Spot: Naruto Whirlpools/Tidal Pools
Prefecture: Tokushima
Date Visited: May 3, 2019
In recent years, many people associate Naruto with the foxy ninja that conquered the hearts of shōnen manga/anime-loving fans. Many attribute the character’s name to the fishcake that shares the same name, most often found in a bowl of ramen. Which is why, when I was looking up things to do in Tokushima Prefecture, I was pleased to know that there is, indeed, a town called Naruto. As a matter of fact, it’s known for its whirlpools.
Unlike the Anime Hero, Naruto is a Quiet Town
A typical town in the countryside, Naruto is mostly quiet and uneventful. The two most known attractions are the tidal pools and Otsuka Museum of Art, which can be done as a day trip from Tokushima City. At the time, I was coming from Ehime and I had booked two nights in Naruto, which I later realized to be unneeded.
How to See the Tidal Pools of Naruto
Timing is Essential
As with all events dependent on nature, timing is crucial if you want to see the tidal pools at their most visible. Thankfully, this English website tells you when to see them best on a daily basis, as well as the times the sightseeing cruises set sail. The optimal viewing times are usually twice a day.
Sightseeing Cruises, A Small Boat or a Bridge: 3 Ways to See the Naruto Whirlpools
A quick online search on how to will tell you that there are two sightseeing cruises dedicated to seeing the tidal pools: Wonder Naruto and Aqua Eddy. The latter has the added advantage of an underwater observatory for a slightly higher price. Do take note, however, that to take photos of the whirlpools—or at least attempt to do so—you’ll have to be on deck. One boat ride usually goes near the whirlpool several times, allowing you many chances to see and/or capture them on camera. However, snapping photos can be tricky, especially if there are many people trying to do the same (say, during Golden Week, which was when I was there).
I actually wanted to see the whirlpools through Aqua Eddy, but I unfortunately got off the wrong bus stop. The place is hard to navigate on foot and only a few buses run every hour. Because of this, I ended up booking the small boat, which runs under Uzushio Kisen. While this wasn’t my original plan, but I got to see what I wanted just the same.
One other alternative is to go to Onaruto Bridge and view the whirlpools from Uzu no Michi. The glass flooring lets you look down at the whirlpools directly beneath you.
Naruto Whirlpools Sighteeing Cruise Prices
| Wonder Naruto | Aqua Eddy | Uzushio Kisen | |
| Adult | ¥1,800 | ¥2,400 | ¥1,550 |
| Child | ¥900 | ¥1,200 | ¥780 |
Avoid Peak Season
Naruto itself may be a quiet town, but the whirlpools attract many people during peak season like Golden Week. I came early to buy tickets for the boat, the but they got full so fast, I could only buy tickets for latter times. Unless you go to the museum, there is no nearby cafe where you can spend time waiting for your scheduled boat. Naruto is not developed enough to handle a large influx of people, so be wise about your travels, plan ahead, and avoid peak seasons as much as possible.
Access to Naruto Whirlpools
To ride the small boat, get off at Uzushio Kisen.
Google Maps
To get to Naruto Wonder and Aqua Eddy, get off at Naruto Park (Naruto Kōen) Bus Stop.
Google Maps
Uzu no Michi is also a walking distance from Naruto Park Bus Stop.
Google Maps
