Experience the Stunning Natural Scenery of the Naruto Whirlpool in Tokushima

The Naruto Strait, located between Naruto City and Awaji Island, is a natural phenomenon caused by the rapid currents created by the difference in tidal levels between the Seto Inland Sea and the Kii Channel. It is recognized as one of the three major tidal currents in the world, alongside the Strait of Messina in Italy and the Seymour Narrows in Canada. During the spring and autumn's high tides, the whirlpool can reach up to 20 meters in diameter, with speeds exceeding 20 kilometers per hour.

During the spring and autumn seasons, whirlpools can reach diameters of up to 20 meters.

View the World's Largest Whirlpool from Above

Opened in 2000, Uzunomichi is a pedestrian walkway located beneath the Great Naruto Bridge that spans the Naruto Strait. This 450-meter-long path offers an excellent vantage point for observing the Naruto whirlpool, with four rest areas along the way that showcase various famous attractions in Tokushima Prefecture, allowing visitors to relax while learning about the region's history and culture.

In addition to enjoying the whirlpool, visitors can appreciate the tranquil blue waters of the Seto Inland Sea and get a close look at the intricate steel structure of the Great Naruto Bridge. The winds in the Naruto Strait can be quite strong, so be prepared for a breezy experience.

Uzunomichi is a pedestrian walkway located beneath the Great Naruto Bridge, is one of Japan's Top 100 Roads. Follow the signs along the way, and you will reach the entrance. Uzunomichi Observatory is a rectangular space where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the sea all around or look down at the Naruto Whirlpools through the glass windows on the floor. Stepping directly onto the reinforced glass floor to admire the whirlpools from directly above is indeed quite thrilling.

Best viewing time for the whirlpool come during the spring and autumn seasons

Along the road, there are four rest areas that showcase various famous attractions in Tokushima Prefecture. Transparent stickers are affixed to the glass of the observatory, indicating the geographical locations and names of the surrounding landscapes.

The end of the Uzunomichi walkway features an observation room equipped with telescopes for distant views of the scenery. Transparent stickers on the glass indicate the geographical locations and names of surrounding sights. Visitors can also stand on reinforced glass panels to gaze down at the whirlpool from 45 meters above, and those feeling adventurous can step onto the viewing platform for a thrilling experience.

However, to clearly see the whirlpool, one must consider the right timing, as there are instances when only turbulent waves are visible without the whirlpool. It is explained on-site that the best times to see the massive whirlpool are during the spring and autumn seasons.

At the end of the road, a notice board clearly stating the times of high tide and low tide for the day.

Uzunomichi at the Great Naruto Bridge

Address: Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture (inside Naruto Park)

Ticket Price: 510 yen (adults), 410 yen (junior and senior high school students), 260 yen (elementary school students)

Operating Hours: 09:00–18:00 (March to September), 09:00–17:00 (October to February), 08:00–19:00 (Golden Week and summer holidays)

Closed: Second Monday of March, June, September, and December

Experience Duration: Approximately 2 hours

Website: Uzunomichi

Close-Up Views of the Whirlpool by Sightseeing Boat

There are several ways to experience the stunning Naruto whirlpool. In addition to viewing it from the 45-meter-high Uzunomichi walkway, another option is to take a sightseeing boat for a closer look at the world's largest whirlpool and feel the mysteries of nature.

The tide-watching boat slowly approaches the whirlpool area.

With two tidal cycles every day, there are two chances to see the whirlpool. As the whirlpool is a natural phenomenon caused by tidal differences, the best viewing times vary each day. To ensure the best experience, it is advisable to check the tidal schedule on the sightseeing boat company's official website, even looking at the tidal table for the upcoming week.

At Naruto Tourist Port, various sightseeing boats are available, including both large and small vessels. The boat service I chose was located near the Otsuka Museum of Art and only offered fast small boats, which did not require reservations. Tickets could be purchased directly at the ticket counter, where staff would inform when the best viewing times and anticipated whirlpool intensity would be.

A Thrilling Experience!

The Great Naruto Bridge is an important transportation hub connecting Shikoku and Honshu.

The entire trip on the sightseeing boat takes about half an hour. The boat navigates approximately 2 kilometers away from the bridge, and the captain skillfully maneuvers close to the whirlpool area, allowing passengers to fully experience the rushing water and swirling forces. Everyone eagerly rushes to the deck to catch a glimpse of the whirlpool, fearing they might miss the most exciting moments. When a whirlpool slowly emerges before our eyes, cheers erupt onboard, and everyone grabs their phones and cameras to capture the moment, hoping for a selfie with the whirlpool.

The small tide-watching boat can accommodate up to 86 passengers.

Tip: The size of the sightseeing boat affects the overall viewing experience. Larger boats cannot get as close to the whirlpool as smaller ones, but if you're traveling with elderly or young children, a larger boat may offer a more stable ride, allowing for leisurely enjoyment of the stunning sight from a higher vantage point. Additionally, due to the popularity of the whirlpool viewings, it is recommended to arrive at least half an hour early to queue for boarding, which will help secure a better viewing position.

High-Speed Sightseeing Boat Uzushio Line

Address: 65-63 Fuk 池 , Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture

Phone: 088-687-0613

Ticket Price: 1600 yen (adults), 800 yen (elementary school students)

Operating Hours: 08:00–16:30

Schedule: Every half hour

Experience Duration: Approximately half an hour

Website (for tidal schedule): Uzushio Kisen