HOME Kansai Hyogo Awaji Island, Maiko First Class Backpackers Inn Awaji: Enjoy a beach BBQ at Awaji’s stylish campsite!
First Class Backpackers Inn Awaji: Enjoy a beach BBQ at Awaji’s stylish campsite!

First Class Backpackers Inn Awaji: Enjoy a beach BBQ at Awaji’s stylish campsite!

Last updated: 10 November 2020

How will you spend the holidays with family and friends in the coming season? One fun way that comes to mind is to enjoy a barbecue during your travel. While going to the mountains or riverside is of course fun, having a barbecue at the beach watching the gentle ocean waves is also exceptionally fine.

Recently we heard about First Class Backpackers Inn Awaji, a stylish campsite on Awaji Island that has been the talk of the town because it is convenient even for a day trip from Osaka or Kobe, so we decided to check it out.

Table of Contents
  1. Just like a tropical paradise! The much-talked-about stylish campsite
  2. The beautiful Seto Inland Sea is all yours! Enjoy a beach BBQ
  3. Use it for a special occasion! Introducing the new Premium BBQ Deck
  4. Overnight camping is also recommended! Unique cabins and stylish tents
  5. Explore Japan at Your Pace - Rent an RV!
  6. Other Recommended Hotels on Awaji Island
  7. Book an unforgettable experience in Awaji Island!

Just like a tropical paradise! The much-talked-about stylish campsite

The campsite we visited was the First Class Backpackers Inn AWAJI, commonly called FBI Awaji, located right in the middle of Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture. Camping aficionados in the Kansai region have long enjoyed the Funase Campgrounds on Awaji Island and recently they worked together to transform it into a remodeled campsite with cabins.

This is the wooden beach house that comes into sight when you go down the hill towards the sea. It houses the camp office, has a shop, and is a cafe by day and a bar by night.

▲The bar is stocked with spirits from all over the world.
▲The bar is stocked with spirits from all over the world.
▲ The chairs, lighting, and colorful accessories scattered about are uniquely designed and give the space an originality and the atmosphere of an overseas resort.
▲ The chairs, lighting, and colorful accessories scattered about are uniquely designed and give the space an originality and the atmosphere of an overseas resort.

Outside the Awaji Island beach house.

There is a wooden deck with a fine view of the sea. This is a good place to kick back and listen to the sound of the waves and enjoy yourself as though you were at a resort.

The beautiful Seto Inland Sea is all yours! Enjoy a beach BBQ

The main attractions of this campsite are its stylish atmosphere and beautiful beach! The Funase Coast, one of Awaji Island's most famous beaches, is not so wide and is shallow for a considerable distance making it ideal for children, so scuba diving and wakeboards are prohibited.

The beach area on this coast can be enjoyed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. which makes it ideal for a day camp with a barbecue. If you make a reservation at least three days in advance, all the food and barbecue equipment will be prepared for you. So there is no need to take anything with you to enjoy a barbecue.

If you make a reservation in advance, this is what you will find waiting for you.

Awesome! It looks like a scene out of a movie! Everything you need is waiting for you underneath the canopy that will shade you from the sun. You are free to relax here as long as you want between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

▲Everything you need for a barbecue is here from the grill, table, chair, and canopy. (Separate rental fee)
▲Everything you need for a barbecue is here from the grill, table, chair, and canopy. (Separate rental fee)

We used what was provided by the campsite, but you may bring your own things if you prefer. That way you can set up your barbecue site anyway you like.

The main BBQ set (food) we ordered costs 3,000 yen per person (photo is a set for two people; normally orders are for four or more people). In addition, there is a set with appetizers that costs 5,000 yen. Drinks can be ordered separately. Of course, you can also bring your own food.

▲Two types of beef: one seasoned with salt and pepper and the other marinated with sauce. There are 200 grams per person. All the food has been cut and prepared in advance for you.
▲Two types of beef: one seasoned with salt and pepper and the other marinated with sauce. There are 200 grams per person. All the food has been cut and prepared in advance for you.
▲Here are the vegetables. Plenty of seasonal ingredients! Most of them are produced locally on Awaji Island. The food wrapped in foil is to be enjoyed after it has been cooked.
▲Here are the vegetables. Plenty of seasonal ingredients! Most of them are produced locally on Awaji Island. The food wrapped in foil is to be enjoyed after it has been cooked.

Just looking at everything will make your mouth water! Let’s get the grill fired up.

▲ Put in the charcoal, add charcoal lighter fluid, and then light it. In no time at all the fire will be burning nicely.
▲ Put in the charcoal, add charcoal lighter fluid, and then light it. In no time at all the fire will be burning nicely.
▲ Once the coals are ready, you can begin grilling the meat. The aroma of the sizzling meat is certain to whet your appetite.
▲ Once the coals are ready, you can begin grilling the meat. The aroma of the sizzling meat is certain to whet your appetite.
▲Everything is coming along nicely.
▲Everything is coming along nicely.
▲ Once it is cooked to your taste, it is ready to eat. Dish up a plate...and dig in!
▲ Once it is cooked to your taste, it is ready to eat. Dish up a plate...and dig in!
▲Mmmm! Delicious! Nothing can beat the flavor of charcoal grilled beef!
▲Mmmm! Delicious! Nothing can beat the flavor of charcoal grilled beef!

Having two types of seasoned beef was a good selection adding a bit of variety to the meal.

Listening to the sound of the waves while enjoying deliciously barbecued meat is a luxurious way to spend time.

