Nojima Scuola
A charming, renovated school on Awaji Island offering fresh local food, animal encounters, and unique crafts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More activities and lively atmosphere
Nojima Scuola
Best Time
More activities and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, renovated school on Awaji Island offering fresh local food, animal encounters, and unique crafts.
"The onion cheese bread is out of this world!"
🚗 Drive for Convenience
Having a car makes exploring Awaji Island and reaching Nojima Scuola much easier.
🧅 Sample Onion Soup
Try the delicious onion soup, a local specialty!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Farm-Fresh Salad Bar
Cafe Scuola
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat salad bar featuring fresh, local island vegetables. A healthy and delicious option.
Adorable Animal Encounters
Nojima Zoo
Meet and feed friendly animals like bunnies, mini pigs, goats, and the famous alpaca, Raal!
Artisan Bakery Delights
Bakery Section
Don't miss the famous onion cheese bread – a must-try for many visitors!
3D Printed Alpaca Craft
Workshop Area
Create your own unique alpaca-shaped wooden craft using a 3D printer. Fun for all ages!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Plan Your Awaji Island Journey
Animal Encounters & Entry Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive for Convenience
Having a car makes exploring Awaji Island and reaching Nojima Scuola much easier.
🧅 Sample Onion Soup
Try the delicious onion soup, a local specialty!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
There's a dog run area, making it a great spot for pet owners.
💰 Animal Feeding Fees
Be aware there's a small fee to feed the animals in the petting area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive for Convenience
Having a car makes exploring Awaji Island and reaching Nojima Scuola much easier.
🧅 Sample Onion Soup
Try the delicious onion soup, a local specialty!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
There's a dog run area, making it a great spot for pet owners.
💰 Animal Feeding Fees
Be aware there's a small fee to feed the animals in the petting area.
⏳ Shuttle Bus Unpredictability
The shuttle bus schedule can be unreliable; check timings carefully.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nojima Scuola offers a unique blend of attractions, from a farm-fresh salad bar and artisan bakery to a petting zoo and creative workshops. While some visitors found the hot food buffet cold and the shuttle bus unreliable, the fresh ingredients, friendly animals, and the charm of the renovated school building are consistently praised. It's a worthwhile stop for those seeking local flavors and a relaxed island experience.
"I guess if you have no where else to go, you can go here.
I expected a bit more the website descriptions but actually it’s just a small eatery, farm local goods shopping space, small bakery, big carpark, some dog run spaces and a very tiny animal area which they charge 300 yen entry as a zoo, can’t really call it a zoo, maybe like a pet area.
The food is alright, the salads are fresh but the buffet part of the meal is really cold, I think there should be proper warmers for hot foods to make them tastier. Price is alright over 2000yen if you consider it’s like a half buffet.
The shuttle bus from Iwaya port to this place was really erratic and not following the timetable on the sheet issued by the hotel, it was so difficult to arrange our time and we felt so trapped by the situation as this place is really quite out of the way, there’s no bus no taxi, unless the shuttle bus comes or you drive, you’re pretty much trapped.
Haven’t been there before so we checked it out, but one time is enough."
M
"Buffet of vegetables and some side dishes included in the price.
There’s also a shop inside with Awaji Onion products and a bakery section"
Tamás Zalányi
"One of my favorite bakerys on the island. Their onion cheese bread is out of this world! Whenever I am on Awaji, I have to stop here for this bread. They also have two restaurants here which I have not tried yet, but they look nice with outdoor seating."
Steven
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Osaka, take a train to Kobe Sannomiya, then a bus to Awaji Island. From Iwaya Port on Awaji Island, you can take a shuttle bus to Nojima Scuola, though its schedule can be erratic. Driving is the most convenient option.
Yes, there is a large car park available for visitors.
While there are local buses, they can be infrequent. Renting a car or using the shuttle bus from Iwaya Port are common options. Taxis are also available but can be costly.
Nojima Scuola is located about 25 minutes by bus from Iwaya Port.
Public transport can be challenging due to infrequent bus services and an unreliable shuttle bus. It's recommended to check schedules in advance or consider driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no general entrance fee for Nojima Scuola itself, but there is a 300 yen charge to enter the animal petting area, which some visitors refer to as a 'zoo'.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the facilities are open from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM on select dates, particularly weekends and holidays. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most current information.
Advance booking is generally not required for entry to Nojima Scuola. However, for specific workshops or events, it's advisable to check their website.
Information on discounts is not widely available. It's recommended to check their official channels for any special offers or promotions.
The 300 yen entry fee for the animal area typically allows you to see the animals. Additional costs may apply for feeding them.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Nojima Scuola offers a cafe with an all-you-can-eat salad bar, a bakery known for its onion cheese bread, and a restaurant.
The salad bar features fresh, local island vegetables and is part of a meal that costs over 2000 yen, often described as a half-buffet. Some find the hot food buffet items to be cold.
The onion cheese bread is highly recommended and a favorite among visitors.
The salad bar offers plenty of fresh vegetables, making it a good option for vegetarians. Specific vegan options may be limited, so it's best to inquire directly.
While there are outdoor seating areas, it's not explicitly stated if picnics are allowed. It's best to dine at their on-site facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
The renovated school building itself offers a unique backdrop. The animal area, the scenic coastal views, and the charming cafe and bakery spaces are also popular for photos.
Yes, the blend of rustic school architecture, natural scenery, and cute animals makes it very photogenic.
Yes, you can take photos of the animals, but be respectful of their space and any feeding times.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing the varied scenes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the school building and landscapes, while a telephoto lens might be good for animal shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The 3D printed alpaca painting activity offers a creative outlet, and the fresh salad bar is a healthy option for everyone. Be prepared for the 300 yen entry fee for the animal area and consider the unpredictable shuttle bus schedule if you're not driving. Overall, it's a place where children can have fun and learn about local produce and animals.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Travelers
While the main facilities are accessible, ensure your dog is well-behaved and adheres to any specific rules. It's a thoughtful inclusion that makes Awaji Island more accessible for pet owners.
🚗 Road Trippers & Drivers
This makes it particularly appealing for those exploring the island at their own pace, allowing for flexibility in visiting other nearby sights. The ease of access by car enhances the overall experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Unique Renovation: From School to Attraction
The concept behind Nojima Scuola is to create a place where visitors can enjoy local produce, interact with animals, and participate in unique activities. It's a destination that appeals to families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a relaxed and engaging experience on Awaji Island. The blend of history, nature, and culinary delights makes it a standout spot.
+1This innovative approach to revitalizing old structures not only provides a unique visitor experience but also contributes to the local economy by promoting regional products and tourism. The success of Nojima Scuola highlights the potential for similar projects in other areas seeking to preserve heritage while fostering new opportunities.
Culinary Delights: Fresh Flavors of Awaji Island
Beyond the salads, the on-site bakery is renowned for its unique onion cheese bread, a local specialty that many visitors rave about.
Visitors can also find local farm goods and Awaji Onion products in the shops, making it a great place to pick up edible souvenirs. The combination of fresh ingredients and local specialties makes Nojima Scuola a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Animal Encounters and Activities
Visitors can purchase food to feed these friendly creatures, creating memorable moments, especially for children. Beyond animal feeding, the venue also offers unique hands-on activities. One such activity, highlighted in social media, is the chance to paint a 3D-printed alpaca-shaped wooden craft. This creative experience allows visitors to take home a personalized souvenir and enjoy a fun, artistic session.
For dog owners, Nojima Scuola provides a dedicated dog run, making it a welcoming destination for those traveling with their pets. This inclusive approach ensures that a wider range of visitors can enjoy their time on Awaji Island.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit