Awaji Service Area is the gateway to Awaji Island tourism and the first service area on the expressway leading to Awaji Island from the Kobe area. It is a service area with a spectacular view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and in addition to cafes, restaurants, and souvenirs, it is a tourist spot with easy access to Awaji Highway Oasis and Nijigen-no-mori.
There are two service areas, one for upstream and one for downstream, and both are free to come and go as you please.
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Awaji Service Area Tourist Attractions
Awaji Service Area has many attractions, but if I were to introduce three sightseeing points to everyone from my perspective, I would recommend the following three points.
- Spectacular view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
- Awaji Island souvenirs all in one place
- Direct access to Nijigen-no-mori
First and foremost, there is the spectacular view of the Akashi Straits. There are many scenic spots on Awaji Island, but this is the best place to view the magnificent bridge against the backdrop of the urban landscape.
In addition, there are many attractive souvenirs on Awaji Island, and the Awaji Service Area has the best selection of souvenirs in the northern area of Awaji Island. You can go up and down the Awaji Service Area for free, so you can stop by on your way home.
Finally, the popular Nijigen-no-mori animation park can be reached in 15 to 30 minutes by free shuttle bus (Awaji IC) or toll tramcar (Awaji Highway Oasis).
Awaji Service Area Facilities
The Awaji Service Area offers the following facilities
Great view of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge: From the Awaji Service Area, you can see the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and Kobe City on the other side of the bridge.
Ferris wheel: There is a large Ferris wheel in the downhill area of the Awaji Service Area that is illuminated at night. It is a popular night view spot where you can see the lights of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the night view of Kobe on the other side of the bridge.
The only Starbucks and Mister Donut on Awaji Island: The downhill area of Awaji SA has the only Starbucks Coffee and Mister Donut on Awaji Island.
Awaji Island souvenirs all in one place: The downstairs souvenir shop in the Awaji Service Area offers a variety of attractive souvenirs from Awaji Island.
Awaji Highway Oasis: You can drive directly from the Awaji Service Area and find attractive restaurants and souvenirs.
Nijigen-no-mori: Direct access to Nijigen-no-mori, a sacred place for purely Japanese anime.
Hashi-no-Mieru-Oka: Located in the uphill area of the Awaji Service Area, this observation area offers a view of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.
Koibito no Sanctuary: Located in the uphill area of the Awaji Service Area, this area offers a spectacular view of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge during the daytime, and at night, a light show using "phosphorescent stones" is held.
Awaji Service Area Basic Information
Name | Awaji Service Area |
Address | 2568 Iwaya, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture |
Phone | 0799-72-4715 |
Official WEB | https://www.yumebutai.co.jp/lang/en.html |
Opening hours | Restaurants: 7:00 - 21:00 (L.O.: 20:45) Stores: 24 hours Information: Weekdays: 8:00 - 17:00, Weekends & Holidays: 8:00 - 17:00 |
Closed | - |
Admission | Free |
Parking | Small cars: 352 Large vehicles: 102 Trailers: 3 vehicles Double articulated trucks: 1 unit For disabled persons: 4 cars (of which, number of covered spaces: 4) |
Parking fee | Free |
Access | Awaji Service Area on Kobe-Awaji Naruto Expressway |