● One day before your trip, by 6:00 PM (Japan time), we'll email you the meeting time and location for the next day's itinerary, along with your guide and license plate information. If you don't receive this email, please check your spam folder. If there's still no response, please contact us. If you receive multiple emails, the most recent one will be used.
● This small-group tour is fully staffed by a driver and guide (the driver also serves as your guide; no separate guide is required). They will be on board to provide on-board assistance and help you explore the entire itinerary with ease. We may arrange for passengers with different languages to share the same vehicle. Please feel free to contact your driver and guide if you require communication. We may use translation software to provide real-time translations, especially for drivers with limited English.
● If some attractions are temporarily closed, our drivers and guides will flexibly adjust the itinerary based on the actual situation on that day. We will still arrange a wonderful itinerary for you, so please rest assured. Due to force majeure such as traffic, weather, holidays, and crowds, the arrival time and itinerary may be adjusted (the drivers and guides reserve the right to adjust or delete the itinerary on the spot). We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. We cannot request a refund for this reason. Thank you for your understanding.
● The journey is about to begin, I wish you a happy trip! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
A minimum of 1 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 5 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Awaji Yumebutai, designed by Tadao Ando, offers diverse experiences. Visitors can explore the "Hyakudanen" (100-tiered flower garden), a unique terraced botanical garden with stunning views. The complex also features the "Water Garden" and "Oval Forum," showcasing Ando's distinctive minimalist concrete architecture and thoughtful integration of natural light and water. It's a serene environment blending modern design with natural landscapes, ideal for appreciating art and nature.
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is renowned as the world's longest suspension bridge, connecting Kobe to Awaji Island. Its immense scale and advanced engineering marvel are key reasons for its fame. It was built to withstand powerful earthquakes and strong currents, featuring impressive main towers and intricate cable systems. The bridge is also famous for its nighttime illumination, which changes colors and patterns, creating a beautiful spectacle over the Akashi Strait.
While you cannot freely walk the full length of the main bridge deck, visitors can experience the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge through specific attractions. The "Maiko Marine Promenade" offers a glass-floor walkway located beneath the road deck, providing exhilarating views of the sea and bridge structure. Additionally, guided tours allow access to a maintenance path inside the bridge, leading to an exclusive viewpoint high above the strait.
Yes, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge officially holds the record as the world's longest suspension bridge. Completed in 1998, it boasts a central span of 1,991 meters (6,532 feet). This impressive engineering achievement has maintained its distinction due to its unparalleled main span length, serving as a vital transportation link between Honshu and Awaji Island, and a prominent landmark.
Crossing the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge by vehicle typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. During the crossing, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, the bustling port city of Kobe on the Honshu side, and the lush landscapes of Awaji Island. Driving high above the water offers a memorable perspective of the vast sea and the bridge's intricate structure against the horizon.
Awaji Yumebutai, or "Dream Stage," is a large complex built as a memorial to the Great Hanshin Earthquake, designed by architect Tadao Ando. Its architecture is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, extensively using exposed concrete, geometric forms, and natural elements like water and light. Key design principles include creating harmonious spaces that connect visitors with nature, integrating indoor and outdoor areas, and utilizing terraced gardens and reflective pools to evoke a sense of tranquility and contemplation.
The Awaji Island Flower Corridor offers vibrant floral displays throughout the year, making it a key destination for garden enthusiasts. Visitors can explore various themed garden areas, featuring seasonal flowers such as tulips, poppies, sunflowers, and cosmos, depending on the time of year. The corridor provides expansive views of the Seto Inland Sea alongside its colorful blooms, offering numerous picturesque spots for photography amidst beautifully cultivated landscapes and pathways.
Awaji Island is famous for its breathtaking coastal and sunset views, particularly along its western shores. One of the best places to experience a memorable sunset is from locations overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, often referred to as one of Japan's top 100 sunset spots. Specific areas such as viewpoints near the Happy Pancake House or other scenic overlooks along the western coast offer unobstructed vistas to watch the sun dip below the horizon over the tranquil waters.