Suggested Itineraries

From the early Edo period (1603-1868) through the beginning of the Showa period (1926-1989), Awaji Island was home to puppet troupes of various sizes. They performed not only on the island but also throughout the country, showcasing the charm of Awaji Ningyo Joruri. The origin of Awaji Ningyo Joruri is said to be connected to Hiruko, the first child born to Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto. At the Awaji Puppet Theater, its signature program “Ebisu-mai” (Dance of the Fishing and Shipping Deity) and the backstage tour, which offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look, are highly recommended.

The Naruto Strait, approximately 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) wide, separates Awaji Island from Shikoku. Its powerful tidal currents create the world's largest whirlpools, which would have required excellent seafaring skills of the Ama. Watching the whirling tides of the Naruto Strait, one imagines the deities Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto churning the world below with the Ame-no-Nuboko (Heavenly Spear). A one-hour cruise aboard a large sightseeing boat lets you experience the natural wonder of “uzushio” (whirlpools) up close.

These are dotaku (bronze bells) dating back over 2,000 years, discovered together as a set of seven. The suspension cords for the dotaku remained intact, and the bronze clappers (zetsu) were found inside, where they were hung to ring. Because of these findings, they are regarded as being of “national-treasure-class” significance.