Today, we’re going to be taking a look at Naruto. Not to be confused with the beloved shinobi and Jinchuriki of the Nine Tailed Fox Kurama with the same name, this city in Tokushima Prefecture is famous for raging whirlpools that form under the Great Naruto Bridge. Spanning the entire channel between Shikoku and the island of Awaji, this strait boasts one of the world’s three fastest tidal currents (along with Italy’s Strait of Messina and Canada’s Seymour Narrows). This gives rise to Naruto’s iconic whirlpools, a natural phenomenon formed by the ebb and flow of tidal currents between the Seto Inland Sea and the Kii Channel — and, as you might imagine, they are a must-see when visiting Tokushima Prefecture.
As I always say when writing about the Setouchi region of Japan, this part of the country is defined by the tides of the Seto Inland Sea. Basically, this body of water between Japan’s main island of Honshu and the smaller island of Shikoku has only four points where seawater from the Pacific Ocean can enter. Because of this, the Seto Inland Sea experiences some of the highest differences between high and low tide on the planet. Throughout history, sailors often needed to wait out the tide in towns like Tomonoura, and this need for patience while the tides changed helped define life in communities around the Seto Inland Sea. Even today, with modern technology, it is still almost impossible for boats to battle against the current, meaning not all that much has changed.
What does all of this have to do with the whirlpools of Naruto? Well, one of those four points where water can enter or leave the Seto Inland Sea just happens to be the Naruto Strait. With a width of only about 1.3 km, an astonishing amount of seawater must pass through this narrow channel between Shikoku and the island of Awaji in Hyogo Prefecture. Because of this narrow passage, the water rushes through the Naruto Channel at speeds of about 13 to 15 km per hour four times a day, twice flowing in and twice flowing out. During the springtime, when the tides are strongest, the speed of the water passing through the Naruto Strait can reach up to 20 km per hour, creating vortices of jaw-dropping size.
In addition to the wicked whirlpools, Naruto has a lot more on offer. Beyond the hiking trails that lead to various vantage points overlooking the Great Naruto Bridge, there is also the Otsuka Museum of Art. This epic facility houses a breathtaking collection of artwork spanning multiple time periods across history. We’ll circle back to this marvel later in the article, but this museum is one of many reasons why a trip to Naruto should be on the agenda for anyone visiting Tokushima Prefecture. Together, these attractions combine to make Naruto the perfect day trip from Tokushima City and a destination that definitely deserves a place on your Shikoku bucket list.
How to Get There
Let’s take a quick second to pause for some key logistics because how you get to Naruto depends largely on where you’re coming from. As noted, the Naruto Strait lies between the island of Awaji in Hyogo Prefecture and Tokushima Prefecture over in Shikoku. Because of this, there are actually a number of ways you can get there. For example, many of the highway buses coming from the Kansai region will pass over the Great Naruto Bridge and make a stop at Naruto Park. This space encompasses the attractions around the whirlpools and also has a number of walking trails and viewpoints. Thus, the Naruto Park Entrance bus stop (“Naruto Koen-guchi” in Japanese) is generally where people head first when coming here, whether that is from Kansai or elsewhere in Tokushima Prefecture.
Many of you will not actually be coming down from Osaka or Kyoto via highway bus and will instead travel up to Naruto from Tokushima City. In this case, you’re going to want to take one of the buses that depart from right in front of Tokushima Station (pictured above). As noted in my guide on public transportation in the Japanese countryside, I tend to use Jorudan when planning trains, but Google Maps is much better for buses, so just plug in Naruto Park and let the platform calculate your connections for you. In my case, I took an early morning bus to Naruto Station and then had to transfer to another local bus to get over to Naruto Park.
If you want, you can actually stay the night in the area, and here I need to recommend the massive AoAwo Naruto Resort. This 4-star accommodation sits right on the coast and has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, garden, and private beach area. The AoAwo Naruto Resort is located within walking distance of Naruto Park and the Otsuka Museum of Art, but there is also a bus stop right out front which is especially handy for getting back to Tokushima City. I stayed here back in 2021 when I first visited Naruto and really enjoyed my stay. If you’d prefer something a little more laid back, there are a few other ryokan in the area as well.
Cruise on the Aqua Eddy
One of the best ways to experience the Naruto Strait’s raging whirlpools is to actually get out on the water and see them up close. Among the various sightseeing options available, the Aqua Eddy is widely considered one of the best. This smaller, high-speed boat is designed specifically for navigating the powerful currents of the Naruto Strait and takes passengers right into the area where the whirlpools form. One of its most unique features is the set of underwater viewing windows built into the vessel, which allow you to watch the swirling currents from below the surface as the boat moves through the strait. It’s a breathtaking spectacle to behold.
