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Naruto Whirlpools: A Swirling Spectacle of Nature

Witness the awe-inspiring Naruto Whirlpools: a natural spectacle where powerful tides create magnificent swirling vortexes in the Naruto Strait.

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The Naruto Whirlpools are a mesmerizing natural phenomenon in the Naruto Strait, created by powerful tidal currents between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean. These impressive vortexes, some of the largest in the world, are best viewed during spring tides and offer a thrilling display of nature's power.

A brief summary to Naruto Whirlpools

Local tips

  • Check the whirlpool schedules in advance to ensure you visit during peak activity, as the size and intensity of the whirlpools vary depending on the tides.
  • Consider taking a sightseeing cruise for an up-close view of the whirlpools, with options ranging from large boats to smaller underwater observatories.
  • Visit Naruto Park for various viewpoints, including the Senjojiki Observatory and Eska Hill, offering panoramic views of the whirlpools and the Onaruto Bridge.
  • Explore the Onaruto Bridge Museum Eddy to learn about the history, construction and science behind the Onaruto Bridge and the Naruto Whirlpools.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From JR Naruto Station, take a Naruto City bus or a Tokushima bus bound for Naruto Park. The ride takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around ¥390. Alight at the Naruto Park bus stop. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to various viewpoints and attractions.

  • Highway Bus

    Highway buses from Osaka and Kyoto stop at the Naruto Koen-guchi bus stop, located within Naruto Park. Note that this stop is only served by buses traveling in the direction of Tokushima. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the whirlpool viewing areas. Alternatively, highway buses also stop at the Naruto Kosoku bus stop. From there, transfer to a local bus at the nearby Konarutobashi bus stop to reach Naruto Park (20 minutes, ¥350).

  • Car

    From the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, take the Naruto-kita Interchange. After exiting, turn left towards Naruto Park. Continue for about 2 km, passing the Otsuka Museum of Art. Follow the signs to the Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat Dock. Free parking is available at the Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat Dock, with 150 spaces for regular vehicles and 15 spaces for large buses.

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Discover more about Naruto Whirlpools

The Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮, Naruto no Uzushio) are a spectacular display of natural forces found in the Naruto Strait, the narrow channel separating Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture from Awaji Island in Hyōgo Prefecture. This strait serves as a vital connection between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, resulting in strong tidal currents that produce the whirlpools. The whirlpools are created by the immense volume of water rushing through the strait with the twice-daily change of the tides. The unique underwater geography of the strait, with its V-shaped seabed and varying depths, further contributes to the formation of these swirling vortexes. During spring tides, which occur roughly every two weeks when the sun, earth, and moon align, the whirlpools can reach up to 20 meters in diameter. The currents in the strait are the fastest in Japan and rank among the fastest in the world. There are several ways to witness this natural wonder. Sightseeing cruises offer an up-close and personal experience, bringing you right to the edge of the whirlpools. For a different perspective, the Uzu no Michi walkway extends under the Onaruto Bridge, providing views from 45 meters above the water. Naruto Park offers walking trails and viewpoints, including the Senjojiki Observatory and Eska Hill, accessible via a paid escalator. The Onaruto Bridge Museum Eddy delves into the construction of the bridge and the science behind the whirlpools. The whirlpools have also inspired Japanese culture, including the name of the popular narutomaki fish cake and the main character Naruto Uzumaki in manga and anime.

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