Akashi Private Tour: Fish Auction and Sushi Lunch

You can observe the "Hiru-ami" (noon auction) of live fish, a rare sight nationwide. While general entry is usually restricted, this tour offers a special opportunity to stand directly on the platform where fish brokers conduct the auction, allowing for an up-close experience. The biggest highlight is the vibrant live fish auction happening right before your eyes.

After your auction tour, let's indulge in a sushi lunch at Akashi Uramasa, just a 5-minute walk from the fishing port. Here, you'll savor incredibly fresh fish sourced directly from the fishing cooperative. Akashi Uramasa prides itself on the freshness of its seafood for all its offerings, from sushi to kaiseki multi-course meals, expertly prepared by seasoned chefs.

The Uo-no-Tana Shopping Street is a vibrant, arcaded shopping street affectionately known as "Akashi's Kitchen," boasting a history of roughly 400 years. Stretching for 350 meters, this lively street is home to about 100 shops, primarily fresh fish stores selling seafood caught in the nearby Akashi Strait. Its biggest appeal lies in the opportunity to experience Akashi's unique food culture with all five senses.

A tour of the Akashi Shurui Jozo distillery offers a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Japanese whisky making. On this visit, you'll go to the Kaikyo Distillery, where two copper pot stills stand side-by-side. You'll get an up-close look at the impressive distillation equipment while learning about the whisky production process and the dedication of the distillers.

Okura Beach offers a stunning ocean view of the Akashi Strait and the graceful Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the second-longest suspension bridge in the world. The coast features a beautiful blend of pine groves, grassy lawns, and sandy beaches, serving as a popular summer swimming spot and a place of relaxation for Awaji citizens.