[2025 Minamiawaji Attraction] Travel Guide for Naruto Strait (Updated Jun)

#Sign up for May Hotel Test Sleeper 2025 Generally speaking, the main destinations for people going to Osaka are Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. In fact, Awaji Island in Hyogo is very close to Kobe, and you can also go back and forth from Osaka in one day. Awaji Island is the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea in Hyogo Prefecture. It is also the closest island to Kansai and can be visited back and forth in one day. Recommended attractions 💫 1️⃣ Happy muffins🥞 It is a date paradise for couples. Sitting on the terrace along the coast, feeling the sea breeze, enjoying soft waffles and summer latte is extremely relaxing. There is also a check-in point‼ ️ Ladder of happiness, happy disc, angle swing, etc. 2️⃣ Honfukuji Temple✨ The Water Palace of Honpuku-ji Temple is a representative work of Tadao Ando, ​​a temple hidden under a lotus pond. 3️⃣ Naruto Whirlpool🌀 The whirlpools of Awaji Island are a world-famous natural phenomenon, and are known as the largest in the world. The strong currents form spectacular whirlpools under the Naruto Strait between Awaji Island and Shikoku. 4️⃣ Giant Onion Observation Deck When you come to Awaji Island, you must see the giant onions! There is a 2.87-meter-high onion sculpture here, and there are special onion burgers waiting for you to taste. 5️⃣Ezaki Lighthouse The Ezaki Lighthouse on Shioming Mountain is a great place to watch the sunset. Facing the tranquil Seto Inland Sea, watching the sunset slowly sink into the horizon is a beautiful sight. 🔹This is a good place for daydreaming and taking photos. You can stop and walk here to feel the laziness and comfort of this island. It is suitable for shopping, eating, taking photos and checking in. ⚠️Warm Tips: Check the tide time in advance: make sure you don’t miss the best time to see the Naruto Whirlpool. 🏝️Transportation: From Osaka➡️You can take the train from Hanshin Umeda Station to Maiko Station or Sannomiya Station, then transfer to the express bus to Awaji Island; or take the express bus directly from Umeda Bus Terminal to

"Naruto Park" is located on Omo Island, adjacent to the Naruto Strait and the Onaruto Bridge. In Naruto Park, there is the "O-Naruto Bridge" and the "Uzumichi" for viewing whirlpools. From 45 meters above, you can overlook the "Naruto Whirlpools" below, which is one of the three largest whirlpools in the world. The "Uzumichi" is a 450-meter-long tourist trail that allows you to walk directly from under the bridge to about 45 meters above the whirlpool to view the Naruto Whirlpool. There are many tempered glass viewing windows along the trail, and it is very exciting to see the famous Naruto Whirlpools in Tokushima right under your feet.

Uchi no Umi is located in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture. It's close to the Otsuka Museum of Art, so I stopped by on my way home after looking at a lot of paintings! The bridge was also very beautiful. It's an all-you-can-eat oyster restaurant run by a fisherman. You can bring your own oysters, and you can eat as much as you like for two hours! The oysters are heated in a steamer, so they don't explode, so they're easy to eat! But there were so many that I couldn't eat them all, so I left after 30 minutes. The locals are amazing. #museum #gourmettrip

I went to Tokushima Prefecture to see the whirlpools of Naruto. I went on a small boat and a large boat, but since it was a small boat, it was really rocking and I got seasick 5 minutes after leaving 😂 lol I was only inside for the first few minutes and stayed outside the whole time 👍 It was windy and a little cold 🤏 I'm glad I managed to see the whirlpools 🙇‍♂️#amazingview #Naruto #whirlpools #Tokushima #Shikoku

