Awaji Island driving guide: the west coast, Fukura whirlpools and Sumoto

Awaji Island comprises Awaji, Sumoto and Minamiawaji cities in Hyogo Prefecture. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge connects it to Honshu, while the Onaruto Bridge connects it to Shikoku, both by expressway. National Route 28 follows the east coast; Prefectural Route 31 runs along the west coast, with views of the sunset.

This guide covers a day drive from beneath the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge down the west coast, through Fukura and southern Awaji to Sumoto, with roads and places to stop along the way.

Map of the Awaji area

The line follows the route in “A first day along the west coast to Fukura and Sumoto” below. Numbered stops are green for views and nature, and blue for roadside stations. Tap a number to see the place name.

Recommended drives

A first day along the west coast to Fukura and Sumoto

Leave Michi-no-Eki Awaji, visit Awaji Hanasajiki and Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park, then follow Route 31 south along the west coast. Stop at Izanagi Jingu Shrine and Keino Matsubara Beach on the way to Fukura. From there, continue through southern Awaji via Nada Kuroiwa Narcissus Park to Sumoto Castle Ruins.

The route is about 111km, with approximately 2 hours of driving. These figures are calculated from map data and exclude traffic. The route uses ordinary roads throughout and has no tolls.

Sunset at Keino Matsubara

Keino Matsubara is a beach selected among Japan's top 100 sunset spots, and it becomes busy around sunset. Sunset times for Kobe are 17:07 on 31 October and 16:55 on 15 November.

The Onaruto Bridge and whirlpools

At the island's southern tip, Michi-no-Eki Uzushio and the Uzu-no-Oka Onaruto Bridge Memorial Museum offer views of the bridge. The museum has free admission and closes on Tuesdays.

For a close view of the whirlpools, take an Uzushio Cruise from Fukura Port; the adult fare is ¥3,000. On holidays, aim to arrive 40–50 minutes before departure.

Roads you can drive

Higashiura IC, Awaji-kita Smart IC and Awajishima-chuo Smart IC are for ETC-equipped vehicles only.

Places to stop

Views and nature

Numbers match the map.

Roadside stations

Best seasons and crowds

Busy places and times

• For the September 2026 holiday period, long queues were forecast on the Honshu side of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge near the Kobe-bound exit of Maiko Tunnel, and around Hokudan and Higashiura interchanges. Predicted peak times were 9:00–10:00 toward Naruto and 16:00–17:00 toward Kobe.
• If Awaji SA is full, you can use the service area on the opposite carriageway or Highway Oasis without changing the toll.
• Cars waiting to pay at Awaji Hanasajiki's exit can cause queues.
• Michi-no-Eki Uzushio runs a free shuttle bus on busy days.

Closures and restrictions as of 26 October

• As of 18:54 on 27 October, the Kobe–Awaji–Naruto Expressway had no closures.
• Prefectural Route 481 in Chikusa, Sumoto, is fully closed from 9:00 to 17:00 through 25 February 2027.
• The 0:00–6:00 shop closure at Kobe-bound Awaji SA on 27 October has ended. The Naruto-bound shop closes from 0:00 to 6:00 on 29 October; the opposite-direction shop remains open.

Getting there and fuel

Awaji SA has 24-hour petrol stations in both directions. Electric vehicles can charge at Michi-no-Eki Fukura.

If you don't have a car

Check the driving documents you need in Japan and the airport car rental pickup guide before booking.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I drive on Awaji Island in one day?

From Michi-no-Eki Awaji, follow west-coast Route 31 south, visiting Hanasajiki, Izanagi Jingu Shrine and Keino Matsubara before reaching Fukura. Continue around southern Awaji to Sumoto. The route is about 111km and 2 hours of driving, with no tolls.

How much does the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge cost?

For an ordinary car from Tarumi to Awaji, the toll is ¥910 with ETC or ¥2,410 in cash. The entire Kobe-nishi–Naruto route costs ¥3,340 with ETC on weekdays or ¥2,670 on eligible holidays.

Can strong winds close the bridges?

When strong winds are forecast, the Akashi Kaikyo and Onaruto bridges close early to all vehicles. Motorcycles may be stopped before other vehicles.

Where can I see the whirlpools?

An Uzushio Cruise from Fukura Port offers close views; the adult fare is ¥3,000. You can see the Onaruto Bridge from the Onaruto Bridge Memorial Museum and Michi-no-Eki Uzushio at the island's southern tip.

Can I refuel on Awaji Island?

Awaji SA has 24-hour petrol stations in both directions.

Nearby areas and guides

• Shimanami Kaido driving guide: islands between Onomichi and Imabari