Things to see and do Awaji-Shima

It is one of the largest narcissus gardens in Japan, with more than 4 million flowers on 7 hectares. The subtle scent of the flowers is intoxicating and the landscape is magnificent. It is located between two seas: the inland sea of Japan, with on the left the coast of Wakayama, on the right the island of Nushima and in the center Shikoku and the sea of narcissus with white and green waves. The local legend tells that 180 years ago, a fisherman found a narcissus bulb on the seashore and decided to plant it. Very quickly, the flowers spread all over the hill at the foot of Yuzuruha Mountain. One hundred years later, a resident of Awaji Island picked some flowers and went to sell them at Ōsaka where he got a very good price. Understanding the value of these flowers, the islanders decided to get together to preserve them. Today, the narcissus garden is maintained by a team of gardeners throughout the year. It is a real challenge because, with its 45° slope, the hill is slippery and the gardeners have to work while avoiding damaging the flowers. At the exit of the park there is a shop where you can buy narcissus bulbs and a restaurant offering a delicious fresh clementine juice. The park is easier to reach by car, but shuttle buses connect it to Fukura (Nanairokan-mae stop) during the flowering period (¥900 one way for an adult, ¥2300 return combined with entrance).