This post was written in 2007. Some information may be out of date.
In Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku there’s a place called Naruto. In the strait between Shikoku and Awaji Island the currents create whirlpools, and they’ve built a walkway for sightseers right above them and turned the area into a kind of theme park. I’d always wanted to go, and this time I finally got the chance.
This photo was taken from an observation point on the way to Naruto Park.
The Seto Inland Sea spreads out beautifully below.
The bridge over the Naruto Strait
This is the Onaruto Bridge, linking Shikoku and Awaji Island. A viewing walkway runs out to the middle of it. The color of the sea is gorgeous and the sea breeze is so refreshing that you feel good without doing a thing.
Inside there’s a section like this with a glass floor.
You’re about 50 meters above the sea.
It makes your head spin.
But it’s fun at the same time.
Now, let’s take a look at the whirlpools.
They say the whirlpools are biggest at the peak of high and low tide, but sadly I missed that timing. Even so, it was a really fun experience.
There’s also a tour where you take a boat to see them up close.
It’s reservation-only, so I couldn’t do it this time, but next time I’d really like to go. I bet there’s a dizzying thrill waiting out there, like you’re about to get sucked into the whirlpool.
The view from the observatory
Inside the observatory
After leaving the observatory I walked along the promenade.
It’s a really fun place. It’s not easy to get to, but it was well worth the effort.
The bridge seen from the other side
If I come again, I want to be a bit better prepared. This time I went knowing absolutely nothing, and I think it made things a lot harder than they needed to be.