Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture is full of attractions—from scenic viewpoints and delicious local food to popular spots like “Nijigen no Mori” and “Awaji Yumebutai,” as well as seaside cafés such as “A Happy Pancake.” It’s close enough for a day trip from Osaka or Kobe.

This article introduces how to get to Awaji Island from Osaka and Kobe, mainly by highway bus, along with the unique features of each route.

There are two ways to travel from Namba to Awaji Island: taking a direct highway bus or transferring between train and bus.

• By Bus

Highway buses depart either from the Minatomachi Bus Terminal at JR Namba Station, operated by West Japan JR Bus and stopping at “Nijigen no Mori,” or from Nankai Namba Station, operated by Foot Bus / Takamatsu Express via Kosoku Awaji-Shichi. West Japan JR Bus is recommended as it offers a multilingual reservation page.

• By Train + Bus

From Osaka-Namba Station, take the Hanshin Namba Line to Maiko-Koen Station, then walk about 7 minutes to the Kōsoku Maiko bus stop. From there, depending on your destination, board a highway bus operated by West Japan JR Bus, Honshi Kaikyo Bus, Awaji Kotsu, or Shinki Bus. There are many departures, but booking in advance through West Japan JR Bus’s multilingual reservation page  is recommended.

If you take the Awaji Kotsu or Shinki Bus Awaji Island West Coast Line, which runs along the west coast, and get off at the “Shiawase no Pancake Awaji Island Resort-mae” bus stop, you can enjoy fluffy pancakes with a beautiful ocean view.

Within Awaji Island, six routes operated by Awaji Kotsu Bus are available. Choose the right route for your destination to get around efficiently.

You can also reach Awaji Island from Osaka/Umeda with a single express bus.

Express buses include the Nishinihon JR Bus, which departs from the JR Osaka Station High-Speed Bus Terminal and stops at “Nijigen no Mori,” as well as the Foot Bus / Takamatsu Express, which departs from beneath the elevated tracks at JR Osaka Station Sakurabashi Exit and stops at Kosoku Awaji-Shichi.

Among these, Nishinihon JR Bus is recommended because it offers a multilingual reservation page.

From the Sannomiya Bus Terminal, express buses operated by Nishinihon JR Bus, Honshi Kaikyo Bus, and Minato Kanko Bus run to various destinations. From the Himekami Sannomiya Bus Terminal, express buses operated by Himekami Bus and Awaji Kōtsū also depart for different areas.

Below are some of the main routes. Please note that the stops vary depending on the time and bus company, so be sure to check in advance before using the service. Among these, Nishinihon JR Bus is recommended because it offers a multilingual reservation page.

*Fares as of November 4, 2025.

In addition to these, Himekami Bus and Honshi Kaikyo Bus operate the North Awaji West Coast Line, which serves destinations such as Prefectural Awaji Park and Zenbo Seinei. Minato Kanko Bus also operates six express buses per day. These buses stop at locations such as Awaji Interchange, Higashiura Interchange, and Sumoto Interchange before continuing on to their final destination, Rikunoura-Nishi.

For those traveling from Akashi to Awaji Island, the high-speed ferry Awaji Jenova Line is highly recommended. The ride from Akashi Port to Awaji Island’s Iwaya Port takes only about 13 minutes, making it a fast and cost-effective option. You can also enjoy the stunning view as the boat passes beneath the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

Akashi Port is about a 10-minute walk from JR Akashi Station or Sanyo Akashi Station. At the Iwaya Port Terminal on the 1st floor, electric-assist bicycles are available for rent, and there is a bus stop right in front of the terminal.

Operating hours: from around 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with 1–3 departures per hour

Fare: 700 yen for adults, 350 yen for children

・Make an advance reservation for highway buses.

・Even within the same area, bus stops may vary—be sure to check the map beforehand.

・For day trips, leave large luggage at your hotel or the station so you can travel light.

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Awaji Island is easily accessible from Osaka and Kobe, surrounded by abundant nature, and home to a growing number of new attractions. Its mild climate throughout the year is another big draw. When traveling in the Kansai region, be sure to enjoy a day trip to Awaji Island!

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This is the place to go! An overwhelmingly beautiful architectural spot that harmonizes with the nature of Awaji Island!