Japan Diaries 2: Day 10

Day 10 May 26, 2018

Awajishima - Naruto Whirlpools

Greetings from Osaka!

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) predicted that the Kansai Region would be experiencing cloudy to fine weather today. Sadly, my wife and I did not plan anything today as we were still finalizing our plan to visit Universal Studios Japan sometime this week.

Someone woke up quite early for this trip...

However, this day suddenly became special when Mr. Toshi surprised us with an announcement that we're going on a road trip to Awajishima (island) in Hyogo Prefecture and then head to Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture to see its famed whirlpools.

Crossing Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

Upon hearing this, my wife and I immediately prepared, and in less than an hour, we were already on the road. Together with Mr. Toshi's wife, daughter, and their dog Yomogi we drove from their house in Kumatori in Osaka Prefecture to Awaji Rest Area in Awajishima Island in Hyogo Prefecture. Before reaching it we crossed Japan's longest bridge - Akashi Kaikyo Bridge which is also in Hyogo Prefecture. 

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge as seen from Awaji Rest Area

Time for some photo op...

Team Nicerio at Awaji Rest Area

Our first order of business after crossing the bridge and stopping at Awaji Rest Area was to have our toilet break. We then bought some snacks and took some photos of the picturesque view of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Kobe City. After this, we continued on our road trip but this time, I was behind the wheel.

Despite practice driving two days back, I was still a bit scared and a bit hesitant to drive as I'm still getting used to right-hand drive vehicles. Aside from that, I know how stiff the fines are here in Japan. Regardless, I mustered all my confidence and successfully drove from Awaji Rest Area to Farmer's Market in Minamiawaji which was 54 kilometers away.

Farmer's Market in Minamiawaji

Checking out the boats at Fukura Bay

A free taste of Awaji Island's famous onion

When we arrived in Minamiawaji, Mr. Toshi inquired about the sightseeing boats for the Naruto Whirlpool viewing. Sadly, the sightseeing boats in this area were all fully booked. We were told that there are other companies offering the same services in the coastal city of Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture. 

Going to Uzushio Rest Area

Check out this onion chair probably owned by the Onion Knight (only GOT Fans would get that)

Uzushio Rest Area

Checking out the onion products of the island

More onion products!

Enjoying lunch with our Japanese family

Lunchtime! Gotta love the curry!

Ella and Ms. Taeko bonding time

The viewing area with Onaruto (Bridge) as the backdrop drop

Onion hair souvenir photo!

Before heading there, we decided to eat lunch first so we drove to Uzushio Rest Area near Onaruto Bridge. We ate in Michi no Eki Uzushio restaurant in the said rest area. The restaurant had a great view of the picturesque Naruto Strait. After lunch, we checked out the store in the rest area to buy some onion-themed souvenirs which Awajishima is known for. 

One more stopover

... and more onion souvenirs for sale

Tried the different flavors of ice cream

Before leaving, we checked out the schedules of sightseeing boats in Naruto and since it was still too early, we drove to Onaruto Bushi Kineka to check out other possible souvenirs. Although the Maritime Museum was here, we skipped it in favor of lining up to try out the salted milk ice cream and the chat with Mr. Toshi (which I always look forward to) that comes with it.

Booked a boat in the Uzushio Line

Boarding time

We then drove across Onaruto Bridge to Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture. A few minutes later we were in Uzushio-kisen which is a tour boat company that offers a "close encounter" experience to the famed Naruto Whirlpools via the Uzushio Line. We found out that we arrived just in time for the next viewing schedule as the next one after that would mean that we'd wait for another 30 minutes.

Ready for our new adventure

Our Japanese family enjoying the adventure

The famed Naruto Whirlpools as seen 10 feet away

To ride the Uzushio Kisen High-Speed Whirlpool sightseeing boat, adults need to pay 1550 yen per head while preschool children are free as long as they are accompanied by a full paying adult.

The ride was scary at first especially when the tour boat is rocked by the whirlpools or when the whirlpools form so close to the boat. Overall, it would probably be one of those once in a lifetime activities that I'd experience in my lifetime (although I still wish that I'd experience it again someday). After the tour, we decided to head back home.

Yomogi enjoying the front row seat

Dinner at Ai-Chan

My fave - the okonomiyaki

After 4 years... See you after 2 years maybe...

To cap off the day, we had our dinner at Aichan restaurant near Mr. Toshi's residence. Aichan has been a restaurant close to my heart as it was the first restaurant in Japan that we've dined in during our first visit. You can read about that HERE. Just like last time, I ordered their delicious okonomiyaki, and just like last time I loved it. After the meal, I made sure to have a photo taken with Aichan's owners for posterity purposes. Who knows, we might be back again two or three years from now.

Read more:

• Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
• Awajishima
• Naruto Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat
• Naruto Whirlpool

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