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Naruto

A coastal city in Tokushima on the Naruto Strait, known for its tidal whirlpools and as the start of the Shikoku pilgrimage.

Character
Naruto faces Awaji Island across the Naruto Strait, where tidal currents form whirlpools up to about 20 m across. You can watch them from sightseeing boats or from a glass-floored walkway under the Onaruto Bridge. The city also has the large Otsuka Museum of Art and Ryozenji, the first temple of the 88-temple Shikoku pilgrimage.
Why it stands out
Plan around the tide tables rather than the clock: there are usually two good viewing windows a day, and outside them the strait is much calmer.
Getting there
From Osaka Station, highway buses to Tokushima stop at Kosoku Naruto and Naruto Park (about 2 hours, ¥3,300). From Tokushima, JR Naruto Line trains take about 30 minutes. From Tokyo, fly from Haneda to Tokushima Airport (about 75 minutes); buses go to Naruto Station (about 15 minutes) and Naruto Park (about 35 minutes).
Seasons
Whirlpools form with each tide change, and there are usually two good viewing times a day. They are largest in spring and autumn, and stronger around the new and full moon.
Watch-outs
Whirlpools can be small or hard to see on some days, so check tide times before buying boat tickets. Highway buses are not covered by the JR Pass. The underwater-view boat (AQUA EDDY) needs a reservation.
Neighbourhoods
Naruto Park: Park on the strait with an observation deck; highway buses from Osaka stop here. / Onaruto Bridge: Bridge over the strait, with the Uzu-no-Michi walkway on its lower deck. / Naruto Station area: End of the JR Naruto Line, about 5 minutes by bus from Kosoku Naruto (¥110).
Nearby
Uzu-no-Michi / Whirlpool sightseeing boats / Eska Hill Naruto / Senjojiki Observatory / Otsuka Museum of Art / Ryozenji / Naruto German House

Naruto condotels and hotel condos for sale

A condotel (hotel condominium) is a hotel room you own outright, which the hotel rents to guests when you are not using it. These are the Naruto buildings and resort clubs this site tracks, with their current asking prices.

Browse Naruto by budget

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