Suggested Itineraries

The only regular ferry service connecting Awaji Island and Nushima Island. The crossing to Nushima Island takes about 10 minutes. The island has no public restrooms, so please use the facilities at the Nushima Terminal Center before you start sightseeing. Additionally, due to the limited number of restaurants, it's recommended that you either bring your own food or check the restaurants' closing days in advance.

The rock shaped like a “spearhead” is the Kamitategami-iwa Rock, Nushima Island's symbol. This striking formation, rising about 30 meters, it is associated with the Kuniumi Story and is the most iconic of the unusual rocks and reefs along Nushima's coast, a landscape evocative of the Kuniumi legend. The rock is also said to be the “Ame-no-Mihashira” (Heavenly Pillar), a massive pillar around which Izanagi and Izanami circled to perform their marriage rite after they descended to Onokoro Island.

A shrine related to the Kuniumi Story (Japan's Creation Myth), and enshrines the two deities Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto; locally, the entire mountain on which the shrine stands is called “Onokoro-san” and has long been revered as a sacred site of worship. The stairs leading to the mountaintop stretch straight up, as if reaching for the heavens.

Advance reservation required

This approximately one-hour cruise circles Nushima Island aboard a fishing boat. Known as the setting for the Kuniumi Story, the island offers visitors a chance to experience Japan's ancient legends, history, and origins while hearing the story explained and viewing the rocks associated with it.