We Took a Boat from Osaka to Awaji Island — and Found THIS View

We Took a Boat from Osaka to Awaji Island — and Found THIS View

Welcome back to the Samurai Chronicles. Today we’re heading to the coast, taking a boat to Oaji Island, trying out traditional crafts and spending the night at a seaside yokan with one unforgettable sunset. We picked up our tickets and it was time to hit the waves. Misaki town, nestled at the southern tip of Osaka, is famous for beaches, sunsets, and this, the seagull, which despite the name absolutely does not fly. This little ferry connects Misaki town with Sumoto city, the largest city on Awaji Island. It’s a favorite among cyclists, many of whom take it as the starting point for a full lap around the island. The area around Misaki is also apparently home to a couple of friendly dolphins that sometimes follow the boat. But clearly on this day, they’d taken the day off. We did spot some other wildlife though, like a circling hawk and kumik hoping to be recruited by a passing pod. Awaji Island itself is the gateway between Honu and Shikoku. It’s steeped in myth believed to be the very first island created in Japanese legend. There were also lots of planes because yes, Misaki town is just a stones throw away from Canai airport, assuming you can throw a stone 20 km. The ride itself, well, let’s just say the ocean was doing its best to keep things lively. This is very important. It was a good thing the boat wasn’t serving soup. But the skies cleared, the sea calmed, and the view opened right up. On a good day, you can see all the way to Corb, tucked in the distance across the bay. About 40 minutes after setting off, we were closing in on Sumoto City, the seaside capital of Aaji Island, and ready to start our next adventure. We’ve made it to Sumoto City. Sumoto City, our landing point on Aaji Island, a small port city tucked between mountains and sea, known for fishing boats, castle walls, and a few surprises. We arrived to find calm waters and a fantastic stretch of beach. The kind of place that makes you want to kick off your shoes and dive straight in. With soft yellow sands and crystalline waters lapping at the shore, it’s the kind of beach that makes you forget you came to film. And keeping watch over it all, perched high above the shoreline is Sumoto Castle. Originally built in the late 1500s and later expanded under the Tokugawa Shogunut. It’s one of those castles that makes you wonder who used to look out and what they were expecting to see. And speaking of castles, where there’s a castle, there’s often a dragon, which makes it fitting that Sumoto is also the birthplace of Yuji Hodi, the creator of Dragon Quest. There’s even a monument here honoring the series. So, if you’re into slimes, swords, or nostalgic RPGs, welcome home. Port area also features a cluster of red brick buildings, most notably the Sbrick complex. Once a spinning mill and later an art museum, it’s now a creative hub where you can eat, play, and craft. We hopped into a tourist taxi and made our way toward Wellness Park, Gossiki, a hilltop park known for flowers, fresh air, and a little something cultural we’ll get into in a minute. Along the way, our driver gave us the lowdown on some of Aaji Island’s greatest hits. famously sweet onions, rich tasting rice, and even locally grown olives. All while we cruised through some stunning scenery. Before we knew it, we’d arrived. Perched just above the coastline, the park greeted us with rows of blooming flowers and the unmistakable sense of countryside calm. At the heart of it all stood a hall where we’d be getting our hands dirty in the name of tradition. Time to do some ceramics. We’d come to try a hand at a craft that keeps Japan’s temples standing tall. Sculpting with the very clay used for Kada roof tiles, the kind that famously last over a 100red years. What makes these special is their distinct silver shine once fired. A signature of Aaji’s tiles and not something you’ll find just anywhere. It’s fired extra strong to survive typhoons, which feels reassuring when you remember how windy Aaji gets. Inside the studio, we were greeted by shelves of finished pieces, gargoyles, anime characters, and even seasonal ornaments. Frankly, they were so good, my pulse spiked. How on earth am I supposed to compete with that? First, a crash course. Tools, techniques, and a polite reminder not to eat the clay. I chose a pre-shaped blank template, something sensible to customize. Kumiko naturally ignored templates and went full free range artist. Then the fun, pressing stamps, carving lines, and generally pretending I knew what I was doing. I went nautical. Fish, waves, the whole seaside motif. Kumiko, she produced what looked like a cross between a coral reef and a naval mine. Apparently, it’s meant to hold her phone. Practical and avantgard. The end result, two very different souvenirs, each made from the same clay that crowns centuries old shrines. A hands-on way to connect with Japanese heritage and take a little piece of it home with you. All that clay work had worked quite an appetite and no strange to the joys of countryside cycling, we grabbed a pair of electric assisted bikes and set off into the wild. Or at least we tried to. Turns out getting into Wellness Park is easier than getting out. No. Eventually, after what can only be described as a scenic detour, we found the road and we’re on our way. Our destination, lunch. And not just any lunch. Today’s menu featured the legendary fish. Let’s go. And no, I won’t be trying to say that 10 times fast. The restaurant’s known for using locally caught fish, often even caught by the owner himself. We ordered the namesake fish burger and the Aadajishima sawara burger made with tender mackerel, a local favorite. Wow. Bye-bye. Oh, both were genuinely delicious. So good, in fact, I found myself tempted to keep both myself. Fortunately for Kumigo, I resisted. Yay! They also serve a range of different drinks, including the Aadishima beer. A perfect pairing if you’re not planning to cycle up a hill straight after. Fully refueled from Fishm Burger, we hit the road again and stopped off to pick up a couple of local omiyag. For this, we went to Sumioshiho to buy sweet red bean treats we’d be saving for later. Buying souvenirs like these is one of the best parts of traveling in Japan. Every region has its own flavor. One of the real charms of being on an island is the sea, and here on Aaji, you’re never far from it. We cycled out to a different stretch of coastline where the waves were wild, crashing like they had a point to prove. We didn’t do much. We rested and watched the ocean doing its thing. It was the kind of view that makes you forget about your inbox or that you’re being filmed for that matter. There’s even a legend that says this very spot was formed by the mythical giant Dalaboti who kicked the land so hard it created Lake Biwa. And the chunk of earth he displaced became Aaji Island. And to be fair, standing there with the sea thrashing like that, it did feel like something massive had happened or was about to happen. As we got on our bikes to try some exquisite cheesecake, we made a quick stop at