique to this restaurant, you can also experience dishes like "Odori-yaki" and "Ikizukuri," where seafood is prepared immediately after being taken from the tank. On weekdays, all lunch menu items come with after-meal coffee, providing a relaxing break.

[Minami Awaji City] Oyster Hut Awaji

Winter Delights: Savor Tender, All-You-Can-Eat Steamed Oysters

At Oyster Hut Awaji, you can enjoy freshly farmed oysters from Shido Bay, nurtured in the warm waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Open only during winter, the restaurant offers a 120-minute all-you-can-eat oyster experience. These oysters are rich in flavor and have no overpowering aftertaste, allowing you to savor their natural taste with soy sauce, ponzu, or lemon. Feel free to bring your own condiments! For those seeking variety, the all-you-can-eat oyster set includes one serving of other fresh seafood.

[Minami Awaji City] Yamatake Suisan

The Famous “O-asari-yaki” (Grilled Giant Clam.) Is Not to Be Missed!

Yamatake Suisan is a seafood robatayaki and kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) restaurant. The robatayaki menu features its signature dish, “O-asari-yaki” (grilled giant clam), a hearty and flavorful must-try. Other options include turban shells, tiger prawns, and winter oysters, all cooked to perfection. The popular kaisendon is packed with fresh seafood from the nearby waters of Awaji Island, and a variety of a la carte dishes such as sashimi and tempura are also available. Fresh baby sardines and sea urchins from Awaji Island can be enjoyed year-round. Located within Roadside Station Fukura at the southernmost tip of Minami Awaji City, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing lunch during your drive.

[Minami Awaji City] Katsugyo Ryori Oki (Live Fish Cuisine)

Fresh Fish Straight from the Tank, Served Just for You

Oki offers fresh local fish caught and landed that day at reasonable prices. Loved by local fishermen, this live fish specialty restaurant prepares seafood immediately after it is taken from the tank. Dishes include sashimi, tempura, sushi, and more. Popular seasonal options are Hamo Suki (pike conger sukiyaki) in summer and tekuchiri (Awaji Island 3-year torafugu hot pot) in winter. On weekends, you can enjoy a casual lunch set that includes simmered dishes and Awaji Island’s specialty hand-pulled somen noodles.