//
Island in Niigata, Japan
Photo: 鳴神響一 （Kyoichi Narukami）, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Awashima (粟島) is an island in northern Niigata with 365 inhabitants, the island has two main settlements: Uchiura (内浦) on the east coast and Kamaya (釜谷) on the west coast. The island lies far off the beaten path for both international and domestic tourists but has many nice beaches and can provide an escape from the urban centres of Tokyo and Osaka. The island is administered as a municipality, Awashimaura Village (粟島浦村).
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
粟島浦村資料館
On display are ancient wooden fishing boats and fishing gear, Jomon pottery and stone tools that tell the history of the island.
ほとけざき天文台
Observation deck with views of coastline, often called the best sunset spot on the island.
観音寺
Awashima's main temple, home to an Itabi, an ancient stupa.
牧平.
Former horse pasture turned bird watching area.
あわしま牧場
Awashima used to have many horse stables but only one now remains.
おと姫の湯
Large onsen in the centre of town.
カフェ そそど
Awashima's most fashionable cafe, serving cutlet, curry and croquette.
かもめ食堂
Shokudo with various soba dishes
みやこや食堂
Serves the islands specialities of Wappani and Sashimi along with ramen
善三郎
Shokudo with large menu, features local ingredients
Considered the dirtier of Awashima's two campsites it is also much less touristy. It is on undeveloped coast and is a perfect urban escape. Lacks basic amenities.
内浦キャンプ場
The more touristy of the two campsites as it's closer to the main town of Awashimaura. On flat land unlike Kamaya camp ground. There are toilets and showers.
後藤
Minshuku on the Island's eastern side has a bath open from 15:00 - 20:00
かねひら旅館
An inn where tradition and the sensibility of the present generation shine. Peaceful dishes, which have been refined outside the island are served.
小萩
Hotel with private rooms, good food made from locally harvested ingredients and sea inspired motif.
みなとや
A minshuku ran by a former chanko chef and his wife who returned to their hometown, this inn serves the best (and only) chanko on the island has free wifi and has communal bath.
三吉
Minshuku with food and communal baths in the centre of Awashima. Comes with yukata and has amenities like Wi-Fi and a drier.
じんきち
Opened by a woman trying to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, Omusubi provides views of Awashima's coast and has a spa room.
粟島売店組合
Souvenir store with fishing gear, locally harvested seaweed and sweets.
おみやげ きんべい
Shop with local seaweed, dried octopus and other souvenirs. The only store on the island's eastern side.
The only way to access Awashima is by ferry or catamaran from Iwafune in Murakami. They depart regularly and are operated by Awashimakisan ☏ +81 254-55-2131.
Read in the guideBy foot
Both settlements are so small one can easily around them. One could probably circumnavigate the island in one day.
By bicycle
One can easily bike around the island in three hours or less, tourist information centre offers bike rentals from 8:30-17:00. it is 500 for less than 4 hours and 1,000 for more than four hours.
By car
Although a car ferry connects Awashima with the mainline, tourists are not allowed to bring cars onto the island.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Niigata · International · KIJ
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Awashima and Japan.
Travel tipsCheck if you need a visa for Japan in 2026. Discover visa-exempt nationalities, eVisa eligibility, stay durations, and how to use Visit Japan Web QR codes.
7 min read
Travel tipsPlan for Japan's new travel costs in 2026. Learn about the ¥3,000 international departure tax, tiered hotel taxes in Kyoto, and Mt Fuji trail fees.
8 min read
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to global tourist taxes and access fees. Compare entry fees in Venice, Bali, Bhutan, Kyoto, and Edinburgh, and learn how to pay them.
8 min read
ItinerariesPlan a trip to Japan with kids in 2026. Discover a family-tested 10-day itinerary with theme parks, bullet trains, and practical parenting tips.
8 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.