Daidoka Coffee, a locally loved cafe overlooking the harbor. Basque cheesecake, a delicate pudding topped with a butterfly and something I’d never tried before, an espresso tonic where caffeine meets carbonation. Our desserts were unreal. Rich, smooth, and entirely too easy to finish. This place wasn’t just tasty, it was peaceful. One of those cafes you could accidentally stay in for hours. But unfortunately, we didn’t have hours. We had a hill to climb, bikes to return, and a boat to catch. And even with our ebikes, it wasn’t easy. To help us get back to our boat, we used Busmo, Hawaii Island’s local bus app. Makes it easy to see how, where, and when to go. And yes, it’s available in English, too. After a short bus ride, we’re back at the port. Tickets in hand, and ready to return to Misaki town. We boarded the boat one last time, this time with fewer waves and more reflection. As we pulled away from Aaji, the sun began to dip. A quiet farewell to a packed day. We were back in Misaki. The boat slid gently into port and we stepped ashore. We took a train to Tanoa station where we were picked up and taken to our accommodation for the night. A renowned seaside dukan known for its traditional Japanese design and stunning views over the ocean. Our home for the night was Yuino Dugan, a dukan that’s been welcoming guests since 1904. Perched on a hill overlooking the sea, it’s a place made for slowing down where just being there makes you reflect. Dyukan has a traditional Japanese aesthetic with a peaceful garden and koi pond to welcome you in. It’s especially popular as a place to watch the sunset over the Pacific, and we could see why. Many of the rooms have a small engawa, a veranda space where you can sip tea while looking out at the sea. We watched planes coming in toward Canai airport and birds gliding across the sky while the light slowly changed over the water. It was the perfect moment to pause before one of the highlights of any Dan stay, dinner. One of the best parts of staying in a dukan is dinner. It’s delivered right to your room, letting you enjoy the atmosphere and privacy while you eat. Full seasonal meal appearing at your table. And like the start of any meal, it’s better with beer. Not essential, just strongly recommended. And Kumiko seems to agree. Dozens of small dishes, each with their own colors, textures, and flavors. It’s like unwrapping a series of edible gifts. Tonight’s highlight was the Konab, a personal hot pot we lit ourselves. Inside, seabbream and tofu were gently simmering while the broth picked up all the flavors. Osaka is famous for its dashi, and this hot pot proved why. We also had crisp tempura including eggplant, shishito pepper, and even whole fried fishbones. They were perfectly crunchy and tasted great with the dipping sauce. There was sashimi, too. Beautifully arranged and drizzled with a sharp mustard miso sauce that caught me off guard in the best way. Sashimi is one of those deceptively simple things. It’s just raw fish until you realize just how good it can be. And today’s portion even had us doing a little jig. Grilled fish, a delicate savory egg custard known as chawan mushi, and simmered seasonal vegetables rounded off the spread. Each dish reflecting the best of the region and the season. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down and just be there. The perfect end to a day on the coast. The next morning, after a fantastic night’s sleep, we woke up to a wonderful breakfast. Oh, a traditional Japanese breakfast with misel soup, rice, fish, and tamagoyaki. The perfect start to our day. Back in the UK, rice and fish aren’t exactly breakfast staples, but here they’re the perfect nutritious start to our day. And tamagoyaki, think of it as Japan’s answer to scrambled eggs. With breakfast out of the way, it was time to get moving and continue our adventure. Time to get out the door and see what the day had in store. We were kindly dropped off at yacht Michinoaki, a roadside station that, judging by the crowds, is the place to be. Part supermarket and part viewpoint, it’s packed with people stocking up on fresh produce, local snacks, and everything in between. The real highlight of places like this is how they feel like a peak into everyday Japanese life. You’ll find drinks you’ve never seen back home. The juiciest looking watermelons, tomatoes, rows of onions, and super sweet strawberries, all produced nearby by local people. Fish, vegetables, pickles, sweets. Exploring a market like this, especially with the distant sea view outside, is honestly a must do in Japan if you want a window into local produce, local people, and local life. Naturally, we didn’t leave empty-handed. We picked up omiyag souvenir snacks to enjoy later by the sea. Skukesho, a soft mangju cake made just next door in Hanan city. And some homemade tempera to take home. Oh, and if you’re as partial to a katsu curry or kaendon as I am, they’ve got a restaurant here for that, too. Another highlight at this minoi, the vending machines, or chihanki as they’re called here. Vending machine culture is huge in Japan, and exploring them is honestly one of the most fun things you can do when you visit. There’s an endless variety of drinks just waiting to be tried. And it’s not just cold drinks, either. They’ve got machines that actually make your drink fresh and piping hot, letting you choose your preferred sweetness before delivering it like a mini barista in a box. We went for some hot coffee, which even came with a lid. You can probably tell by my face here, it was very hot. And if that isn’t novel enough for you, they even have vending machines that dispense frozen meat and another that serves up crockett. We enjoyed our coffee topped off with locally produced milk before heading back on our way. We made sure to try the frozen vending machine meat once we got home. It looked a bit dodgy, but after defrosting, it melted in the mouth. Genuinely delicious. Didn’t expect that from a vending machine. For our final stop before heading back to the city, we took a small bus to Misaki Park for a short walk down to the coast. A sublime, beautiful coast so good-looking it could have its own Instagram account. The perfect place to slow down, breathe, and enjoy some of the local snacks we picked up along the way. There’s a heron over there. There was even a heron keeping an eye on us as if it wanted to try the kahi fly manga, too. The kah mo and fly mu were both delicious and the skies was the cherry on top for any sweet tooth. Here we enjoyed one last moment up close with nature before returning to the busy streets of Osaka. Watching jellyfish drifting in the water as the coastline buzzed with life. And well, apparently so much nature got the crab out of me. And it seemed like the perfect place for a bit of shiko stomping, you know, for reasons. From sunsets over the ocean and the taste of local flavors, the glimpses of daily life and a boat trip out to Hawaii Island, this trip reminded us how much there is to discover, even on a short journey from Osaka. And with that, it was time to pack up, hop on the train, and head back to Osaka, carrying a bit of the coast with us. Heat. Heat.

