Naruto Whirlpools

The Naruto Whirlpools are one of the three largest tidal whirlpool phenomena in the world, occurring in the Naruto Strait between the southern tip of Awaji Island and Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku. The whirlpools are created by the massive tidal flows between the Pacific Ocean and the Seto Inland Sea, with water level differences of up to 1.5 meters generating whirlpools that can reach 20 meters in diameter during spring tides. The best viewing times change daily with the tides, so checking a tide schedule before visiting is essential. There are two main ways to experience the whirlpools: sightseeing boats that cruise directly into the swirling waters (departing from Fukura Port on the Awaji side), and the Uzu-no-Michi walkway, a 450-meter enclosed promenade under the Onaruto Bridge with glass-floored observation points 45 meters above the strait. The whirlpools are most spectacular during the spring tides (around new and full moons) in spring and autumn, when tidal ranges peak around the equinoxes.