English

Naruto Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat

🌊 Naruto Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat (うずしお観潮船)

Get Up Close to One of the World’s Largest Natural Whirlpools!

The Naruto Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat offers an exciting opportunity to see the Naruto Whirlpools, a natural wonder located in the Naruto Strait between Tokushima Prefecture (Shikoku) and Awaji Island (Hyogo Prefecture). These whirlpools are among the largest in the world and can reach up to 20 meters in diameter during peak tide!

🚢 Two Types of Boats

1. Wonder Naruto – Large Boat

  • A standard cruise ship with spacious seating and panoramic views

  • Duration: ~30 minutes

  • Ideal for families and those who want to enjoy the whirlpools from the deck

  • Offers narration in Japanese (some English materials available)

2. Aqua Eddy – Underwater View Boat

  • A smaller, futuristic boat with underwater observation windows

  • See the whirlpools from below the surface — a rare and immersive experience!

  • Duration: ~25 minutes

  • Advance reservation recommended due to limited capacity

🌀 What Are the Naruto Whirlpools?

  • Formed by strong tidal currents between the Pacific Ocean and Seto Inland Sea

  • Occur during the ebb and flow of tides, especially during spring and autumn full moons

  • Best seen during peak tide times, which change daily (check the tide schedule!)

📍 Access

  • Boats depart from Kameura Port, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture

  • 🚌 About 20 minutes by bus or taxi from JR Naruto Station

  • 🚗 Parking is available if you’re traveling by car

  • Easy to combine with a visit to Ōnaruto Bridge or the Naruto German House

🕒 Operation & Tickets

  • Operates daily (weather and tide conditions permitting)

  • Tickets can be purchased on-site or online in advance

  • Discount packages often available with Naruto whirlpool observatory admission

🎯 Why Take the Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat?

  • 🌊 Get up close to one of nature’s most dramatic ocean phenomena

  • 🚢 Choose between open-deck views or underwater observation

  • 📸 Capture once-in-a-lifetime photos and videos of giant whirlpools

  • 🧠 Learn about tidal science and natural geography

  • 👪 Fun and educational for travelers of all ages

The Naruto Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat is one of Japan’s most thrilling marine experiences, offering a rare chance to witness the raw power and beauty of nature just meters away. It’s a must-do when visiting Tokushima or crossing the Seto Inland Sea.

Official Website
https://www.uzusio.com/en/

Accommodation sites
Agoda

Expedia

Booking.com

 

Follow X! Japan Explorations

 

-English