Naruto Whirlpools - Tokushima

January 11, 2019

Located in the picturesque Naruto Strait, nestled between Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, the captivating phenomenon known as the Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮) has become a prominent attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide. These mesmerizing tidal whirlpools have transformed the region into a thriving tourist destination, captivating the hearts and minds of all who witness their awe-inspiring power.

Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮)

Naruto Whirlpools Details

Naruto Whirlpools occur when the tide moves large amounts of water in and out of the narrow strait. According to experts, the water rushes through Naruto Strait at a speed of about 13 to 15 kilometers per hour. They also say that the water flows in and out of the strait twice a day due to changing tides. During spring tide, the water current sometimes reaches up to 20 kilometers per hour. With this speed, the whirlpools sometimes get as big as 66 feet in diameter. Speaking of the speed of the flowing water, the currents in Naruto Strait are actually the fastest in Japan and fourth in the world.

Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮) - Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture

The best way to view it is by boat which will bring you several meters away from the whirlpools

We got to check out the whirlpools with our Japanese family

My wife and daughter enjoying the boat ride

Check out that whirlpool that's slowly forming

That whirlpool is probably 20 - 30 feet wide

This whirlpool formed 15 feet away from our boat

One can also view the whirlpools from the view deck of the Uzushio Rest Area

Naruto Whirlpools can be viewed from Onaruto Bridge which connects Naruto and Awaji Island. Another place to view it is on the observation deck of the Uzushio Rest Area also in Awaji Island. If you're very adventurous, you can actually view the Naruto Whirlpools up close. There are sightseeing boats that can bring you a few meters away from the vortices.

My family and I got a chance to see the Naruto Whirlpools during our road trip to Awaji Island on the 10th day of our 2018 Japan Trip. We tried to view it from the observation deck of the Uzushio Rest Area, however, upon learning that the whirlpools will form sometime in the afternoon, we then drove to Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture to see if there are sightseeing boats available. We were lucky enough as there were boats available for the afternoon viewing of the whirlpools. We managed to book to ride the Uzushio Kisen High-Spead Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat. The boat brought us close enough to view the Naruto Whirlpools up close. The trip was around 30 minutes long. At first, I was scared that the whirlpools will suck the boat to the bottom of the strait but the crew assured the nervous riders, a majority of which were first-timers like us, that the boat was big enough to prevent that from happening.

Thanks to our Japanese family for this once-in-a-lifetime experience

Overall, riding the sightseeing boat and seeing the Naruto Whirlpool firsthand was an experience that I'd treasure for the rest of my life. I do hope that I'd get to see it again someday (soon).

Now you know where this guy got his name...

Naruto Whirlpool Admission Fee:

Naruto Whirlpool can be seen for FREE at the Uzushio Rest Area and the Onaruto Bridge. However, if you wish to see it up close then you should ride one of the sightseeing boats found in Naruto City or Awajishima. The boat ride costs around 1800 - 2500 yen.

Naruto Whirlpool Opening Hours:

Naruto Whirlpools occur depending on the tide. You should check this Tide Table when planning a visit.

Why visit Naruto Whirlpools?

Naruto Whirlpools are one of the natural phenomena worth seeing. It's one of the fastest in the world. It's highly suggested that you see it up close on a sightseeing boat for a more exciting experience.

Getting to Naruto Whirlpools:

To reach the mesmerizing Naruto Whirlpools, located between Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, you have a few options for transportation:

By Train and Bus:

Start by taking a train to Naruto Station. From major cities like Osaka or Kobe, you can take a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Shin-Kobe Station or Shin-Osaka Station.
Transfer to the local train line and ride to Naruto Station. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from either Shin-Kobe or Shin-Osaka.
Upon arrival at Naruto Station, head to the nearby Naruto Bus Terminal.
Board a bus bound for Naruto Park or Naruto Koen (鳴門公園). The bus ride typically takes around 10-15 minutes.
Get off at the bus stop near Naruto Park and follow the signs to the Naruto Sightseeing Port, which is just a short walk away. From there, you can proceed to enjoy the Naruto Whirlpools.

By Car:

If you prefer driving, you can rent a car and follow the road to Naruto City. The journey time depends on your starting point, but it usually takes around 2 to 3 hours from major cities like Osaka or Kobe.
Use a GPS or navigation app to guide you to Naruto Park or Naruto Sightseeing Port. There are parking facilities available near the port for your convenience.
Once you have arrived at Naruto Sightseeing Port, you can take a boat tour to witness the impressive Naruto Whirlpools up close. These tours are operated regularly and provide a fantastic opportunity to observe the whirlpools' breathtaking beauty and power.

It's advisable to check the boat tour schedules in advance, as they may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. Additionally, consider planning your visit during high tide for the most dramatic whirlpool viewing experience.

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