#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides #stunningview Post: On the eastern edge of Shikoku, Tokushima pulses with rhythm and nature. Known for its vibrant Awa Odori dance festival, dramatic whirlpools, and sacred mountains, this underrated city offers a soulful blend of tradition, movement, and raw natural beauty. I started with the city’s most famous cultural experience—the Awa Odori Kaikan. Here, I watched (and even joined!) a lively performance of the traditional dance, where locals in colorful yukata moved to the beat of shamisen and taiko drums. The joy was infectious—it’s no wonder the August festival draws crowds from all over Japan. Next, I ventured out to Naruto Strait, home to the legendary Naruto Whirlpools. Standing on the glass-floored Ōnaruto Bridge Walk, I gazed down as the tide spun massive whirlpools below—a spectacle of nature’s force. For an even closer look, I took a whirlpool sightseeing boat that brought me face-to-face with the swirling sea. Back inland, I climbed Mount Bizan, the green peak that watches over Tokushima City. From the summit, I saw the Yoshino River winding through town, and in the distance, the Pacific meeting the sky. At dusk, the city glowed softly, peaceful and unhurried. Tokushima is also a gateway to the Shikoku Pilgrimage. I visited a few of the nearby temples along the 88-temple route—each one calm, ancient, and deeply grounding. And let’s not forget the food: I savored a bowl of Tokushima ramen, rich with pork broth and topped with sweet-simmered pork belly and a raw egg. Comfort in every bite. Best Time to Visit: August for the Awa Odori Festival, or spring and autumn for beautiful weather and quieter temple visits. Helpful Tips: Wear comfortable shoes if visiting pilgrimage sites—some involve hiking. Book Awa Odori performances in advance during festival season. Try yuzu-flavored local treats—this citrus is grown locally and adds a zing to sweets and drinks. Location: Tokushima, Shikoku, Japan Hashtags: #TokushimaTales #AwaOdoriVibes #NarutoWhirlpools #MountBizanViews #ShikokuSpirit #TempleTrails #HiddenJapan #PilgrimagePath #TokushimaRamen #SlowTravelShikoku

Tokushima Prefecture is an underrated gem on Japan's list of less-traveled destinations. Formerly known as Awa, it's located on the eastern part of Shikoku Island, facing Hyogo Prefecture's Awaji Island across the Naruto Strait. Here, a rich history blends with stunning scenery, waiting for you to unveil its mysteries. Tracing History, Exploring the Past After the Taika Reform, this area belonged to Awa Province. It witnessed power shifts during the Muromachi period, from the Hosokawa clan to the Miyoshi clan, and then to the Chosokabe clan, each leaving a unique mark on this land. Following Toyotomi Hideyoshi's conquest of Shikoku, the Hachisuka family ushered in the era of the Tokushima Domain. In 1871, the domain system was abolished, and Tokushima Prefecture was officially established. When you visit Tokushima, be sure to explore the Tokushima Central Park, the site of Tokushima Castle. This was once the residence of the Hachisuka clan, the lords of the Tokushima Domain. Strolling through the park, you can almost envision its past glory. The Tokushima Castle Museum within the park houses a collection of precious artifacts, offering a deep dive into Tokushima's historical transformations. It's a must-visit for history buffs. Encountering Nature, Immersed in Dreamlike Scenery Tokushima's natural beauty is captivating. The Naruto Strait, one of the world's three major whirlpools, creates a spectacular display of nature's power during high and low tides as the changing currents generate massive whirlpools. Take a sightseeing boat for a closer look and experience the raw energy of nature. The Oboke and Koboke Gorges stretch along the Yoshino River, flanked by towering cliffs. A boat trip down the river offers breathtaking views of the canyon scenery, making you feel like you're in a magnificent landscape painting. Embracing Folklore, Experiencing Lively Festivities Awa Odori is Tokushima's most iconic cultural symbol, originating over 400 years ago. Every year from August 12th to 15th, the four-day Awa Odori Festival takes place. Dancers dressed in traditional costumes move to the rhythm of cheerful music, and the entire city is immersed in a vibrant atmosphere. Join the dance and unleash your energy as you experience the authentic spirit of Tokushima. A Culinary Journey, Savoring Local Delights Tokushima offers a diverse culinary scene. Tokushima ramen features thin noodles in a rich pork bone broth, topped with special char siu. One bite is pure bliss. Ayu sweetfish from the Yoshino River, known for its tender meat, is grilled over charcoal and sprinkled with a pinch of salt. The simple preparation enhances the natural, delicious flavor, leaving a lasting impression. Handy Tips for a Worry-Free Tokushima Trip For transportation, you can take the JR from Osaka or Takamatsu to Tokushima. Within Tokushima City, buses and taxis are readily available. You can also rent a bicycle and explore the city at your own pace. For accommodation, hotels in Tokushima City offer convenient access to transportation and numerous dining options. Alternatively, choose an onsen ryokan to enjoy relaxing hot springs while admiring the beautiful scenery. Skip the crowded tourist traps and embark on a unique journey to Tokushima Prefecture. Discover unforgettable travel memories amidst the interplay of history and modernity, nature and culture.

