Naruto Whirlpools - Tokushima

Located in the picturesque Naruto Strait, nestled between Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, the captivating phenomenon known as the Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮) has become a prominent attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide. These mesmerizing tidal whirlpools have transformed the region into a thriving tourist destination, captivating the hearts and minds of all who witness their awe-inspiring power.

Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮)

Naruto Whirlpools Details

Naruto Whirlpools occur when the tide moves large amounts of water in and out of the narrow strait. According to experts, the water rushes through Naruto Strait at a speed of about 13 to 15 kilometers per hour. They also say that the water flows in and out of the strait twice a day due to changing tides. During spring tide, the water current sometimes reaches up to 20 kilometers per hour. With this speed, the whirlpools sometimes get as big as 66 feet in diameter. Speaking of the speed of the flowing water, the currents in Naruto Strait are actually the fastest in Japan and fourth in the world.

Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮) - Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture

The best way to view it is by boat which will bring you several meters away from the whirlpools

We got to check out the whirlpools with our Japanese family

My wife and daughter enjoying the boat ride

Check out that whirlpool that's slowly forming

That whirlpool is probably 20 - 30 feet wide

This whirlpool formed 15 feet away from our boat

One can also view the whirlpools from the view deck of the Uzushio Rest Area

Naruto Whirlpools can be viewed from Onaruto Bridge which connects Naruto and Awaji Island. Another place to view it is on the observation deck of the Uzushio Rest Area also in Awaji Island. If you're very adventurous, you can actually view the Naruto Whirlpools up close. There are sightseeing boats that can bring you a few meters away from the vortices.


My family and I got a chance to see the Naruto Whirlpools during our road trip to Awaji Island on the 10th day of our 2018 Japan Trip. We tried to view it from the observation deck of the Uzushio Rest Area, however, upon learning that the whirlpools will form sometime in the afternoon, we then drove to Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture to see if there are sightseeing boats available. We were lucky enough as there were boats available for the afternoon viewing of the whirlpools. We managed to book to ride the Uzushio Kisen High-Spead Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat. The boat brought us close enough to view the Naruto Whirlpools up close. The trip was around 30 minutes long. At first, I was scared that the whirlpools will suck the boat to the bottom of the strait but the crew assured the nervous riders, a majority of which were first-timers like us, that the boat was big enough to prevent that from happening.

Thanks to our Japanese family for this once-in-a-lifetime experience

Overall, riding the sightseeing boat and seeing the Naruto Whirlpool firsthand was an experience that I'd treasure for the rest of my life. I do hope that I'd get to see it again someday (soon). 

Now you know where this guy got his name...

Naruto Whirlpool Admission Fee:

Naruto Whirlpool can be seen for FREE at the Uzushio Rest Area and the Onaruto Bridge. However, if you wish to see it up close then you should ride one of the sightseeing boats found in Naruto City or Awajishima. The boat ride costs around 1800 - 2500 yen.

Naruto Whirlpool Opening Hours:

Naruto Whirlpools occur depending on the tide. You should check this Tide Table when planning a visit.

Why visit Naruto Whirlpools?

Naruto Whirlpools are one of the natural phenomena worth seeing. It's one of the fastest in the world. It's highly suggested that you see it up close on a sightseeing boat for a more exciting experience.

Getting to Naruto Whirlpools:


To reach the mesmerizing Naruto Whirlpools, located between Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, you have a few options for transportation:


By Train and Bus:
  1. Start by taking a train to Naruto Station. From major cities like Osaka or Kobe, you can take a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Shin-Kobe Station or Shin-Osaka Station.
  2. Transfer to the local train line and ride to Naruto Station. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from either Shin-Kobe or Shin-Osaka.
  3. Upon arrival at Naruto Station, head to the nearby Naruto Bus Terminal.
  4. Board a bus bound for Naruto Park or Naruto Koen (鳴門公園). The bus ride typically takes around 10-15 minutes.
  5. Get off at the bus stop near Naruto Park and follow the signs to the Naruto Sightseeing Port, which is just a short walk away. From there, you can proceed to enjoy the Naruto Whirlpools.

By Car:
  1. If you prefer driving, you can rent a car and follow the road to Naruto City. The journey time depends on your starting point, but it usually takes around 2 to 3 hours from major cities like Osaka or Kobe.
  2. Use a GPS or navigation app to guide you to Naruto Park or Naruto Sightseeing Port. There are parking facilities available near the port for your convenience.
  3. Once you have arrived at Naruto Sightseeing Port, you can take a boat tour to witness the impressive Naruto Whirlpools up close. These tours are operated regularly and provide a fantastic opportunity to observe the whirlpools' breathtaking beauty and power.