▲Mushrooms and bacon wrapped in foil
▲Mushrooms and bacon wrapped in foil
▲The whole grilled onion, for which Awaji Island is famous, was also delicious. The other foil wrap contained Hasselback potato.
▲The whole grilled onion, for which Awaji Island is famous, was also delicious. The other foil wrap contained Hasselback potato.

And there was more to come, too!

In addition to the meat and vegetables there was also this Dutch oven. After letting it cook on the grill for a while...

▲Ta-da! Removing the lid revealed a delicious paella!
▲Ta-da! Removing the lid revealed a delicious paella!

All the preparations for the BBQ set are made just by the cooking staff of the facility and the arrangement and seasoning are GOOD! The rice in this paella is so imbued with flavor from the ingredients, that even if you feel full from the rice and vegetables you’ve already eaten, you’ll still find room for this.

▲Barbecued beef, vegetables and paella.... The different flavors found in this barbecue prepared by the facility’s chef taste even more delicious when enjoyed at the beach.
▲Barbecued beef, vegetables and paella.... The different flavors found in this barbecue prepared by the facility’s chef taste even more delicious when enjoyed at the beach.

Totally satisfying! After the paella now you will be full! After enjoying the barbecue you can either relax under the canopy, perhaps taking a siesta, or play on the beach; maybe even go fishing.

If you wish to stay later than 5:00 p.m. you may do so by paying a late check-out charge (300 yen per person). So if you want to linger longer after the barbecue, perhaps to watch the sun set or to enjoy a campfire under the stars, this is also possible. The time you spend on Awaji Island will definitely be memorable!

Use it for a special occasion! Introducing the new Premium BBQ Deck

A new barbecue space was introduced in May 2017: the Premium BBQ Deck.

Two wooden decks with barbecues exclusively for day camp use have been newly established in the Sea View Area, a hill facing the sea in the Beach Area along the coast. The use of these decks is limited to one group per day per deck; these are a level up from the previously mentioned facilities.

The decks are more stylish and also have special barbecue sets. They are on a higher ground than the beach and thus afford a greater view of the horizon.

▲Detailed attention has been paid to the fashionable furniture and accessories.
▲Detailed attention has been paid to the fashionable furniture and accessories.

The rental fee is 10,000 yen per person, which includes the fee for the grill, table, chairs, and facility, and a deck can accommodate four to eight people, which makes it perfect for special VIP events. It is perfect for birthdays and other anniversaries.

This day camp which can be used in various ways is perfect for groups who want to get away and do something together. The location is perfect for enjoying the company of good friends in a relaxing atmosphere.

Overnight camping is also recommended! Unique cabins and stylish tents

For our report we only did the day barbecue, however, if you want to stay longer, then consider staying overnight. You may of course bring your own camping gear, but the facility has well-appointed cabins and stylish tents which are popular.

There are six cabins and four stylish tents in total. Here are two of the most popular.

The FRISBY is a cozy cabin with a fish scale shingled roof and galvanized iron walls in a vintage style that can accommodate four people. The color scheme is very pop in style!

▲Inside there are two double beds and a sofa.
▲Inside there are two double beds and a sofa.

When you go outside...

There is a wooden deck with a hammock and a great view of the horizon! You can barbecue here and it’d be the perfect place for night with friends.

This is the stylish tent JERRY. The furnishings inside this cotton tent, which was imported from Belgium, include table and chairs. There are also double beds and there is a space for grilling under the outer canopy equipped with barbecue grill and dining table, all designed to give you an authentic camping experience. There are also toilets and coin showers. This is the perfect place for a carefree and relaxing break from the ordinary.

Reservations for the cabins and stylish tents need to be made at least two months in advance. During the summer season they become fully booked, so you need to make reservations well in advance.

This fashionable campsite near the sea is unlike any other barbecue and campsite and will certainly leave you with many wonderful memories after you visit. Come with family or friends when you have the chance!

  • First Class Backpackers Inn Awaji
    First Class Backpackers Inn AWAJI(FBI淡路)
    • Address 2359 Torikaiura, Goshiki-cho, Sumoto City, Hyogo Prefecture
    • Phone Number 0799-34-0900
    • Business hours (for inquiries): 10:00 a.m. ~ 8:00 p.m.
      Closed: Thursday in April, May, June, October; closed for winter from November to March * May vary depending on the year
      ◎ Day camp with BBQ
      Hours: 10:00 a.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. * Late check-out charge of 300 yen per person. Inquire the same day whether it is possible or not
      Charges (tax included): BBQ Set (for food): 3,000 yen or 5,000 yen per person (for 4 or more people), facility usage fee: 1,200 yen per adult, 600 yen per child (aged 4 through elementary school age), parking: 1,000 yen per vehicle; rental fees for barbecue equipment, canopy, table, chairs, etc. are separate
      * For details please visit the website or inquire at the facility.

      * All prices mentioned include tax.

Text by:SPC

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Other Recommended Hotels on Awaji Island

  • Shimahana
    • Address Orodani 1277-5 , Sumoto, Hyogo, 656-0023
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Maiko Station (JR Kobe Line / JR San-yo Line)

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

  • Seaside Hotel Maiko Villa Kobe
    Seaside Hotel Maiko Villa Kobe
    シーサイドホテル舞子ビラ神戸
    • Address Tarumi-ku Higashimaikocho 18-11, Kobe, Hyogo, 655-0047
    • Nearest Station Maiko Station (JR Kobe Line / JR San-yo Line)
      13 minutes on foot

Book an unforgettable experience in Awaji Island!

Make your trip extra memorable by booking one of these recommended tours on our partner site, Voyagin!

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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