For a country that appears small (at least to Australian and North Americans), Japan hides a lot of treasures that are beyond most people’s imaginations. And beyond the oft-reported “overtourism” in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, for that matter.
Many of these are located on or near Japan’s three secondary islands, i.e. Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. Today, we’ll be taking about the third of these three islands, which is located just south of the Kansai and Chugoku regions of Honshu island, across the Seto Inland Sea.
I’m talking specifically about the mysterious Naruto Whirlpools, which are located just outside the city of Tokushima. No matter what about this place interests you, I promise you: It’s just as fascinating as it sounds!
The Truth About the Naruto Whirlpools
The first time I visited the whirlpools, I felt ripped off…well, kind of. Allow me to explain. You see, although I had always known that “real” whirlpools (meaning, underwater tornadoes that could suck you down to the bottom of the sea) do not actually exist, I was slightly disappointed to see that the ones at Naruto were basically just tides that only really spun when you looked at them just the right way.
One way to keep the experience enjoyable, no matter how you feel about the whirlpools, is to
mix a little fun into your downtime. After a day of sightseeing, many travelers unwind with online
games, with pokies being a popular choice. A few spins can add an extra layer of excitement to your
trip: If the whirlpools impressed you, the games make the day feel even luckier; if they didn’t, the
thrill of a win can quickly turn things around.
5 Things to Know About Visiting Naruto Whirlpools
They’re an easy day trip from Tokushima
Buses can take you from Tokushima Station to the Naruto Whirlpools in about 90 minutes one-way, making them an easy day (or, if you play your cards right, half-day) trip from Tokushima City. Alternatively, if you’ve rented a car, you can make the journey in all little as 30 minutes.
You can take a boat
Once you arrive at the Shikoku whirlpools, you will have the option of taking a boat right out onto the water where they spin. Times differ each day according to tides, but with four daily departments, chances are low that you will have to wait very long after arriving to board. View the schedule here.
(But you don’t have to)
Don’t like boats, or prefer to see the whirlpools from above? You instead ascend Onaruto Bridge Uzu no Michi, a glass-bottomed bridge that allows you to look down on the whirlpools from far up in the air. Note that if you have a fear of heights, this might not be the best option for you!
They aren’t at their peak all day
When they’re at their largest, the Japan whirlpools are thought to be the biggest in the world, with some exceeding 20 meters (or 60 feet) in diameter. However, this only occurs four times per day at tidal maxima, so make sure to be mindful of tide times when planning your visit to the site.
(Or all year)
Indeed, you’re much likelier to see huge whirlpools in spring or autumn than you are the rest of the year. This is not to say that you can’t see the whirlpools in January or July; they just tend to be a lot more impressive in months like April and October (which, frankly, are better times to visit Japan anyway).
Other Things to Do in Tokushima
Tokushima is an underrated city and prefecture, and is very worthy of at least a few days of your time. Here are a few ways to occupy your time there:
- Come in August for the Awa Odori dance festival, known around Japan as one of the very best matsuri in the country.
- Ascend the Bizan Ropeway, and enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea (and, on very clear days, the whirlpools themselves) from the top.
- Go by train into the inland part of Toksuhima-ken, whether that’s all the way to the Iya Valley, or simply stopping en route at Wakimachi town, which produces amazing indigo products.
TIP: The other three prefectures of Shikoku island—Kochi, Ehime and Kagawa—are also very much worth your time, depending upon how long you have to spend here.
Other FAQ About Visiting Naruto Whirlpools
What causes the Naruto Whirlpool?
The short answer is that the intersection of various tidal currents causes the Naruto Whirlpools. If you want a more detailed scientific explanation, this article from the University of Queensland is written by experts, and delves deep into the specifics.
When to see Naruto Whirlpools?
Naruto Whirlpools appear all year, though they are most pronounced during the spring and autumn months. Likewise, since they are tidal, their appearance on a daily basis depends upon high and low tides. When you arrive at the visitor’s center, staff will inform you of the next-best time to see the whirlpools.
Are the Naruto Whirlpools safe?
Unlike the whirlpool that forms in your bathtub when you remove the stopper, the Naruto Whirlpools are primarily a surface-level event. As a result, there is no way a whirlpool here could suck you down under the water, even if the boat you’re in goes directly over it.
The Bottom Line
The (maybe) bad news? The Naruto Whirlpools aren’t “whirlpools” as you probably think of them. The good news? They’re still an absolutely fascinating place to visit, particularly if you visit in spring and autumn when tidal maximums make them extra dramatic, and if you already plan to stay in nearby Tokushima. Avail the glass skywalk that local authorities have built, or take a boat tour—it’s safe, don’t worry. Regardless of what form your trip takes or why you go, it’s sure to rank among your most unforgettable travel experiences in Japan. Speaking of which, if you want to ensure your entire trip is next-level, yo should consider hiring me to plan it!
