ONARUTO BRIDGE

Onaruto Bridge, located in Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, is a striking suspension bridge connecting Awaji Island and Shikoku. The bridge is one of the largest bridges in the world, although it is dwarfed by the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, on the same route. The bride is 876 meters long.

Spanning the Naruto Strait, the Onaruto Bridge is famous for the Naruto whirlpools visible beneath it, created by tidal currents. Opened in 1985, Onaruto Bridge is part of the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, facilitating transportation between Honshu and Shikoku.

During your Japan tour, Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the Uzu no Michi walkway, which runs beneath the bridge, or take whirlpool sightseeing boat tours. Nearby attractions include Naruto Park, the Otsuka Museum of Art, and various observation points, making the bridge a key destination for its engineering marvel, natural beauty, and surrounding cultural experiences.

Highlights

• Experience the grandness of the engineering marvel that is the Onaruto Bridge in Japan.
• Traverse the 450-meter Uzunomichi Walkway and be astonished to see the Naruto whirlpools from the south tower.
• See the depth of the whirlpools up close on a tourist boat or vessel that circles the south tower.
• Go to the bridge observatory and see the pattern created by the eddy currents.
• Visit the scenic Naruto Park and Onaruto Bridge Museum to learn about the construction and engineering of the bridge.

How To Reach

Onaruto Bridge is located on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway and it is 20 km from Naruto city centre.

• By Car: If you have rented your own car then head south on Route 28 from Naruto city centre. Follow signs to reach the bridge. It is a 20 to 30-minute drive and the way is straightforward.
• By Bus: From Naruto Station, take a bus towards the Ōnaruto Bridge. The bus journey from the city centre takes about 20-30 minutes and the buses run frequently and are well-marked. Make sure to check the local bus schedules for the most accurate times.
• By Taxi: You can also take a taxi from Naruto City Centre directly to the bridge. This is a convenient option and will take approximately 20 minutes.

Best Time To Visit

• Best Time to Visit: Onaruto Bridge is a public highway and does not have charges or timings. However, there are specific attractions associated with the bridge that have their own fees and timings. Like, the Uzunomichi Walkway entry fee is 510 yen for adults and 250 yen for children. Check for the timings before going.
• Best Season to Visit: The ideal season to visit the bridge is when the whirlpools are quite active and the weather is pleasant. So the best season to visit the Onaruto Bridge is during spring or autumn. You can enjoy the optimal combination of vibrant whirlpool activity, pleasant weather, and beautiful natural scenery.
• Best Day of the Week: The best experience to watch Whirlpools is in a smaller crowd. Also, you need to check the tide schedule to have a better experience. Visit the bridge in midweek and align your visit with the tide schedule. This way you can maximise your experience at the Onaruto Bridge with fewer crowds and better access to the attractions.
• Best Time of the Day: The best time of day to visit the Onaruto Bridge is during high tide, typically around mid-morning or mid-afternoon when the whirlpools are most active and visible. Checking the local tide schedule will ensure you catch the whirlpools at their peak.

Other Essential Information

• Check the boat ride tours and timings of the viewpoint.
• Wear comfortable footwear.
• Photography is allowed at the Uzunomichi Walkway.