This article introduces the highlights, gourmet options, and access to Uzunooka Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall based on my personal experience!
About Uzunooka Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall
Located on a hill at the southern tip of Awaji Island, Uzunooka Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall offers panoramic views of the Naruto Strait and Onaruto Bridge.
It’s a unique facility themed around Awaji Island’s famous onions, featuring photo spots, restaurants, and shops.
There’s also the Uzushio Science Museum inside, where visitors can learn about whirlpools—plenty to see and enjoy!
Photo Spots & Experience Corners
The Famous “O-Tama Onion” Monument
The first thing that catches your eye inside is the giant onion sculpture called “O-Tama Onion.”
With a diameter of about 2 meters, it’s an impressive monument and a must-visit photo spot for Awaji Island sightseeing.
As you can see, the blue ocean spreads behind it—absolutely stunning!
By the way, although it’s hidden behind the onion, you can also see the Onaruto Bridge.
Onion Wig Experience
You can also rent onion wigs here (lol).
Young girls wearing the wigs were taking photos one after another.
Me? A lonely middle-aged single guy—there’s no way I had the courage 😅
What was funny was the warning that if you treat the onion wig carelessly, you must purchase a year’s worth of Awaji onions!
The word “must” is in red, so they mean business 🤣
So, don’t handle it roughly (lol).
Enjoy Awaji Island Gourmet
Awajishima Burger – Awaji Island Onion Kitchen
This burger shop next to the entrance offers the famous Awajishima Burger, a local specialty!
These two burgers won 1st and 2nd place in the “Local Burger Grand Prix.”
If you come to Uzunooka, you should definitely try them!
🍽 Uzunooka Scenic Restaurant
On the 2nd floor, the “Scenic Restaurant Uzunooka” serves luxurious dishes made with Awaji Island ingredients.
From the windows, you can enjoy a view of the Onaruto Bridge and ocean, like a painting while dining.
At the entrance on the 1st floor, there’s a signboard showing recommended menu items.
The main highlight is the “Seasonal Spanish Mackerel & Red Sea Bream Shabu-Shabu Set.”
I visited in November, the perfect season for Spanish mackerel.
The menu seems to change seasonally. If you want to enjoy seasonal seafood while admiring Awaji Island’s scenery, this is a must!
Souvenir Corner & Local Products
Shop “Uzunokuni”
The shop inside offers popular souvenirs like onion soup and onion chips.
There’s also a variety of cute onion mascot goods that are hard to resist.
Awaji Island Brand Onion “Mitsutama”
Outside the shop, they even sell onions!
As the name suggests, these onions are sweet like honey.
Cooking with Mitsutama onions must be delicious!
Visiting the Uzushio Science Museum
Learn About the Whirlpools
On the 1st floor, the Uzushio Science Museum teaches visitors about whirlpools!
Explanations make it easy to understand why whirlpools form. Very educational!
Most exhibits are free except for the 18-minute video “Uzunetarium.”
Admission for Uzunetarium is only 300 yen for adults and 100 yen for children—super affordable!
On the day I visited, the Uzunetarium screen was not working, but I enjoyed a free virtual walk under the sea. The 3D visuals were stunning—it really felt like walking underwater!
Stunning Views from the Observation Deck
Overlooking Naruto Strait & Onaruto Bridge
You can take an elevator from the 1st floor to the 3rd-floor observation deck.
From here, you can look down at the Naruto Strait and even see whirlpools if the timing is right.
The contrast of the blue sea and white bridge on sunny days is breathtaking, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Truly an amazing sight!
Though a white haze slightly covered the view that day, on a clear day, the scenery is even more stunning. The observation deck is mostly empty, so you can enjoy the view in peace!
Access Information
Address: 936-3 Fukurahyou, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
By Car / Bus
• Access: About 5 minutes by car from Awaji Island South IC / Free shuttle bus available until June 30, 2026
• Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Restaurant until 15:00)
• Closed: Tuesdays (may vary by season)
Notes for Using the Free Shuttle Bus
The “Uzu Loop” free shuttle bus operates until June 30, 2026.
The stops are shown in the image below.
I planned to use this shuttle bus after experiencing the Uzushio Cruise. But there was a problem—the buses were infrequent! The next bus was more than 2 hours later 😅
In the end, I took a taxi to Uzunooka Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall. The taxi fare was 2,700 yen.
On the way back, I successfully used the free shuttle bus.
Note: The shuttle bus stops at different locations on weekdays and weekends/holidays.
🐾 Summary
Uzunooka Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall is a popular sightseeing spot in southern Awaji Island, offering stunning views, gourmet food, and fun photo spots.
It’s perfect for a drive break and can be enjoyed by families or solo travelers.
If you visit Awaji Island, this is a must-stop location. The observation deck provides an incredible view, so don’t miss it!
Note: Awaji Island has no train service, so it may be a difficult destination for visitors from abroad. Make sure to plan your transportation in advance.
This article introduces my experience on the Uzushio Cruise.👇
