AWAJI, an island of south Japan, 218sq.m. in extent. It lies (34° 20' N., 45' E.), athwart and almost closes the eastern end of the island-studded Inland sea. Awaji ("the way to Awa") is the stepping-stone between Kyoto, the old capital of Japan, and Awa, the eastern end of Shikoku. It is said that the gods stepped from heaven upon Awaji ; it is a rocky hilly island, displaying in miniature the features characteristic of all south Japan. (See JAPAN.)