Gaze down from a bridge over world-class, epic whirlpools.

Gaze down from a bridge over world-class, epic whirlpools.

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP

Onaruto bridge is a part of the networks that connect the main Honshu and Shikoku islands in Japan. It stretches across the Naruto Straight that links Shikoku’s northeast region, Minamiawaji in Hyogo Prefecture and Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture, seeing over 18,000 cars cross it on average a day. The bridge was built as a dual road-rail bridge, with a road for cars on the upper deck and special access path along the side. During the Onaruto Bridge Whirlpool Walk tour you’ll enjoy a rare chance to take the bridge’s backstage access route for an exclusive view over the Naruto Whirlpools from above.

Enjoy a stroll and learn new stories behind the bridge’s construction.

The tour begins with check-in at the observation deck of Michi-no-eki Uzushio. There you’ll receive a helmet, gloves, and tour overview. Using a real-to-size cable cross section model you’ll hear an all-inclusive explanation of the bridge and its significance along with a run-through of important points to note before your tour. Then comes the time to finally enter the backstage bridge path, currently unavailable to regular visitors, to start your tour.

Meet at the Observation Deck of Michi-no-eki Uzushio, which is directly connected to Awajishima Minami IC
Meet at the Observation Deck of Michi-no-eki Uzushio, which is directly connected to Awajishima Minami IC
Includes an all-inclusive overview about the bridge construction, held with the help of this 84cm-diameter cable cross section model from Onaruto Bridge.
Includes an all-inclusive overview about the bridge construction, held with the help of this 84cm-diameter cable cross section model from Onaruto Bridge.
Head over to the connecting shoulder ramp of Onaruto Bridge to start. The total walk will take you 1,629 meters to “Whirlpool Road” (Adult tickets: 510yen. ※included in total tour price).
Head over to the connecting shoulder ramp of Onaruto Bridge to start. The total walk will take you 1,629 meters to “Whirlpool Road” (Adult tickets: 510yen. ※included in total tour price).

Bask in the Ocean Breeze! A Remarkable View Best Seen Up Close.

The backstage access route that spans Onaruto Bridge is a meter wide and a total 1,629 meters long. The path will take you up your final destination, facing the whirlpools. This walk is set 45 meters above the ocean, with nothing but the bridge beams around you so you can feel the 3km/s seabreeze as it hits your skin. The lattice floor offers views as the waves splash below that are so impressive you won’t be able to stop and wonder. As your tour proceeds you’ll hear more details about the building’s architecture, stories of when it was built and bonus sightseeing tips about the neighboring islands. All of this is brought to you by the helpful, knowledge staff and guide who lead you across.

The bridge architecture is made with intricate trusses which you’ll learn about with an easy-to-digest explanation.
The bridge architecture is made with intricate trusses which you’ll learn about with an easy-to-digest explanation.
The giant windmill in the far distance is an iconic landmark of Minamiawaji.
The giant windmill in the far distance is an iconic landmark of Minamiawaji.
Along the walk you’ll even find floor signs that show you the prefectural border of Hyogo and Tokushima Prefectures when you cross it.
Along the walk you’ll even find floor signs that show you the prefectural border of Hyogo and Tokushima Prefectures when you cross it.

Enjoy an exclusive look at this remarkable view, only available on this tour.

Just 75 pillars away from the start you’ll find the bridge’s center. Here you’ll find a crystal clear view of the whirlpools below. They swirl in an endless vortex that looks like a piece of art made by mother nature! This exclusive view is only available to participants of this tour. Occasionally you may even catch at sightseeing boat as it cruises below, giving you a chance to really see and grasp the vastness of the whirlpools. If you want to snap a picture, grab one of the provided lanyards to ensure your phone by neckstrap. The endpoint of your trip is a destination in itself called “Whirlpool Road”. From here you can find a panoramic view of the northern side that isn’t visible from the special access path.

The globally acclaimed whirlpools for the Naruto Strait. While the exact size may change by the day, some whirlpools become as large as 30m in diameter.
The globally acclaimed whirlpools for the Naruto Strait. While the exact size may change by the day, some whirlpools become as large as 30m in diameter.
Catch a view of the sightseeing boats float by beneath your feet to really grasp the vastness of the whirlpools.
Catch a view of the sightseeing boats float by beneath your feet to really grasp the vastness of the whirlpools.
On the Naruto-side of the Naruto Straight you’ll find Whirlpool Road. It’s designed as an amusement stroll, with glass view windows to see below.
On the Naruto-side of the Naruto Straight you’ll find Whirlpool Road. It’s designed as an amusement stroll, with glass view windows to see below.