Located in the Naruto Strait between Shikoku and Awaji Island, the naturally occurring Naruto Whirlpools are a true natural wonder that should be on every itinerary to Japan.
The Naruto Whirlpools are formed by the tidal currents of the Seto Inland Sea, and are known for their size and power. They can reach up to 20 meters in diameter and are a breathtaking sight to see. The whirlpools are created when the tides from the Pacific Ocean and the Inland Sea meet, creating a powerful flow of water that creates these mesmerizing whirlpools.
The best way to view the Naruto Whirlpools is by taking a boat tour. There are a number of operators that offer boat tours, and they range from short, hour-long tours to more extensive tours that last several hours. Some of the boat tours even offer underwater viewing rooms, where you can watch the whirlpools form from below the surface.
The boat tours usually depart from Naruto City and take you out to the whirlpools, where you can watch as the tides create these impressive natural wonders. The boat tours also offer a great opportunity to learn about the history and geology of the Naruto Strait, as well as the local ecosystem and wildlife.
Another way to view the Naruto Whirlpools is from the Uzunomichi Observatory, which can be found on the underside of the Onaruto bridge, accessed from the Naruto side of the bridge.
The Uzunomichi Observatory allows you to walk out under the bridge in an enclosed area and view the Naruto Strait and whirlpools from above. With open air views, and glass floor views, creates a view to remember from 45m above the water. The observatory publishes the best times to view the whirlpools at on their website, and at the entrance each day. It is a very unique way to see the whirlpools. The best time to visit the Naruto Whirlpools is during the spring and autumn, when the tides are at their strongest and the whirlpools are at their most impressive. The tides are also the largest during the summer and winter solstices, making those times great for viewing as well.
The Uzonomichi Observatory is open from 9:00am – 5:00pm each day, with the last entry at 4:30pm. For adults, the entry fee is 510JPY.
Accessing Naruto Whirlpools
The Naruto Strait is located in the Northeast most point in Tokushima Prefecture, located between the Island of Ōge, and Awaji Island. Tokushima a prefecture located on Shikoku Island, which can be access really easily from parts of Kansai by car or by bus.
The there are bridges which connect all the islands, and regular transport going between all the major spots.
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