Tokushima Prefecture, located in southwestern Japan, sits in the eastern part of the Shikoku region. It borders the Kii Channel to the east, Kochi Prefecture to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the south, and Kagawa Prefecture to the north. Tokushima Prefecture has many attractions worth visiting. Here are some of the main ones: Natural Landscapes - Naruto Strait: Located between Naruto and Awaji Island, this strait is the intersection of the Seto Inland Sea and the Kii Channel. Countless whirlpools, large and small, are created during high and low tides, with the largest reaching diameters of 20 to 30 meters. Spring and autumn are the best times to view them. - Oboke and Koboke Gorges: Located in Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture, these gorges were formed by the Yoshino River eroding the rocks over 200 million years, creating a valley with steep cliffs and clear streams. Take a leisurely boat trip down the gentler Oboke Gorge or experience whitewater rafting in the winding Koboke Gorge, known for some of Japan's fastest rapids. - Iya Kazurabashi Bridge: Known as one of Japan's three most unusual bridges, this vine bridge is constructed from naturally growing kudzu vines. Surrounded by trees, with the Iya River flowing below, it offers different scenery each season: blooming wisteria in spring, fresh greenery in summer, colorful autumn leaves, and a spectacular snowy landscape in winter. History and Culture - Awa Odori Kaikan: This facility allows visitors to enjoy Tokushima's famous Awa Odori dance year-round. It also houses the Awa Odori Museum, which displays costumes, musical instruments, and other artifacts related to the dance, allowing visitors to learn about its history and even dance with the performers. - Kotohira-gū (Konpira Shrine): Located in Kotohira Town, this shrine is one of Shikoku's famous cherry blossom viewing spots, with 3,500 cherry trees stretching from the foot to the middle of the mountain. It is also a renowned Shinto shrine in the Shikoku region, dedicated to the god of safe seafaring and commercial prosperity. Its unique architectural style reflects a rich historical and cultural atmosphere. - Shikoku Pilgrimage: This is a temple pilgrimage route with over 1,200 years of history. The 88 temples across four prefectures are all connected to Kūkai, one of Japan's three great Buddhist monks. Join a day trip from Tokushima to visit Temples 1 through 5 and experience the solemnity and cultural heritage of these sacred sites. Art and Humanities - Otsuka Museum of Art: This museum houses exhibits from over 190 museums in 25 countries around the world. Using a special technique, world-famous paintings are reproduced on ceramic boards of the same size. The museum also features a three-dimensional replica of the interior of the Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and "The Last Judgment" on the altar wall. - Bizan Park: This high-altitude park in Tokushima City, at 290 meters above sea level, offers panoramic views of Tokushima City, the Yoshino River, and Awaji Island. The park features athletic fields, playgrounds, a public square, and a variety of flowers, making it a great place for leisure and recreation.

#2024 Travel Review **Naruto Bridge (Naruto Bridge)** The happiest part of 2024 was going to Tokushima! The Naruto Strait Bridge is a spectacular bridge connecting Tokushima and Awaji Island, with breathtaking views of the sea and whirlpools from above. Especially at sunset, the sunset reflected on the sea is really breathtakingly beautiful. Not only is this place suitable for taking pictures, but you can also enjoy the food on the observation deck next to it, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while also savoring the local snacks.

Japan has entered autumn, and we recommend visiting Naruto Park to enjoy the autumn leaves and the Naruto Strait. As one of the Seto Inland Sea National Parks, Naruto Park has four observation decks. From the Senjojiki Observation Deck, you can view the Onaruto Bridge and the Naruto Whirlpools from different angles, making it an excellent spot for sea photography. Nearby, there is the Onaruto Bridge Memorial Museum Eddy, a tourist facility themed around 'whirlpools' and 'bridges,' where both adults and children can have a great time.

Japan, Tokushima Prefecture is a small prefecture by the sea and has a lot of nature that is still very natural. In the picture is the Naruto River. The picture may not be very clear, I didn't take many pictures, and the day I went was rainy, so the pictures may not be very beautiful. But the real place is very beautiful. When I went, the atmosphere was cool, not too cold or hot, but the beauty was exciting when I saw the river swirling through the glass looking down, it was a bit scary.

#SpringTravel #SpringOuting Perhaps the biggest attraction in Tokushima is right here!! I recommend taking a boat and seeing it up close rather than looking at it from the bridge! After going around like this and going back to the port, the tour is over🥹😭 It takes about an hour for a round trip, so it's not that long!! It's a place that I definitely want to recommend on my trip because it's so amazing and leaves an intense memory. 📍 Narutocho Tosadomariura, Naruto, Tokushima 772-0053 Japan * Boat schedules vary! Depending on the weather!!! 💯 5.0/5.0 ♥️ It's so amazing and the pictures come out well!