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.

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!

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.

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.

Text by:SPC

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