Overview

This full-day tour offers an in-depth introduction to the "now" and "tradition" of Akashi, centered around its unique food culture, guided by a local interpreter living in Hyogo. It's perfectly suited for those arriving in Kobe or Himeji on a large cruise ship, or repeat visitors who have already explored Hyogo Prefecture's famous attractions like Kobe and Himeji Castle. This tour provides a distinct experience from typical tourist spots, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Akashi's local life and its hidden charm.
The tour begins at 10:00 AM with a meeting at Akashi Station. First, you'll witness the dynamic auction at Akashiura Fishing Port. The lively market, where freshly landed seafood is rapidly bid upon, is a true microcosm of Japan's food culture. Afterward, you'll enjoy a superb sushi lunch at "Akashiura Masa", a sushi restaurant next to the fishing port, where you'll savor exquisite sushi made with the very fish you just saw auctioned. The fresh seafood unique to Akashi will surely create an unforgettable memory.
In the afternoon, we'll stroll through "Uonotana Shopping Street," known as Akashi locals' kitchen. In this vibrant arcade with about 100 shops, you can enjoy tasting local specialties like Akashiyaki and shop for local products.
The tour concludes at "Akashi Shurui Jozo & Kaikyo Distillery." Here, you'll learn about the history and production process of Japanese sake, and witness the distillation process of Akashi's craft whisky, which has recently gained international recognition. You'll also get to taste its rich flavors. This special day will awaken your five senses, allowing you to delve into the depths of Akashi's "food" and "sake."

① Meet at JR Akashi Station, Ticket Gate (10:00)
Your guide is waiting for you at the ticket gate with a signboard.

② Fish Auction Viewing at Akashiura Port（10:30〜11:30）
At Akashiura Fishing Port, 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. The abundant seafood nurtured by the swift currents of the Akashi Strait is auctioned off while still alive, creating a truly impressive spectacle. A unique aspect is the bidding for sea bream (tai), where their quality is judged by their backs, leading to a distinctive method of taking them out of their baskets and placing them on a stand.
Approximately 100 types of seafood are landed at this port, known as "Akashi no Maemon" (Akashi's finest products). You can also learn about the efforts to sustain the rich fishing grounds, such as aquaculture and seabed plowing, gaining a deeper understanding of why Akashi's fish are so delicious.

③ Sushi lunch at Akashi Uramasa（11:45〜12:45）
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. They honor the foundations of Japanese cuisine by using local, natural ingredients like salt, soy sauce, kelp, and bonito, all while continuously exploring new flavors alongside their commitment to the ancient Japanese culinary art of sushi. Enjoy meticulously crafted sushi featuring their prized fresh catches in a thoughtfully designed space. This is undoubtedly a valuable opportunity to experience Akashi's food culture with all your senses.

④ Uo-no-Tana Shopping Street（13:00〜13:30）
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. Many shops offer samples of incredibly fresh seafood, such as Akashi octopus and Akashi sea bream, allowing you to directly taste the bounty of Japan's rich seas. Another highlight is Akashi-yaki (Egg Dumplings), Akashi's soul food, which offers a novel experience with its fluffy texture and unique style of eating it dipped in dashi broth. There are many shops where you can compare different versions, making it easy to enjoy this local specialty. The street also boasts a wide array of unique street foods, like Eirakudo's "Pettan-yaki" (a flattened cracker with a whole small octopus inside) and Hase Kamaboko's freshly fried tempura. These offer an excellent chance to truly immerse yourself in Akashi's culinary culture.

⑤ Akashi Sake Brewery & Kaikyo Distillery（13:50〜14:50）
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.
After your tour, you can enjoy paid tastings of whisky, as well as sake and gin, at the adjacent bar. If any of the spirits pique your interest, be sure to try a sample and savor the rich charm of the beverages nurtured in Akashi to your heart's content.

⑥ Okura Beach Park（15:00〜15:20）
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. After you've enjoyed the scenery, your guide will capture your best shot with the magnificent bridge as a backdrop, providing a perfect conclusion to your tour.

⑦ Finish at Asagiri Station（15:30）