Naruto Strait, Strait and scenic landmark between Awaji Island and Shikoku, Japan
The Naruto Strait is a roughly 1.3-kilometer-wide passage between Awaji Island and Shikoku where different ocean currents collide and create distinctive water movements. The changing tides intensify these forces, transforming the water surface into swirling patterns that shift throughout the day.
The passage has served as a vital shipping route since ancient times and shaped the region's development. For centuries, trading vessels and fishing boats navigated through this channel as a key connection between inland waters and the open sea.
This marine passage holds a special place in local identity and has inspired artists and writers for centuries. Visitors can sense how the powerful water movements have shaped the way people in the region view nature and their connection to the sea.
Viewing platforms on the Onaruto Bridge offer glass walkways for observation, while boat tours depart from terminals in Naruto and Minamiawaji for closer perspectives. The water movements vary depending on tidal cycles, so planning your visit according to tidal schedules will give you the most dramatic views.
The water can spin in large spirals, creating sounds that echo across the strait like distant thunder. This dramatic display only occurs under specific tidal conditions, making each visit potentially different from the last.
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