#AwajiIsland #Osaka #Ryokan

We went cruising from Osaka to Awaji Island (淡路島) on the Fuke–Sumoto Liner (深日洲本ライナー), tried a hands-on traditional craft, explored the coast by e-bike, found local fish burgers, and stayed in a seaside ryokan (旅館) with incredible food and sunset views. The perfect Osaka day trip and coastal escape.

Highlights
• Boat: Misaki Town (岬町, Osaka) → Sumoto City (洲本市, Awaji) on the Fuke–Sumoto Liner high-speed boat (SEAGULL)
• Culture: clay sculpting using kawara roof tile clay
• Island time: e-bikes, beaches, café stop, big ocean views
• Food: local fish burgers, sweets/omiyage, and a ryokan dinner & breakfast
• Quirky Japan: yes—vending-machine meat (surprisingly delicious)

Getting around
• Ferry: Fuke–Sumoto Liner (seasonal weekends/holidays; ~40-min crossing)
• Buses: buSmo route app for Awaji Island (English available)
• Bikes: e-bike rentals for easy coastal riding

Places & themes
Awaji Island (淡路島) • Misaki Town (岬町) • Sumoto City (洲本市) • seaside ryokan • Osaka day trip • ferry cruising • island cycling • local food • sunsets • omiyage

🎁 Special Giveaway! 🎁
When you use the Fuke–Sumoto Liner and visit the Sampo Rta Information Centre at Fuke Port,
just tell the staff “I saw this video!”

The first 10 people will receive an exclusive Misaki Town mascot goodie 🎉

大阪・岬町から淡路島へ！
深日洲本ライナーで船旅🚢

瓦粘土を使った工芸体験、Eバイクで海沿いサイクリング、名物の魚バーガーやスイーツ、海辺の旅館での絶景夕日＆豪華料理を満喫✨

🎁 プレゼント企画！ 🎁
深日港案内所「さんぽるた」にて、深日洲本ライナーをご利用の際、
スタッフに「この動画を見た！」と伝えていただくと👀

岬町マスコットキャラクターグッズを 先着10名様 にプレゼント！✨

※なくなり次第終了となります🏃‍♀️

#JapanTravel #Awaji #Sumoto #Misaki #Ferry #OsakaDayTrip #SeasideRyokan #ebike #岬町 #淡路島 #深日港 #深日洲本ライナー

Credits
3D model: Dragon Quest Slime by rtql8d — Sketchfab: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/dragon-quest-slime-d310bea62e374815ab10939a35952535 — CC BY 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Modifications: re-lighting, animation, and compositing for this video.
Dragon Quest © SQUARE ENIX (no endorsement).

日本語
3Dモデル「Dragon Quest Slime」制作者：rtql8d（Sketchfab）／ライセンス：CC BY 4.0（https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/）
出典：上記URL／本動画用に再ライティング・アニメーション・コンポジットを実施。
「ドラゴンクエスト」は（株）スクウェア・エニックスの著作物であり、本動画は同社の承認・提携を受けていません。