It's advisable to check the boat tour schedules in advance, as they may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. Additionally, consider planning your visit during high tide for the most dramatic whirlpool viewing experience.

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Comments

  1. I love reading about all your adventures! Please keep them coming

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  2. Wow looks like so much fun! The boat ride looked very exciting!

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    1. That's true McKenzie. Seeing the Naruto whirlpools up close was truly exciting.

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  3. Looks like an amazing location! Fascinating about the speed that water flows through. The weather also looks great...not too cold or windy!

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    1. Yup yup. We were blessed with fine weather when we visited. It was really perfect to view the Naruto whirlpool.

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  4. Those look pretty neat, I'd love to take that trip and see them in person myself. You were lucky to go!

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    1. I could say that as well. That Naruto Whirlpool experience was probably a once in a lifetime adventure.

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  5. This is so cool. What a fun thing to experience and learn about. I love traveling and exploring new things.

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    1. Thank you. I do hope you get to travel to Naruto City someday.

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  6. A little piece of heaven. Looks like you had an amazing time.

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    1. We did Belle. It was a fantastic adventure. Scary but great.

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  7. OMG!!! I am adventurous, but not whirlpool!!! What if we really got suck in! OMG! Even if they say the boat was big enough I wouldn't risk it especially I am traveling with my (very young) kids all the time. You guys are brave!!! I am sure there's a fun side to it!
    Wait... Naruto sightseeing port... Naruto as in the famous manga/anime? lol

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    1. Hahaha Naruto the character in the anime was named after this place. Even his power is inspired by the whirlpool.

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  8. I would love to visit Naruto Whirlpools, tidal whirlpools that have been one of the main sources of tourism on the city and the island. Keshia Richmond

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    1. Please do visit and check out Naruto Whirlpools. That is one of the best experiences that you'd have.

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  9. That's absolutely beautiful, I wish I could see this for myself.

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  10. No wonder if some comic creators get the inspiration! This is gorgeous :)

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    1. You got that right this is where they got the inspiration.

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  11. Woow!! Very nice travel post you have shared here!! Love it!! thank you : D
    cheers, siennylovesdrawing

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    1. Thanks for visiting my blog as well sienny. I'm happy you love my article about Naruto Whirlpool.

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  12. All these sightseeing boats look like such an adventure!!! Great photos of the whirlpool as well. You can actually see the whirl happening! Wishing you and your family the best! :D

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    1. Thank you Kalyani. It was really an adventure. I do hope you get to see Naruto whirlpools up close someday.

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  13. Those whirlpools are making me nervous! Although it's a phenomenon that gets me curious.

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    1. That was the same first impression that I had when we got on the boat to see the Naruto Whirlpools.

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  14. Naruto Whirlpool one was my favorite :D

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  15. It seems a nice experience. I like those photos, and I love the sea well done

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    1. Thank you so much Toti. It was a nice experience indeed.

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  16. WOW! That sounds like an interesting experience. I would love to visit here some day :)

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    1. Please do visit Naruto and check out their famous whirlpools. =)

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  17. Nature is so awesome! To be respected for sure.

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  18. Beautiful! Never heard about Naruto Whirlpools. Pictures shows that you had a great time. Saw your video and Whirlpools are simply awesome. Aren't they dangerous? We have similar thing(Not sure similar or not) where a deep circle will be formed with water inside an ocean or river. If someone gets into that it will take them inside and difficult to survive.

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    1. They are dangerous especially for swimmers and fishermen with small boats. However, since the sightseeing boat was powered by a powerful engine it was generally safe.

      Really? You have a same tourist spot in your country? Where is that?

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  19. Awesome that you got to view these whirlpools, never knew they had a tourism industry around this!

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    1. Same here. I only found out about this from my Japanese godfather.

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  20. This looks really cool! I think that the whirl pools would freak me out a little, but it looks like an amazing experience!

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    1. Hahaha. The Naruto Whirlpools did freak me out when it formed a few feet away.

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  21. Very interesting! Glad you and your family enjoyed seeing the whirlpools forming.

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  22. Such pretty pictures and nicely explained. Thanks

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  23. These whirlpools seem pretty amazing and scary at the same time.It looks like you all had fun.

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    1. We did have fun. =) I wish you could visit Naruto and see its famed whirlpool someday. =)

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  24. The whirlpools looke beautiful and scary at the same time.

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  25. Naruto Whirlpool is surely in my list.

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  26. Scary but beautiful.

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