As with all things relating to the whirlpools of the Naruto Strait, it is important to pay attention to the timing of the tides if you plan on taking a cruise out to see them up close. You see, these ocean water vortices only form when the tides are actively moving between the Seto Inland Sea and the Kii Channel. As noted before, this happens a few times each day as the tide flows in and out. Outside of these periods, however, the water in the Naruto Strait can appear surprisingly calm. Because of this, sightseeing boats like the Aqua Eddy schedule their departures around the tidal changes, so it is always a good idea to check the day’s whirlpool forecast before heading out.
For all ye landlubbers who don’t yet have your sea legs and are not particularly fond of the idea of getting close to the whirlpools on a smaller but faster boat, know that there are other sightseeing vessels that operate in the area as well. These larger ships move at a slower pace and provide a steadier ride while still taking visitors close enough to see the whirlpools in action. That said, the Aqua Eddy is perfectly safe and is specifically designed to handle the strong currents of the Naruto Strait. Many visitors actually prefer it because the smaller size allows the boat to get closer to the action than the larger sightseeing ships.
Logistically, whether you take the Aqua Eddy or opt for the larger ships, the cruise is fairly easy to arrange once you arrive in the area. Boats depart from the port near Naruto Park, and tickets can be purchased at the terminal before boarding. Prices are typically around a few thousand yen depending on the boat you choose. If the timing of the tides works out, I would recommend doing this earlier in the day so you can build the rest of your visit around it. From Naruto Station, you can simply hop on a local bus that runs toward Naruto Park and get off near the port where the boats depart.
The Uzu-no-Michi Walkway
After exploring the Naruto Strait by boat, you’ll want to head over to Naruto Park. Here, you can catch glimpses of the whirlpools from a variety of angles while also taking in views of the towering Great Naruto Bridge above. The best place to see them from land is the Uzu-no-Michi Walkway, which runs beneath the belly of the bridge itself. This enclosed walkway stretches out over the strait and features sections of glass flooring that allow visitors to look straight down at the rushing tides below as they surge through the Naruto Strait. It is also a great option for travelers who would prefer not to get close to the whirlpools by boat but still want an impressive view of the swirling currents.
As shown above, the Uzu-no-Michi Walkway sits about 45 meters above the whirlpools, giving visitors a dramatic vantage point over the fast-moving waters below. Several glass panels built into the floor allow you to safely look down and watch the tides as they rush through the strait beneath the bridge. Reaching the walkway is fairly straightforward, though it does require a short uphill walk of a few minutes from the nearest bus stop in Naruto Park. Admission is also quite reasonable, typically costing just a few hundred yen, making it one of the most accessible ways to see the whirlpools up close without getting out on the water.
In addition to the Uzu-no-Michi Walkway, Naruto Park itself has a number of additional viewpoints and attractions worth checking out while you are in the area. There are several walking trails that wind around the park and lead to scenic overlooks where you can admire both the whirlpools and the impressive span of the Great Naruto Bridge. One of the best views of the swirling water can be found at the Senjojiki Observatory, which offers a wide perspective over the strait. Another viewpoint, Eska Hill, can be reached via a 68-meter-long paid escalator that carries visitors up the hillside for an elevated vantage point.
Also located within the park is the Great Naruto Bridge Museum Eddy, which explores the construction of the bridge as well as the natural forces that create the whirlpools below. Additionally, toward the end of the hiking trails, you’ll also find the Otsuka Museum of Art, but that is an epic facility that deserves its own standalone section. So, without further ado…
The Otsuka Museum of Art
Located on the southern edge of Naruto Park, the Otsuka Museum of Art is easily one of the most surprising attractions you will encounter in Tokushima Prefecture. At first glance it might sound like a traditional art museum, but what makes this facility unique is that every piece on display is actually a reproduction. Rather than original paintings, the museum showcases incredibly detailed ceramic replicas of some of the most famous works in Western art history. Spread across several massive gallery spaces, the museum recreates everything from ancient frescoes to Renaissance masterpieces and modern works, allowing visitors to walk through centuries of art all under one roof.
The reason such a museum exists here in Naruto comes down to the Otsuka Group — a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Tokushima Prefecture. To commemorate the company’s 75th anniversary, the group funded the creation of this enormous museum as a cultural project for the region. Instead of collecting original works, which would have been impossible on such a scale, the museum partnered with specialists to create full-size ceramic reproductions using high-resolution imaging and special firing techniques. The result is a collection that faithfully recreates masterpieces from museums and historic sites across Europe, many of which are displayed at their original scale.
Because the works are reproductions, the museum is able to display pieces that would normally never be seen together in a single place. Visitors can admire famous paintings such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam from the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Entire frescoes and large-scale murals are also recreated here, including works that would otherwise require traveling across multiple countries to see in person. Walking through the galleries almost feels like taking a grand tour of Western art history, with each room representing a different era or artistic movement.
