Naruto - Tokushima, Japan
Naruto (鳴門) is a city at the northern tip of Shikoku Island, famous for its whirlpools in the Naruto Strait beneath the Onaruto Bridge.
I took a train from Tokushima Station to Naruto Station, then a bus to Naruto Park. From there, it’s a short walk to the Uzu-no-Michi Walkway (渦の道) under the bridge, offering spectacular views of the whirlpools below. Since whirlpools aren’t always visible, I checked the timing the night before to plan my visit. The walkway even has glass panels in the floor, allowing for clear views of the swirling water beneath.
After watching the whirlpools, I explored the park and its viewpoints. Naruto Park is also the starting point for the Shikoku no Michi hiking trails. I had hoped to visit the lighthouse, but the trail was closed for maintenance.
Later, I took a bus to the port and boarded a sightseeing boat to see the whirlpools up close. There are upper and lower deck options; the upper deck costs more but offers better seating and a superior vantage point. Being right next to the whirlpools was mesmerising.
Other attractions include the Ōtsuka Museum of Art, which was closed during my visit but comes highly recommended. I finished the trip with a bowl of udon near the bridge, reflecting on the city’s unique natural and cultural charm.
History & Background
Naruto is located at the confluence of the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, where strong tidal currents create the famous Naruto whirlpools. The city has been an important maritime hub for centuries, with its location shaping both local commerce and folklore.
The Naruto Strait whirlpools, or Naruto Uzushio, occur most dramatically during spring and autumn tides and have inspired local myths and festivals. The Onaruto Bridge, completed in 1985, spans the strait and features the Uzu-no-Michi Walkway, allowing visitors to safely observe the natural phenomenon from above. Beyond its natural wonders, Naruto is known for cultural attractions such as Naruto Park, the Otsuka Museum of Art, and traditional cuisine like udon noodles.
Getting There
You can reach Naruto from Tokushima by taking a local train or bus from JR Tokushima Station, or by taking a bus directly from Tokushima Awaodori Airport. The airport bus is the quickest option if flying in, taking about 35–40 minutes to reach the Naruto Park area, while train and local bus travel from Tokushima Station takes around 30–45 minutes.
Route Overview
Distance: 4.21 km out & back (Naruto Park)
Total elevation gain: 149 m
Duration: 58 min (with breaks 1 hr 39 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Peak: Naruto Mountain Lookout 鳴門山展望台 100m
Cost Breakdown
Train: Tokushima Station → Naruto Station — ¥430
Bus: Naruto Station → Naruto Park — ¥390
Bus: Naruto Park → Naruto Tourist Port — ¥170
Entrance Fee: Tokushima Prefectural Uzu-no-Michi Walkway — ¥510
Cruise: Naruto Sightseeing Cruise — ¥2,400
Food: ¥475
