Photo: Kounosu, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Naruto Whirlpool & Bridge
Overview
The strait between Tokushima and Awaji where massive tidal whirlpools form, with the Otsuka Museum of Art on the headland.
Naruto Strait is famous for the daily whirlpools formed by tides squeezing between Awaji Island and Shikoku, best viewed from the Uzu-no-Michi glass walkway slung beneath the Onaruto Bridge or from sightseeing boats. The Eddy Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall covers the engineering and oceanography. Just up the headland, the Otsuka Museum of Art holds full-scale ceramic reproductions of more than 1,000 Western masterpieces and rewards an unhurried half-day visit on its own.
Local tips
Whirlpool intensity peaks at spring tides; check the tide chart before booking a boat. Give the Otsuka Museum at least three hours; it's the largest exhibition space in Japan.
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