Logistically, the museum sits just beyond the main hiking trails of Naruto Park and is within walking distance of many of the viewpoints around the Great Naruto Bridge. Admission is higher than most attractions in the area, typically costing a few thousand yen, but the sheer scale of the museum makes it well worth the visit if you have an interest in art. It also works well as the final stop during a day exploring Naruto, as buses back toward Tokushima Station depart from near the museum entrance. After spending the day chasing whirlpools, the galleries here provide a surprisingly relaxing way to wrap up your visit.
Back in Tokushima City
Since it’s no secret that many of you will likely be making a day trip to Naruto from Tokushima City, it is worth covering a few of the must-see attractions in town so you can pair them with your visit to the whirlpools. For starters, you will definitely want to see an Awa Odori performance at the Awa Odori Kaikan. This traditional dance is the cultural symbol of Tokushima, and watching a performance is one of the best ways to experience the local culture. The last show of the day is usually around 4 PM though, so you will probably want to catch the performance the day before heading out to Naruto. Otherwise, you may find yourself rushing back from the whirlpools just to make it in time.
Another experience worth trying while you are in Tokushima is Awa indigo dyeing, a traditional craft that the prefecture has been famous for since the Edo period. One of the easiest places to try this for yourself is Aizome Kobo Ruafu, which can be reached on foot from Tokushima Station. Here, visitors can participate in hands-on workshops where you learn the basics of traditional indigo dyeing and create your own dyed cloth or souvenir to take home. Personally, I am not usually one to want to get hands-on, but for those of you who do, Awa indigo is an important part of Tokushima’s story and definitely something you’ll want to try.
Additionally, there is also the Tokushima Castle Ruins, which sit within a pleasant park not far from the city center. While the original castle no longer stands, the grounds are home to the Tokushima Castle Museum, which explores the history of the region and the Hachisuka clan that once ruled the area. English explanations are somewhat limited, but the exhibits still provide an interesting glimpse into Tokushima’s past. Nearby, you will also find the Tokushima Castle Omote Palace Garden, a beautifully landscaped traditional garden that is perfect for a quiet stroll. Combined, this pair makes for an easy addition to just about any itinerary.
Last but not least, you may want to head up Mt. Bizan, the mountain that rises above the city and serves as one of Tokushima’s most recognizable landmarks. The name Bizan is written using the characters for eyebrow and mountain, and the peak is said to resemble the shape of an eyebrow when viewed from different directions. Because of its distinctive silhouette, Mount Bizan has long been regarded as a symbol of Tokushima City and even appears in the school songs of several local high schools. At the top, you will find a park and observation areas that offer sweeping views out over the city and surrounding countryside.
Other Nearby Attractions
I’ve covered much of what you’d want to see in Naruto and while transiting through Tokushima City, but there is so much more to the prefecture than just this. For example, on the way to or from Naruto, you can make a detour to visit Ryosen-ji, which is the very first temple on Shikoku’s famed 88 temple Pilgrimage. Known as the Ohenro, this historic pilgrimage route circles the entire island of Shikoku and draws visitors from across Japan and beyond. Tokushima Prefecture is home to several temples connected to this journey, including notable sites such as Tairyu-ji and Yakuo-ji, each of which plays its own role in the spiritual path followed by pilgrims.
Another remarkable place worth visiting in Tokushima Prefecture is the Iya Valley, a remote and mountainous region that is often referred to as the “Tibet of Japan.” Tucked deep within the rugged interior of Shikoku, this dramatic landscape of steep cliffs, forested crags, and winding rivers has long been known for its isolation. According to local legend, members of the defeated Taira clan fled to this valley following their loss to the Minamoto in the Genpei War during the 12th century, seeking refuge in one of the most inaccessible parts of the country. And honestly, it’s about as far off the beaten path as you can reasonably get in Japan.
Nowadays, the Iya Valley is known for its breathtaking scenery and a number of unique attractions that make it one of Shikoku’s most memorable destinations. One of the most famous sights here is the Iya Kazurabashi, a traditional vine bridge that stretches across the Iya River and offers visitors a thrilling crossing high above the water below. The valley is also home to scenic mountain drives, hidden hot springs, and dramatic viewpoints such as the Hinoji Valley overlook. For travelers looking to experience a more remote and traditional side of Japan, spending a day or two exploring the Iya Valley makes for a fantastic addition to any trip through Tokushima Prefecture.
Finally, there is also Awaji, which lies just across the Great Naruto Bridge from Naruto itself. If you are traveling by car or continuing onward toward the Kansai region, it is easy to extend your trip across the bridge and explore this often overlooked destination. Awaji is known for its coastal scenery, fresh seafood, and a number of unique attractions such as the Naruto x Boruto theme park at Nijigen-no-Mori and the enormous Awaji Yumebutai complex designed by famed architect Tadao Ando. Combined with the whirlpools of the Naruto Strait, a stop on the island of Awaji can easily turn a day trip into a much larger adventure through this corner of the Seto Inland Sea.
Until next time travelers…
