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