There are several Naruto in Japan. Long before becoming a world famous manga character, naruto has been the name to a special kind of Japanese surimi – white and pink on top of Tokyo-style ramen mostly. And these small whirlpools are themselves an evocation of the Naruto whirlpools, in the same name Strait between Shikoku and Awaji island. A rare phenomenon that had been a touristic spot for centuries in Japan. And is logically one of the Heisei 100 landscapes.
 |
 |
To get close to the whirlpools, ferries are convenient but slightly expensive (from 1500 to 2800 yen according to the boat and company).
 |
 |
On the ground, the best option is to reach Uzu no Michi, the walkway under Onaruto bridge and standing 40 meters above Naruto whirlpools (9:00am to 5:00pm, 510 yen).
 |
 |
The Naruto whirlpools are only to be seen twice a day, as they are a consequence of the tide. The timetable is online thanks to Uzu no Michi official website.
 |
 |
Hiroshige‘s Ukiyo-e depicting Naruto whirlpools.
How to get there?
The easiest way to reach Naruto’s whirlpool is definitely by car. But still the Naruto Park, from where they can be seen, is a bus ride away from Naruto station (25 minutes, 310 yen). The station being on the JR Naruto line. Another option is to reach the area from Tokushima using Highway buses.
