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

The following is a detailed travel guide to Tokushima, Japan: I. Transportation Guide 1. Airplane: You can fly to Tokushima Airport and then transfer to a bus or taxi to the city center. Tokushima Airport is located between Naruto and Tokushima Station, and the bus ride takes about 1 hour. 2. Ferry: From Wakayama, you can take a ferry to Tokushima. The fare is approximately JPY 2,200, with sailings in the morning and afternoon. Due to the slower speed of the ferry, it is recommended to plan your time in advance. 3. Train: You can take the JR Line from Osaka, Kobe, and other locations to Tokushima Station. In addition, there are public transportation options such as buses and taxis within Tokushima City, making it convenient for tourists to visit various attractions. II. Must-See Attractions 1. Naruto Strait (Naruto Whirlpools) • Introduction: The Naruto Whirlpools are tidal phenomena that occur in the Naruto Strait. During high tide, large whirlpools with diameters of up to 20 meters appear on the sea surface, creating a spectacular sight. • Viewing Methods: You can take a sightseeing boat to view the whirlpools or walk on the Onaruto Bridge. The Onaruto Bridge is about 450 meters long and has rest stops along the way. Through the glass floor of the walkway, you can see the whirlpools 45 meters below. • How to Get There: It's about a 15-minute drive from Naruto Station. 2. Oboke and Koboke Gorges • Introduction: Carved by the Yoshino River's rapids over 200 million years, these gorges stretch for 8 kilometers. Oboke was designated a National Natural Monument and Place of Scenic Beauty in 2016 and 2017. • Viewing Methods: You can take a sightseeing boat tour of the Oboke Gorge or go rafting in the rapids. • Address: Shigemi, Yamashiro-cho, Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture. • How to Get There: It's about a 10-minute drive from Koboke Station. 3. Kazurabashi Bridge • Introduction: Located in the Iya Valley of the Oboke region, the Kazurabashi Bridge is woven from the vines of wild Japanese raisin trees, weighing 5 tons. It is listed as one of Japan's three unique bridges, along with the Kintai Bridge in Yamaguchi Prefecture and the Saruhashi Bridge in Yamanashi Prefecture. • Features: The Kazurabashi Bridge is 45 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 14 meters above the ground. Walking on the bridge offers beautiful views of the stream but requires a certain degree of courage. • Address: 162-2 Zentoku, Nishi-Iya, Miyoshi City, Tokushima. 4. Tokushima Asutamu Land • Introduction: A park with a focus on science and nature, suitable for families. The park features a planetarium with a diameter of 20 meters, a Four Seasons Pavilion, and water play facilities. • Address: 45-22 Kibigadani, Nadon, Itano-cho, Itano-gun, Tokushima Prefecture. • Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 5 PM from September to June (closed on Wednesdays); 9:30 AM to 6 PM from July to August (closed on Wednesdays). 5. Awa Odori Kaikan • Introduction: Awa Odori is a traditional cultural and artistic event in Tokushima, Shikoku, with a history of over 400 years. The Awa Odori Kaikan is a place to learn about Awa Odori, with different groups performing unique Awa Odori dances daily. • Performance Content: In addition to performances, there are explanations and interactive sessions where the audience can join the performers on stage. • Address: 2-20 Shinmachi-bashi, Tokushima City. • How to Get There: From the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, take the Naruto Interchange and follow National Route 11 for 12 kilometers (about 30 minutes); or take the Tokushima Interchange and it's about a 20-minute drive. III. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Hotel Sunroute Tokushima: Located directly opposite Tokushima Station, offering convenient transportation, hot springs, and friendly service. 2. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokushima Ekimae: Excellent location next to JR Tokushima Station, with new facilities and comfortable rooms. IV. Food Recommendations 1. Ikko Tokushima Honten: A specialty restaurant serving delicious bone-in Awaodori chicken dishes. There is also a branch in front of Tokushima Station. 2. Tokushima Ramen Menoh Tokushima Ekimae Main Store: Offers ramen with rich broth, as well as lighter udon options. V. Important Notes 1. Weather and Clothing: Tokushima has a mild climate with distinct seasons. It is recommended to bring appropriate clothing according to the season. 2. Transportation Cards and Cash: Some attractions and restaurants may only accept cash, so it is recommended to carry enough cash. You can also consider purchasing a local transportation card for convenient travel on public transportation. 3. Plan Ahead: As some attractions are far from the station, it is recommended to plan your itinerary and transportation in advance. In particular, the Naruto Whirlpools can only be seen during high tide, so you can search for the Naruto Whirlpool timetable in advance. With this guide, you can better plan your trip to Tokushima and enjoy a wonderful travel experience.

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.

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.