[Part 1 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. Transport can be a little inconvenient, so it is advisable to rent a car to explore the island effectively. It may sound like a chore, but trust me, it's totally worth it. . Locations in order: 1) Akashi Kaikyo Bridge - You'll need to cross this via bus/car to enter the island. There's a park accessible from an interchange nearby. You can get some cool shots if you have a camera with telephoto lenses. 2) Awaji Hanasajiki - They have several types of flowers and change them every season. Be sure to check it out! It's also a popular spot for wedding shoots. 3) Greenarium Awajishima - A restaurant-farm where they use ingredients grown and harvested in their own fields. They're famous for tomatoes in summer, and strawberries in the colder seasons. 4) Kiseki no Hoshi no Botanical Museum - This is an amazing greenhouse that is located in Awaji Yumebutai, a famous architectural masterpiece of Ando Tadao. The selection of plants changes by seasons, and there will often be performances during festive periods. 5) Awaji Yumebutai - One of the famous structures designed by Ando Tadao. This location was also used in the move Ajin. There's the terrace gardens at the rooftop, gorgeous twists and spirals, and also a luxury hotel in it! 6) Miyako Bijin - A sake brewery very popular among the locals. They only produce sake with fresh grain and ferment them with extra care and love to produce a variety of sake. From sweet aromatic sake for beginners, to dry and strong sake for the well-inducted, there's something for everyone. 7) Awajishima Ranch - The local farm the produces amazingly fragrant Awaji Milk. There's a perfect balance of creaminess and lightness that keeps you going for more. You can sign up for cheese making and butter making experiences here! 8) England Hill - England Hill is almost like an all-in-one park, with a small zoo, greenhouse, workshop area and dining area all in one. Don't miss the delicious pizza and ice cream made with local ingredients! If you're feeling adventurous, try out the onion flavoured ice-cream! I loved it. You might too! 9) Onokoroshima Shrine - A shrine dedicated to the god of love, it has an insanely huge torii gate that can be seen from far away. Individuals can pray for luck to meet their destined lover, and couples can pray for blessings to be together forever. . . . . Shot on Canon 200D: Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Sigma 30mm f/1.4 Canon 50mm f/1.8

[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

[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/Activities in order: 1) Kawara-wari (Tile breaking) - Sign up for a course to experience the breaking of tiles like a karate master! They have several different difficulties, so you can keep challenging yourself to your limits! 2) Riku no Minato Seidan - This is a pit-stop with information booths, a small souvenir shop, bicycle and locker rentals. 3) Sangyou Culture Centre - This is a place where you can learn more about the kawara (tile) culture in Awaji. Did you know that the shiny metallic look on the tiles shown are iconic to only Awaji Island? They use a special smoking process to create the special texture. Awaji Island was also the main producer of tiles for castles in the past, and currently they often receive restoration/recreation of historical roof parts. 4) Ramen Ten Ten - A small cosy ramen restaurant with delicious broth, priced at a great steal. Come by here to fill up your tummy! 5) Takigawa Memorial Museum Gyokuseikan - This is a museum to built to house historical relics of Awaji Island. There's also a series of paintings done in homage to the Chinese style of watercolours. The iconic dragon painting on the roof reflects off the floor to tell a story behind some of the histories. 6) Challenge Shop Market Fukura Cap - A small collection of shops, restaurants in Minami-Awaji where you can enjoy great meals. There's also a tea shop that holds collection from various locations! 7) Uzu no Oka - A souvenir shop building that has a great view overlooking the southern bridge connecting to Shikoku, and houses an amazing restaurant. You can also play with the onion catching machine! It was pretty fun! 8) Zekkei Restaurant - A restaurant with a view you will not forget. You must try out the uni nabe and the fugu shabu shabu as well. Definitely something on my last meal. 9) Uzu no Yu - After a tired day of walking around, there's nothing better than relaxing your feet in a footbath. This place even has a hand bath, and the central footbath has a whirlpool, referencing the Naruto Whirlpools Awaji Island is famous for. 10) Awaji Puppet Theatre - This theatre has daily performances (timings may vary, call to check) that tell of stories related to the Birth of Japan. The architecture, seating, presentation style are unlike anything I've seen before. Something really unique to Awaji Island. 11) Naruto Whirlpool Cruise - Ride on a cruise ship, feed seagulls, and watch large whirlpools from up close! (Depending on the tides, whirlpools may not happen. Check with the local site to see timings. https://www.uzusio.com/en/ 12) Keino Matsubara - End off your trip with one of the most amazing sunset areas, Keino Matsubara. You can see bright orange sunsets nearly all the time. . . . . Shot on Canon 200D: Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Sigma 30mm f/1.4 Canon 50mm f/1.8