Awajishima Museum

The Awajishima Museum (淡路文化史料館, Awaji Bunka Shiryōkan) is the largest museum on Awaji Island, nestled at the foot of the hill where Sumoto Castle once stood. It offers an immersive look into the island's rich history, spanning from ancient times to the Edo period. Visitors can explore fascinating exhibits on the island's rulers, folklore, traditional farming tools, and craftsmanship, as well as models of old fishing boats. These displays provide insight into how life evolved in this unique island province over centuries, making it an excellent stop for those wanting to understand the cultural heritage of Awaji.

A standout feature of the museum is its extensive collection dedicated to Awaji Ningyo Joruri, the island’s distinct puppet theater tradition. This section is more comprehensive than even the performances at the actual puppet theater in southern Awaji, showcasing the depth of this cultural art form. The museum also houses vibrant festival floats, which are an integral part of local celebrations, as well as the Tamao Naohara Memorial Art Museum, featuring a collection of ink paintings and other works. While the museum's signage is in Japanese, an English pamphlet is available, allowing international visitors to fully appreciate and enjoy the exhibits.