These routes are suitable for those with little time on their hands, hoping to take in some of the main attractions close to the port of Iwaya. Since a lot of climbing is involved in these routes, they are particularly well suited for those who rent electric bikes from the tourist office at Iwaya’s port.
The three most interesting attractions in the north of Awaji are the Yumebutai hotel and garden complex, the Awaji Hanasajiki flower garden, and Awaji’s Earthquake Museum. With a few hours, visitors can take in two, or even all three of the sights. There are a number of other things around to see as well.
Route Description
Coming out of Iwaya port, make a left and continue along the main coastal road south, passing Eshima and Iwaya‘s small beach along the way. Just before a 7/11, the road joins the main branch of the 28 at a traffic light (turn left). Follow the 28 south, coming to Yumebutai after a few kilometers.
The 28 continues along the coast, arriving in the town of Higashiura. Fans of Tadao Ando should keep an eye out for a sign pointing to the Water Temple, which sits a few hundred meters away from the main road. Not long after the turn-off to the Water Temple, one arrives at the Ura traffic light (浦). Higashiura’s bus station is just on the left here, as is the Cat Museum.
Cyclists have a choice at this intersection: the quickest route to Awaji Hanasajiki heads up to the right (climb this narrow road – the 460 – until you reach a small intersection with the 157 up in the hills, from where Awaji Hanasajiki is sign-posted).
Alternatively, go straight through the intersection, continuing on for a couple of kilometers until you come to the Kuruma traffic light (久留麻), marked by a Family Mart. Turn right here, onto the 71.
The 71 is a scenic route which climbs steeply through small villages, past numerous rice fields. After a good climb, it passes underneath the expressway, and not long after comes to a turn-off (on the right) for road 157, with a sign-post for Awaji Hanasajiki.
If you ignore the turn-off and continue straight, you’ll find the 71 descends sharply (while offering fine views of the Inland Sea) to the west coast of the island. The first traffic light (Awaji High School Mae, 淡路高校前) is coastal road 31, and if you turn right here, you’ll go past the Earthquake Museum and several kilometers later, the Esaki Lighthouse, before arriving back in Iwaya.
Heading back to the turn-off for road 157: if you take it, you’ll have some steep ups and down, before coming to the tiny intersection with road 460 (see above). Take the sign-posted road to Awaji Hanasajiki, climbing steeply up for a couple of kilometers until you arrive at the fabulous flower gardens of Awaji Hanasajiki.
After admiring the flowers and the views, you can continue north on the 157. It’s mostly downhill, taking you past the Awajishima Prefectural Park and the Highway Oasis (the latter accessed via a pedestrian tunnel underneath the expressway) before you arrive at a traffic light.
Heading straight would take you onto the expressway! So turn right, and then take the first small road on the left, which will take you down into the warren of central Iwaya.
Route Facts
- Traveling from Iwaya Port past Yumebutai to the 71 turn-off, then taking the 71 across the island and coming back on the west coast (road 31) is about 30km. Crossing the 71 involves a decent climb.
- Looping from Iwaya Port past Yumebutai and Awaji Hanasajiki via the 460 (the best way to combine both attractions) is about 20km. Awaji Hanasajiki is a long way up from the coast!
- Traveling directly, Yumebutai is roughly 4km from Iwaya Port, while Awaji Hanasajiki is roughly 8km.
Awaji Island 