Set amidst a stunning natural backdrop surrounded by the blue sea, Awaji Island is a fascinating place to visit, with interesting things to see and do and delicious food to eat.
CRAFT CIRCUS, the island's hippest location, had its grand opening in spring 2017. Its Instagrammable views and holiday resort atmosphere is a hit with young girls and families. We’ve come to visit to find out why it’s become so popular!
Feel the excitement of CRAFT CIRCUS from the moment you arrive!
CRAFT CIRCUS is 15 minutes’ drive from the Hokudan Interchange on the Kobe Awaji Naruto Expressway, or 10 minutes from the Awaji IC. Exit at the interchange, drive along the stunning coastline, and take in the glamour!
Awaji Island is sometimes referred to as “Hyogo’s Hawaii,” where you can enjoy a drink or meal, go round the market or see a performance. As the name suggests, it’s a fun and lively place to visit, with all the excitement of a circus.
Take a photo before you enter. There’s so much here to thrill and excite your inner child.
Open-air market featuring fun and colorful goods from all over the world
Start at the front and enter the building on the right. The Right Wing is where the market is located. Here you’ll find an international flea market selling unique, colorful items such pottery, bags and accessories from Italy, France, Bali or Vietnam, as well as hand-crafted goods made in the local area or off the island. There are plenty of bargains available with many overseas items attractively discounted.
There are plenty of unique items here to take your fancy. It’s also a great place just for browsing.
If you feel a bit peckish after shopping, then head to the restaurant!
Sample some of Awaji’s most popular dishes in the CRAFT CIRCUS restaurant
As you come out of the market area, head to the Kitchen Center.
There is seating for 200 people on the spacious wooden terrace deck.
The menu features a whole variety of interesting dishes using ingredients from Awaji Island. These hip and trendy dishes are just like you’d eat at a holiday resort. The portions are huge.
For example, take a look at Awaji Island Craft Paella, with fresh seafood and Awaji onions.
A 40cm serving for 3 to 4 people is 3,800 yen excluding tax; a 60cm serving for 5 to 8 people costs 7,800 yen excluding tax. There’s also an extra-large size paella which has to be carried to your table by two servers. Sometimes, when people haven’t made up their minds they smell the delicious aromas from someone else’s paella or see how good it looks, and decide to order one for themselves!
You can also have a BBQ here - all the necessary ingredients and cooking equipment are supplied for you.
Just grill and cook the way you want and start eating! There are plenty of other unmissable dishes to try!
Authentic taste with plenty of fruit. If you want to taste a variety of different dishes from the menu, why not come as a group and share a range of dishes between you?
Seats on the terrace right by the sea! Feel the pleasant breeze on your face and relax with stunning views of the sea and the nearby Honshu mainland. When you’ve eaten, you can just chill out.
And if it rains, don’t worry! The Left Wing is for indoor dining, with seating for 190 people. There’s plenty of space for everyone.
Check out the weekend only events and sunset views
Live events, such as music and dance, are held on the terrace on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
Enjoy a drink as you take in a performance by a local artist, or musicians from Kobe and Osaka. Enjoy a weekend that will sate all your senses.
Our top recommendation is sitting on the terrace at sunset.
The view from the terrace at dusk has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Sunset Views. You just can’t take your eyes off it until the sun has finally disappeared...
Enjoy a late lunch and chat with your friends as you wait for the sunset, or take in the enchanting views over a leisurely dinner. It’s an Instagrammable setting ideal for sharing with friends and loved ones.
Dog lovers are also welcome here. There’s even dedicated space on the terrace for your pet.
CRAFT CIRCUS is the place to come for great food and shopping as well as stunning views. It’s a perfect summer destination for couples or friends, colleagues and family.
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CRAFT CIRCUS Seaside Market & Restaurantシーサイドマーケット&レストラン CRAFT CIRCUS(クラフトサーカス)
- Address 2-2 Nojimahirabayashi, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Phone Number 0799-82-1855
Opening hours: 10:30AM - Sunset
Closed: Thursdays (Open if Thursday is a public holiday) * Open throughout August
Text by:SPC
Book an unforgettable experience in Awaji Island!
Make your trip extra memorable by booking one of these recommended tours on our partner site, Rakuten Travel Experiences!
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*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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