A Large National Park Close to Awaji Yumebutai

Located in the north-east of Awaji Island, Awaji Yumebutai is a multipurpose resort designed by world-famous architect Tadao Ando. 
Next to it lies the large Awaji Island Akashi Kaikyo National Park.

With numerous features such as a flower garden, a boat lake, observation terraces from where visitors can soak-up the ocean views, vast open grass fields, and lots of playground equipment, the total area of the park is equivalent to 10 Koushien Stadiums!

Just inside Uraguchi Gate on the south side of the park, numerous colorful flowerbeds welcome visitors. As the octopus is a specialty of Akashi, the octopus-shaped flower monument makes for a pleasant spot to take commemorative photos.

The cute tramcar on the right side of the photo is the Yume Hachi Go. It runs from Uraguchi Gate on the south side to Awaji Gate on the north side. At 300 yen for a day-pass, it’s a great way of getting around to see all the features of the park. (Not in service from December to the end of February.)

Now for some details about the park!

Flowers all-year-round!

Thanks to the warm local climate, visitors can enjoy viewing flowers all-year-round at the Awaji Island Akashi Kaikyo National Park. The flower garden in the southern part of the park is particularly recommended!

Known as Taichi no Niji (The Earth Rainbow), this flowerbed is a 4m x 30m landmark that symbolizes prayers for the restoration of the Hanshin area following the 1995 earthquake. Spring tulips, summer sunflowers and autumn cosmos are some of the flowers that make up the vibrant rainbow – a perfect spot to enjoy your lunchbox or a picnic.

The best time to see the cosmos is at the beginning of October. As the seasons change, so do the flowers and therefore the appearance of the Hana Hidori.

Hana no Nakaumi – a large pond – is located close to Taichi no Niji. On its far side, a multitude of poplar trees line the appropriately named Poplar Hill. This place also looks like a carpet of flowers, and you can paddle swan-boats around the pond while enjoying the seasonal flowers.

The Autumn Carnival began on 2016/6/17 and runs till 11/6. On weekends during this period, visitors are able to participate in various fun events such as guided flower tours, a cardboard maze, and a woodcraft workshop.

Three Ocean-View Observation Terraces You Simply Cannot Miss!

Beautiful views from the park facing the ocean!

Known as Moon Terrace, there is a great observation platform on top of the Poplar Hill that offers views of the southern part of the park and the Seto Inland Sea (Osaka Harbor). On clear sunny days you can see all the way to Tomogashima Island between Wakayama Prefecture and Awaji Island.

A quick 200m jaunt from Moon Terrace brings you to Sky Terrace. This area resembles a temple and has a pond with an artificial waterfall right in the middle of it. Approaching the edge gives you a broad view of the northern part of the park.

Just below is Nadagawa River, which runs through the park, and stairs leading down to the park.

The Ocean Terrace can be found on the way to the ocean from the hill. This is the closest place to the ocean and gives visitors a sweeping view over the coastline from the Akashi Straight to the Kitan Straight and the Seto Inland Sea (Osaka Harbor).

An Abundance of Playground Equipment!

The largest playground in the entire Kansai area can be found in the north of the park. Yumekko Land has a whopping 150 pieces of playground equipment such as a roller slide, swings and a Tarzan pulley. This place will keep the kids busy for a long time!

Also, in the middle of the park, is Kodomo no Mori. Here, fun equipment such as slides and jungle gyms means adventurous kids have a great place to play!

At Awaji Island Akashi Kaikyo National Park visitors can enjoy flower gardens and ocean views, and kids can have fun in the playgrounds. It’s a perfect place for families to relax and enjoy being outside.

Please also come and visit Awaji Yumebutai and Kiseki no Hoshi Greenhouse.

Awaji Island Akashi Kaikyo National Park

Address: 8-10 Yumebutai, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture
Tel: 0799-72-2000 (Akashi Kaikyo Park Center)
Opening hours: April 4 – August 31 AM9:30～PM6:00
September 1 – October 31 AM9:30～PM5:00
November 1 – End of February AM9:30～PM4:30
March 1 – March 31 AM9:30～PM5:00
Closed: December 31 – January 1, First Monday & Tuesday of February
Entrance Fees: Adults (Over 15) 410 yen. Children (elementary & junior high school) 80 yen
※ Kiseki no Hoshi Greenhouse combined tickets available
Parking: 1 day 500 yen. Approx. 500 spaces available

http://awaji-kaikyopark.jp/

Setouchi Finder photo-writer: Hironobu Matsuoka