Naruto Whirlpools Complete Travel Guide
The Naruto Whirlpools are giant tidal whirlpools that form in the narrow Naruto Strait between Tokushima and Awaji Island, best seen up close from a sightseeing boat or from the glass-floored walkway on the Onaruto Bridge, with the size of the whirlpools changing hour by hour with the tide.
Quick Facts
Best Things to Do
- Check the tide table before you go and time your visit for the window around high or low tide, since the whirlpools shrink or nearly disappear at slack tide.
- Ride a sightseeing boat such as Wonder Naruto or Aqua Eddy to get close to the whirlpools at water level.
- Walk the glass-floored Uzu-no-Michi Walkway on the lower deck of the Onaruto Bridge for a bird's-eye view without booking a boat.
- Combine the visit with Naruto Park or the nearby Eddy observation and shopping area for extra photo spots.
Tickets and Fees
Checked in July 2026: boat fares, departure times, and the Uzu-no-Michi walkway hours are tied to the tide schedule and change by season rather than following a fixed daily timetable. Check the official tide table and current fares before planning your visit, especially if you need a specific viewing window.
How to Get There
From JR Naruto Station, take a Tokushima Bus toward Naruto Koen (about 20 minutes) and get off at Kameura-guchi, then walk to the boat piers or the Uzu-no-Michi entrance. By car it is roughly 20 to 30 minutes from central Tokushima via the Naruto expressway exits.
Nearby Attractions
If you're continuing on to Tokushima City the same day, pair this with Mount Bizan and Awa Odori Kaikan.
Book Before You Go
Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.