Naruto Whirlpools, Shikoku Island Travel Guide

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Experience the raw power of nature at the Naruto Whirlpools, where tidal currents create a mesmerizing display of swirling vortexes in the Naruto Strait.

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Naruto Whirlpools

The Naruto Whirlpools are a mesmerizing natural phenomenon created by tidal currents in the Naruto Strait between Naruto and Awaji Island. Witness the powerful forces of nature as water rushes through the narrow channel, forming massive whirlpools, some of the largest in the world.

A brief summary to Naruto Whirlpools

Naruto, Tokushima, 772-0000, JP
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Naruto Whirlpools.

Check the whirlpool schedules in advance, as the size and intensity of the whirlpools vary depending on the tides.
Visit during spring tides (new or full moon) for the largest and most impressive whirlpools.
Consider taking a sightseeing cruise for an up-close view of the whirlpools.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around Naruto Park and accessing the various viewpoints.
Combine your visit with a trip to the Onaruto Bridge Museum Eddy to learn about the science and history of the whirlpools.

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Explore Naruto Whirlpools on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Naruto Whirlpools, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From JR Naruto Station, take a Naruto City bus or a Tokushima bus bound for Naruto Park. Get off at the Naruto Park bus stop. The ride takes approximately 20 minutes and costs 390 yen. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the various attractions in Naruto Park, including the Uzu no Michi Walkway and the sightseeing boat piers.
Car

From Naruto City, follow the signs for Naruto Park. The park is located about 7 kilometers north of central Naruto City. There are several parking lots available in Naruto Park. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around 500 yen per day.

Discover more about Naruto Whirlpools

The Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮, Naruto no Uzushio) are a spectacular display of nature's power, born from the unique geography of the Naruto Strait. This narrow channel, located between Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, connects the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Twice a day, during high and low tides, vast amounts of water surge through the strait, creating a dramatic difference in water levels of up to 1.5 meters.The strait's V-shaped underwater topography further intensifies this phenomenon. The rushing water is forced through the narrow channel, reaching speeds of 13-15 km/h, and up to 20 km/h during spring tides. This creates powerful currents and swirling vortices, resulting in the famed Naruto Whirlpools. Under ideal conditions, these whirlpools can reach up to 20 meters in diameter, making them some of the largest in the world. The whirlpools are largest during spring tides in spring and fall.There are several ways to witness this breathtaking sight. Sightseeing cruises offer an up-close and personal experience, allowing you to feel the energy of the swirling waters. For a bird's-eye view, visit the Uzu no Michi Walkway, an enclosed observation deck extending under the Onaruto Bridge, 45 meters above the strait. Naruto Park also provides various viewpoints and walking trails with scenic vistas of the whirlpools and the Onaruto Bridge.For those interested in the science and history behind the whirlpools and the construction of the Onaruto Bridge, the Onaruto Bridge Museum Eddy offers interactive exhibits and a 360° theater. The whirlpools have also inspired Japanese art and folklore, even lending their name to the popular anime character Naruto Uzumaki, where Uzumaki means whirlpool.