Complete Guide to Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island: Step into the Worlds of Popular Anime and Games

Dragon Quest Island is a field RPG that combines physical and digital elements to recreate the world of the popular DRAGON QUEST role-playing game series.
Participants become the heroes of the story and embark on an adventure as they walk across an expansive field. The adventure takes place in a world called Onogard.
Visitors form parties of four and choose from the Warrior, Martial Artist, Thief, Mage, and Gadabout vocations. They then advance through the story by gathering information in town and battling monsters.
DRAGON QUEST fans can explore the familiar world on foot and experience what it feels like to step inside the game.
Side quests that expand the story are also available in addition to the main quest.
Allow plenty of time if you want to fully immerse yourself in the setting.

Godzilla Interception Operation is themed around a gigantic Godzilla that has appeared on Awaji Island. Visitors become members of the National Awaji-Island Institute of Godzilla Disaster, commonly known as NIGOD, and take on a series of missions.
The main highlight is the life-size Godzilla, which measures approximately 120 meters in length.
After putting on a harness, participants can choose between two zipline courses: the Internal Surveillance Course, which takes them inside Godzilla’s body, and the External Surveillance Course, which sends them gliding across its surface.
Gliding past the enormous Godzilla at close range is a thrilling experience unique to this attraction.
Visitors can also take on a shooting game to stop the spread of Godzilla cells and explore the Godzilla Museum, which displays materials tracing the history of the Godzilla franchise.
Through both action-packed activities and fascinating exhibits, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Godzilla and discover the legacy of this iconic Japanese franchise.

NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBI-ZATO is themed around the internationally popular ninja anime NARUTO and its next-generation sequel, BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS.
The area recreates iconic locations from the series, including Hokage Rock and the Village Hidden in the Leaves, making simply exploring the grounds an exciting experience in itself.
The main attractions are the Ten no Maki ("Heaven Scroll") three-dimensional maze and the Chi no Maki ("Earth Scroll") mission rally.
Visitors take on ninja-style missions that combine physical challenges with puzzle-solving, putting both their bodies and minds to the test.
There are also plenty of photo spots featuring familiar characters and buildings from the series, making this an essential stop for NARUTO fans.
As you make your way through the attractions, you can experience the thrill of stepping into the world of shinobi yourself.

Crayon Shinchan Adventure Park brings the world of Crayon Shinchan, one of Japan’s most beloved anime series, to life.
Making full use of the area’s expansive natural setting, the park features obstacle courses, ziplines, and other attractions where visitors can get active and enjoy the outdoors.
One of the biggest highlights is Appare! Sengoku Great Adventure!, an enormous obstacle course inspired by the movie Crayon Shinchan: Fierceness That Invites Storm! The Battle of the Warring States.
With courses of varying difficulty, participants make their way toward the finish while tackling a series of challenges suspended high above the ground.
Throughout the area, you will also find plenty of photo spots featuring Shinchan and other familiar characters.
It is a great choice for families with children, while adults who grew up watching the series can have just as much fun and feel like a kid again.

Families with children may want to center their visit around Crayon Shinchan Adventure Park.
In addition to active obstacle courses, there are areas designed for younger children, making it easy to choose experiences suited to different ages.
Age, height, weight, and other participation requirements vary by attraction, so be sure to check them in advance.
Stepping into the world of the series and taking on challenges together is sure to become a memorable part of your family trip.

Couples and groups of friends can plan their visit around attractions they can enjoy together, such as the zipline at Godzilla Interception Operation and the adventure at Dragon Quest Island.
The park also features numerous spots that recreate the worlds of its popular franchises, offering plenty of opportunities to capture memorable photos together.
Beyond the attractions, be sure to make time for themed food and browse the merchandise for an even more immersive experience.

If you have a favorite franchise, setting aside plenty of time to fully enjoy a single attraction is another great way to experience Nijigen no Mori.
Whether exploring the Hidden Leaf Village at NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBI-ZATO or becoming the hero of your own adventure at Dragon Quest Island, you can see, explore, and experience firsthand the worlds you have only ever seen on screen.
Spend the day immersed in your favorite franchise, from shopping for exclusive merchandise to trying themed food.

The journey takes from around 45 minutes by highway bus from Sannomiya in Kobe and from around 1 hour 30 minutes from Umeda in Osaka.
In addition to direct bus services to Nijigen no Mori, visitors can get off at Awaji IC and take a free shuttle bus to the park.
Be sure to check bus routes and schedules in advance.

Nijigen no Mori is approximately three minutes from Awaji Interchange. The drive takes approximately one hour from Osaka and 30 minutes from Kobe.
The most convenient parking lot depends on which attraction you plan to visit. Parking Lot E is convenient for NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBI-ZATO and Crayon Shinchan Adventure Park, while Parking Lot F is convenient for Dragon Quest Island and Godzilla Interception Operation.

Aonoya is a Japanese restaurant where every seat offers an ocean view overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.
It serves sushi, tempura, and other dishes made with seasonal seafood caught in the waters around Awaji Island.
Enjoy an elegant dining experience with sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea, accompanied by live music and projection mapping.

Oh-SOBAR serves authentic Japanese kappo cuisine and soba featuring seasonal ingredients from Awaji Island.
Along with nihachi soba made from a blend of 80% buckwheat and 20% wheat flour, guests can try specialty soba incorporating ingredients such as akamoku seaweed and longevity grass.
Enjoy an innovative take on soba kappo while taking in the ever-changing seascape from the ocean-view dining room.

Located on the second floor of Aman no Shokutaku, Sajiki is a restaurant where carefully selected ingredients, including Awaji Beef, one of the island’s prized specialties, are prepared teppanyaki-style.
Part of the appeal is the lively experience of watching the chefs cook right in front of you, taking in the sounds, aromas, and skillful techniques as they work.
Savor the distinctive flavors of Awaji Island in a calm, relaxing setting.

GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei 135° is located inside Hyogo Prefectural Awajishima Park.
Its cocoon-shaped guest rooms are surrounded by nature and feature skylights more than 16 feet high, providing views of the stars.
Character rooms themed around DRAGON QUEST, Godzilla, and other franchises offer special stays immersed in their respective worlds.

Senshin Waho is a hot spring ryokan nestled in northern Awaji Island.
Guests can unwind in ocean-view rooms and soothing hot springs, while savoring cuisine featuring ingredients from Awaji Island.
After an active day, take your time soaking in the hot springs and let both body and mind unwind in the peaceful surroundings.

This popular flower destination is set amid the hills of northern Awaji Island.
Visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers such as rapeseed blossoms and cosmos, along with sweeping views of the Akashi Strait and Osaka Bay.
Before or after your visit to Nijigen no Mori, take some time to enjoy the natural beauty of Awaji Island.

Awaji Yumebutai is a multipurpose complex designed by internationally renowned architect Tadao Ando.
Highlights include landscapes where nature and architecture come together, such as the Hundred Stepped Garden and the Circular Forum.
Combine it with your visit to Nijigen no Mori and explore its distinctive architectural spaces.

Located at the foot of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, this roadside station offers close-up views of the enormous bridge.
It serves dishes made with Awaji beef and local seafood and carries a wide selection of Awaji Island souvenirs.
It is also a convenient place to stop on the way to or from Nijigen no Mori.