Stopover in Awajishima

What?
Awajishima (淡路島) is an island that connects Honshu (本州) with Shikoku (四国) by means of 2 giant bridges, the Onaruto Bridge (大鳴門橋) and the world famous Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋). As it is the fastest connection for cars coming from Osaka, the island mainly serves as a hub. However it has a few things to offer. When coming from Honshu, the first thing you see after crossing the bridge is a giant ferris wheel, part of the Awaji Service Area (淡路SA). This is basically just a rest area, but one with great views on the bridge. Furthermore, the island has 2 spots designed by famous Japanese architects: Honpukuji (本福寺) or the Water Temple is designed by Tadao Ando in the shape of a lotus leaf and is actually underground. Wakoudonohiroba Park (若人の広場公園) is a memorial designed by Kenzo Tange for children who died during the world war. The monument also has a small exhibition of pictures and artifacts of the lost youth.
Where?
Awajishima is an island the separates the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海) from Osaka Bay (大阪湾). It’s part of Hyogo Prefecture (兵庫県), and while the whole island serves as connection between Honshu and Shikoku it is easily accessible by car. Trains however do not run here, and buses are spotty, so a rental car is almost the only way to go. If you just want to see the Akashi Kaikyo bridge from the other side, it is possible to take a ferry from Akashi (明石).
URL
Japan Guide Article Awaji Island Tourism Guide

With the bridges that connect Awajishima with both Honshu and Shikoku, many people can say they passed the island, but few can say that they actually got out of their vehicle and set foot on the island.
I visited Awajishima before I travelled Shikoku though. My first time we went to Ohama Beach (大浜海水浴場) for a combination of swimming and barbecue. No need to say I had fun.
The second time I just wanted to see the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from below, taking a ferry from Akashi. Upon arriving at Awajishima I quickly visited Eshima (絵島) which has some cool shaped rocks, but for which you do not need to make a giant detour.

These mini-visits can hardly qualify as touristic outings though. With my road trip through Shikoku I would have the chance to make some decent stops though.

Eshima is really small.

Even the cat can walk around it.

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is most impressive when you're crossing it.

The concrete wall also had some strange charm.

On my way back from Shikoku to Osaka I made a second stop on the island, this time in the south to visit the Wakoudonohiroba Park, designed by this other famous architect, Kenzo Tange. The park is actually a mix between a memorial structure and a small museum for children who lost their lives during the war. The little museum doesn’t have any English signs, but I could read a few texts in which Japan shows itself solely as victim. War is not black and white, but if the little museum would equally acknowledge their part as aggressor, their message of peace would be so much more sincere and believable.

If you can get over that, the architectural prowess of the structure and sweeping views over the surrounding area and the Onaruto Bridge will definitely set your mind at peace. Tange achieved to comprise some kind of wholistic experience into his design. It does help of course when you can borrow such great surrounding scenery.

Awajishima might not be the place you absolutely have to visit, but it offers some great stopovers for the long drive between Honshu and Shikoku.