Uzu no Michi, Observation deck and sidewalk at Onaruto Bridge, Japan
Uzu no Michi is a walkway beneath the Onaruto Bridge featuring glass floor panels that allow views down to the water 45 meters below. The approximately 450-meter-long path passes through four different zones with rest areas, from which visitors can watch the water movements in the Naruto Strait.
This facility opened in April 2000 and provided the first safe way to observe the natural whirlpools directly from above the water. Construction beneath the bridge created a new kind of access to a phenomenon that travelers had previously only seen from boats.
The name Uzu no Michi means "path of whirlpools" and reflects the deep connection locals feel toward the natural forces that shape this waterway. Visitors gather at designated spots to watch the water's constant motion, a phenomenon that has defined life in this region for generations.
The walkway is open throughout the year, though windy or stormy days may limit visibility of the whirlpool formation. Wear sturdy shoes and allow enough time to explore the different observation points at a relaxed pace.
The glass floor sections allow a direct view into the whirlpools created by current differences between the two connected ocean areas. This immediate experience shows visitors the raw power of natural forces at work directly beneath their feet.
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