Awaji Island's history is deeply intertwined with that of its food. As early as 1,400 years ago, it was already a special island whose role was to provide ingredients to the imperial court. In Sumoto, a historical castle town surrounded by the sea and mountains, there are so many spots where you can enjoy food made using the fresh and delicious ingrefients of the island.

What is “Miketsukuni”?

Awaji Island has long been called “Miketsukuni”, which is an old Japanese word. Going back in history for about 1,400 years, a region which offered fresh seafood and ingredients to Kyoto, where the emperor lived, was called “Miketsukuni”. Awaji Island has been known as an island blessed with fresh and delicious ingredients since the past and still upholds this reputation to the present day. 

The reason for this lies in the sea surrounding Awaji Island. Awaji Island is surrounded by three seas: Osaka Bay, Harimanada sea, and the Kii Channel. Because of this, the flow of the tide is fast and there is plenty of food for sea creatures. This makes it possible to catch many different kinds of seafood throughout the year in Awaji Island. Sea bream, octopus, eel, and puffer fish are especially well known as specialties of Awaji Island.

Aside from sea products, agriculture and dairy farming are also thriving because of the island's mild climate all year round and abundant vegetation. Onions produced in Awaji Island are very famous for their freshness and sweet taste.

Sumoto, is a town rich in nature surrounded by the sea and mountains. It is also famous for Yura Port, where high-quality “Yura sea urchins” are harvested from spring to summer. In addition, Sumoto is a town with long history : it prospered as a castle town in the past and later developed as a cotton spinning town in the modern age.

Let’s go on a trip to the historic Sumoto to encounter Awaji’s unique gourmet food!

Red brick buildings that tell Sumoto’s modern history

The site of “former Sumoto plant of Kanebo”. It is currently operated as “S BRICK”.

The entrance to Sumoto is the Sumoto Bus Terminal, where highway buses arrive and depart.

As soon as you get off the bus, you will see retro red brick buildings. It is the site of the “former Sumoto Plant of Kanebo”, which has been recognized as a Heritage of Industrial Modernization.

Its operation began in 1900 as a spinning mill. It gradually expanded in scale, and more factories and warehouses were built, as well as dormitories for workers, a school for girls, etc. It contributed to Sumoto’s economic development for 86 years until 1986, when its business came to an end.

The remaining buildings are now used as a library and multi-functional facilities. There are people jogging, resting on benches, and children playing in the square filled with vegetation. It is evident that this place is loved by the people of Sumoto as a place of relaxation.

In one corner of the square, there is a statue commemorating the 30th anniversary of the world-famous “Dragon Quest” game, making it a hidden mecca for game lovers.

The reason why the monument is located here is because Yuji Horii, the creator of Dragon Quest, was born here in Sumoto city!

Eating Awaji-born cheese and Awaji beef

There are also gourmet spots on the site of the “former Sumoto plant of Kanebo”.

S BRICK, which opened in 2021, is one of the multi-functional facilities that make use of the red brick warehouse. Inside, there is a food area with a restaurant and Awaji specialties, area where children can play freely, a craft area, and a co-working space.

Handmade cheese is on the center of the pizza. The taste of the milk is refreshing!

One of the specialties of Awaji is milk. “Cheese factory & local pizza CHEESE & PIZZA WORKS AWAJISHIMA”, which is inside “S BRICK”, boasts fresh cheese made from milk delivered every morning by local farmers. The cheeses are carefully made one by one in the restaurant’s factory.

Facade of the Awaji Gochiso-kan Miketsukuni

“Awaji Gochisokan Miketsukuni” is a gourmet spot that make use of the red brick warehouse built in the early 1900s. 　　　　　　　　　　　　

Inside, there is a café, restaurant hall, and a local specialty store.

The restaurant hall offers a wide range of dishes using seafood caught in Awaji and Awaji beef! The casual atmosphere makes it an easy place to stop by.

I had the Awaji beef bowl set at this restaurant.

Awaji beef is Japanese black beef born and raised in Awaji Island. Awaji cows, that were raised in the middle of an abundant nature, are renowned for the good quality and smooth texture of their meat. In fact, they have common roots with world-famous Kobe Beef !

You can meet with gourmet that make the most of Awaji’s unique ingredients in “Declaration of commitment restaurant”

In Awaji Island, there is a system of registering restaurants as “Declaration of commitment restaurant”, which use Awaji Island ingredients to promote the island’s attractions and that support Awaji Island producers.

Kinzushi, which is selected as “Restaurant that declare commitment to use ingredients from Awaji Island”

“Restaurant that declare commitment to use ingredients from Awaji Island” , Kinzushi’s appearance

The recipients of this label are restaurants, hotels, and inns that are particular about and actively use ingredients produced in Awaji Island. There are several conditions for registration.

①the ratio of fresh Awaji-produced ingredients used throughout the year must be approximately 50% or more.

②the restaurant has to be committed to use Awaji-produced ingredients and is passionate about cooking.

③the restaurant needs to clearly tell the customers ingredients used in the dish which are from Awaji Island.

Only restaurants that meet the above criteria can claim to be “Restaurant that declare commitment to use ingredients from Awaji Island”

You can search for registered restaurants in each area of Awaji Island from this website.

Please use translation functions.

https://gourmet.awajishima-kanko.jp/gourmet/special/

In Awaji Island, the culture of enjoying food from the island is deeply rooted among the people.

Awaji Island is a worthy destination for gourmet travelers who seek ingredients that can only be tasted through the cuisine unique to the area!

Basic information＞

S BRICK

Address：1-1-8 Shioya Sumoto city Hyogo prefecture 656-0021（Google map）

Business hours：CHEESE & PIZZA WORKS AWAJISHIMA　10:00～21:00
　　　　　          S BRICK  10:00～18:00

Closed on Tuesdays

Website： https://sumoto-brick.jp/

Awaji Gochisokan Miketsukuni

Address：1-1-8 Shioya Sumoto city Hyogo prefecture 656-0021（Google map）

Business hours：Restaurant　11:00～14:39、17:00～21:00
　　                　Local specialty store　10:00～20:00

Closed on Wednesdays

Website： http://www.miketsu.jp/

Kinzushi

Address：4-1-46 Honmachi Sumoto city Hyogo prefecture 656-0025（Google map）

Business hours ：Monday　17:00～22:00
　　　　　           Tuesday~Saturday　12:00～14:00、17:00～22:00

Closed on Sundays

Website： https://tabelog.com/hyogo/A2806/A280602/28020741/