Best Places to Visit on Awaji Island Part #2 – Hyogo, Japan [Travel]

[Part 2 of 3 videos produced in conjunction with local agencies on Awaji Island.]
[DISCLAIMER: ALL FOOTAGE WAS TAKEN BETWEEN 2019 AND JAN 2020, BEFORE COVID-19]
Awaji Island is located off the coast of Kobe and lies in between the Shikoku Islands and Osaka. If you like the slow paced life of the countryside, this place is for you. There’s lots of amazing nature and attractions to see. Awaji Island is most known for their onions, which are much much sweeter in comparison. Awaji Beef is another famous produce, rivaling the quality of Kobe Beef.
.
Locations in order:
1) Izanagi Shrine
– Said to be one of the oldest shrines in Japan, Izanagi Jingu worships Izanagi, one of the two gods involved in the creation of Japan. Legend has it that Onokoro Island was the very first land of Japan, followed by Awaji, and eventually the rest of the island masses.
2) Sumoto Castle
– You can either drive up or hike up to see Sumoto Castle. It overseas the town of Sumoto and the ocean, being one of the best views on the island. During spring, the sakura season makes this place a must-go.
3) Awaji Gochiso-kan Miketsukuni
– A local restaurant that serves amazing food with ingredients sourced from local farms and areas.
4) Etoile Cafe at Retro Street
– Retro street is the embodiment of history in present. There’s a shopping arcade nearby, and the entire street has a calm, nostalgic feel of Japan from the old times. It’s an amazing place to get acquainted with locals to better understand the island.
5) Artisan Square
– Artisan square has interesting sculptures, art monuments, interesting western architecture and a library as well.
6) Sumoto Onsen
– The town of Sumoto is home to many onsen places, and the Hotel New Awaji featured here is one of the popular ones. You get an amazing sea view, 2 types of onsen style (terrace and traditional), and also a few females exclusive onsen which are said to rejuvenate the skin, among other beneficial effects.
7) Nushima Island
– Nushima is closely related in the folklore of the Origins of Japan according to the old literature records of Kojiki and involved the 2 gods Izanagi and Izanami.
8) Onokoro Shrine
– The shrine dedicated to both Izanagi and Izanami which is different from the earlier featured Izanagi Shrine. There’s a statue of the 2 gods and the spear which was used to churn the oceans to create Japan.
.
.
.
.
Shot on Canon 200D:
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8
Sigma 30mm f/1.4
Canon 50mm f/1.8