Wiry Naruto
The Naruto Strait, between Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture and Minamiawaji City in Hyogo Prefecture (Awaji Island), is a narrow channel about 1.3 km wide that connects the Inland Sea to the Kii Channel. The combination of a tidal differential of up to 1.5 m and the narrow geography drives water through at about 20 km/h (max 10 knots), producing one of Japan's three great tidal currents — and one of the world's three (alongside the Strait of Messina and Seymour Narrows). Whirlpools over 20 m across reach maximum size 1–2 hours around high or low tide, especially during the spring tides of spring and autumn (near new and full moons). They can be photographed from sightseeing boats or from «Uzu-no-Michi,» the walkway 45 m above the strait beneath the Onaruto Bridge.
Highlights
- Whirlpools — over 20 m across, one of the world's three great tidal currents; largest 1–2 hours around high or low tide
- Sightseeing boat — departs from Naruto Sightseeing Port; a 30-minute cruise approaches the whirlpools at full intensity
- Uzu-no-Michi — a 450 m walkway under the Onaruto Bridge, 45 m above the strait, with glass floors offering direct views of the whirlpools
- Senjojiki Observatory and Naruto Park — overlooks on the Tokushima side; cherry blossoms with the strait make a stunning spring scene
- Michi-no-Eki Uzushio (Awaji side) — sweeping view of the bridge and strait; the sunset moment is unforgettable
