Awaji Yumebutai

Awaji Yumebutai (淡路夢舞台), designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, is a stunning cultural complex located on Awaji Island. The site, once a devastated excavation area, was transformed into a peaceful memorial and garden following the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. One of its most striking features is the Hyakudanen, or "100 Stepped Gardens," a terraced hillside with 100 vibrant flower beds that offer panoramic views of Osaka Bay. Visitors can stroll through this beautiful space, enjoying the serene atmosphere and the perfect blend of nature and contemporary design.

The complex also highlights Ando's distinctive use of concrete, tranquil water gardens, and thoughtfully crafted walking paths that guide visitors through a variety of visually captivating spaces. Among the must-see attractions is the Miracle Planet Museum of Plants, a vast botanical greenhouse housing a diverse collection of global plant species and themed gardens. For those looking to stay and immerse themselves in this harmonious environment, the Westin Awaji Island Resort offers luxurious ocean-view rooms, a traditional tea ceremony room, and direct access to the surrounding architectural and natural beauty of Yumebutai.