Awajishima Museum

Awajishima Museum (淡路文化史料館, Awaji Bunka Shiryōkan) is the largest museum on Awaji Island, located at the foot of the hill where Sumoto Castle once stood. It's a great place to explore the island’s deep history, from ancient archaeological finds to the Edo period. You'll see displays on island rulers, folklore, farming tools, traditional crafts, and even models of old fishing boats—showcasing how life developed over time in this island province.

One of the highlights is its extensive section on Awaji Ningyo Joruri, the island’s unique puppet theater tradition, which is better represented here than even at the actual theater in southern Awaji. The museum also features colorful festival floats and the Tamao Naohara Memorial Art Museum, with ink paintings and collected works. Though all signage is in Japanese, an English pamphlet is available, making the experience accessible and informative for international visitors.