What is the Naruto Whirlpools Cruise?
Departing from **Fukura Port** at the southern tip of Awaji Island, the “Naruto Whirlpools Cruise” is a popular activity that allows you to see the “Naruto Whirlpools,” one of the world’s three major tidal currents, up close.
The dynamic whirlpools created by nature are truly breathtaking! During the spring and autumn spring tides, you may even witness giant whirlpools over 20 meters in diameter.
Sightseeing Ship: Nippon Maru
There are two sightseeing ships for the Naruto Whirlpools Cruise: “Kanrin Maru” and “Nippon Maru.”
This time, I boarded the Nippon Maru.
Access Information
Address: Uzushio Dome Nanairo-kan, Fukura Port, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture
By Car
・About 15 minutes by car from Nishitan Mihara IC on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway
・Accessible from Awaji Island Minami IC as well
・Free parking available
From Osaka by Train and Highway Bus
・If taking the highway bus, it is recommended to take a train from JR Osaka Station to JR Maiko Station on the Kobe Line, then board the highway bus bound for Fukura from the Maiko Highway Bus Terminal. The ride from Maiko to Fukura takes about 1 hour.
Boarding Procedures
Boarding procedures for the Naruto Whirlpools Cruise are conducted at Uzushio Dome Nanairo-kan.
If you have made an online reservation, simply scan the QR code at the terminal to receive your ticket.
If registering on the day, you will need to fill out the boarding list.
Be sure to go to the boarding gate at least 15 minutes before departure.
Timing of Departure is Key!
Check the Whirlpool Calendar in Advance!
Whirlpools are not visible all the time, so it’s best to aim for the period when the tidal currents are fastest.
The official site provides a “Naruto Whirlpools Prediction Calendar,” so checking it in advance ensures the best chance to see them.
The best conditions are during “spring tides,” “giant whirlpools,” and times marked with “◎” on the whirlpool expectation chart.
Clear weather is also preferable for seeing the sea beautifully.
Since meeting all conditions is difficult, at minimum aim for a “giant whirlpool day” during a “◎” time slot.
Naruto Whirlpools Cruise Prices (Individual Guests)
| Adult (Junior High School and older) | 3,000 JPY |
| Child (Elementary School) | 1,500 JPY ※Children cannot board alone |
| Infant (Below Elementary School) | 1 free per adult (additional children charged at child rate) |
The above prices are for individual guests. Discounts are available for groups and guests with disabilities.
For details, please check the official pricing page.
I Actually Went on the Cruise!
I boarded the sightseeing ship “Nippon Maru.”
Once we set sail, the sea breeze was very pleasant, and the approximately 1-hour cruise began while enjoying the coastline of Awaji Island.
See Directly Under the Onaruto Bridge!
After about 25 minutes, we arrived directly under the Onaruto Bridge!
The view looking up from below the bridge is truly overwhelming!
This is the Naruto Strait area, where the surrounding waters are calm, but the waves here are extremely intense!
You can see whirlpools forming in many spots in the photo!
The whirlpools under the Onaruto Bridge make for a truly picturesque scene.
The Power of the Whirlpools is Beyond Imagination!
Seeing the whirlpools up close feels like witnessing the raw power of nature.
When the currents are strong, the water roils and churns loudly, and the ship rocks significantly.
Safety is well-managed, so it’s safe for families and couples alike.
As you can see, violent waves form in various directions, colliding in many places, creating a dramatic spectacle!
These are relatively small whirlpools, but you can clearly see their beautiful spirals.
It was a sunny day, so the emerald-green sea looked stunning!
This is a large whirlpool, and you can feel its power even from photos.
You really get a sense of nature’s immense strength.
Whirlpools Disappear Quickly, So Be Careful
I went without prior knowledge and assumed whirlpools would spin continuously for a long time.
In reality, they form at the exact moment waves collide and disappear in an instant.
The perfect spiral often lasts only 1–2 seconds.
The large whirlpool shown above also vanished within a second.
If you expect the whirlpools to spin continuously, you might be disappointed.
Even if the whirlpools don’t last long, the intense currents of the Naruto Strait are spectacular.
Photo opportunities are limited, so video recording is recommended.
The photos in this blog are cropped from 4K video footage.
After the Cruise: Souvenirs & Dining at Nanairo-kan
After the cruise, enjoy shopping for souvenirs or having a meal at Nanairo-kan!
Uzushio Shop MARINE
This shop offers whirlpool-themed sweets and Awaji Island specialties, mainly onion-based products.
I bought some onion soup myself!
The price is incredible: 10 packs for only 490 JPY!
For a souvenir shop at a tourist spot, this is a bargain.
The packaging is cute, making it a perfect gift!
Restaurant Nanairo
There is also a restaurant on the 2nd floor.
Here you can enjoy seafood dishes made with fresh ingredients from the waters around Awaji Island!
Everything looks delicious!
Seafood after the whirlpools cruise is sure to be an unforgettable memory.
Summary
The “Naruto Whirlpools Cruise” on Awaji Island is an immersive sightseeing experience where you can feel the power of nature.
Check the whirlpool calendar in advance and aim for a “giant whirlpool” day.
If you go on a sunny day, the contrast between the emerald-green sea and the white whirlpools is stunning and refreshing!
Since whirlp
Note: Awaji Island has no train service, so it may be a difficult destination for visitors from abroad. Make sure to plan your transportation in advance.
The following article introduces “Uzu no Oka Onaruto Bridge Memorial Museum.”👇
