Things to do in Naruto

The Otsuka Museum of Art was larger than I expected, making it a great place to explore at a leisurely pace. What I liked most was that it brought together world-famous artworks in one place, allowing me to see a wide variety all at once. Although they weren't the original pieces, being able to see so many works in one spot still felt very meaningful. Each space had a different atmosphere, which made the visit more enjoyable, and there were many great spots for taking photos. The walking paths are quite long, so comfortable shoes are a must, but it was a wonderful place to spend time and explore slowly.

The moment I stepped onto the Naruto Whirlpools Walkway, my heart was filled with anticipation. This pathway, built beneath the piers of the Onaruto Bridge, offers a unique vantage point to overlook the world-famous Naruto Whirlpools. It transformed this trip from mere sightseeing into an intimate dialogue with the forces of nature. As I walked along the path, transparent reinforced glass lay beneath my feet, allowing me to look down and see the turbulent currents rushing below. When the tides shifted and the whirlpools gradually formed, the swirling, churning power was truly astonishing. Standing before the viewing windows, watching the immense eddies created by the topography and tidal differences, I couldn't help but marvel at the mystery and unpredictability of nature. These whirlpools were sometimes grand, sometimes intricate, constantly changing, and utterly captivating. For this visit, I specifically chose a time close to the optimal viewing period for the whirlpools. When they reached their peak intensity, the entire sea surface seemed to churn and boil, and the sound of the rushing water resonated through the bridge structure, deeply impacting me. That dual visual and auditory impact was far more memorable than any photo or video, and it made me profoundly appreciate the value of experiencing it firsthand.

Embark on a Naruto whirlpool cruise and experience the awe-inspiring power of the world's largest whirlpool up close! As the rushing currents churn and intertwine beneath your feet, this spectacular natural wonder will leave you breathless. It's an unforgettable adventure and an absolute must-do when visiting Awaji Island.

This was one of the best trips I have booked in Japan, not just because of the beautiful scenery but because of how well everything was planned and explained in advance by our tour guide, Steve. He shared helpful information for each spot beforehand, making the experience relaxed/enjoyable. I was impressed by his fluency in Japanese, English, Chinese 😎Steve was friendly, polite, and kind 🙏🏻he made everyone feel comfortable, took great photos for me and never left us alone, which made the trip feel safe and personal. views were breathtaking even on a cold, windy day🥰and the staff were hygienic. The Happy Pancake place was a highlight, and Steve’s tips helped us get the best seating. He even ensured I had hot water for my noodles at lunch. Spotting a whirlpool on a windy day felt special 🥰The Awa Odori dance was elegant and fun, with live music that made it impossible not to dance—I even won an award 😍I highly recommend this trip in spring or fall for a relaxed yet stunning day.10/10 ⭐️

The tour guide and driver were polite, and the itinerary was well-planned, including time for lunch. Since it was a Saturday, we only had an hour to spend on Awaji Island, and the wait for Shifuku no Pancake was quite long, so we weren't able to try the pancakes, which was a bit disappointing.

This time, I brought my family to Takamatsu, and to easily explore the surrounding attractions, we opted for a private car day tour. This was absolutely the best decision of the entire trip! 🚗 Professional and Warm Local Guide First, I must highly commend our driver! Her service was incredibly professional and attentive. Not only did she drive smoothly the entire way, but she also introduced us to Takamatsu's attractions and local customs like a local friend. What I'm most grateful for is that, based on the day's pace, she specifically recommended we visit **"Zentsu-ji Temple."** This wasn't in our original plan, but she guaranteed it was worth a visit based on her professional experience, and it truly amazed us. It perfectly demonstrated the advantage of flexible adjustments in a private car tour. 📍 Today's Itinerary Highlights First Stop: Slowpoke Park If you're a Pokémon fan or traveling with kids, this place is paradise! There are adorable Slowpoke facilities everywhere, colorful and perfect for photos. This first stop put everyone in a great mood. Second Stop: Konpira-san (Kotohira-gu Shrine) A must-visit shrine in Kagawa, a place you "must visit at least once in your lifetime." Although it requires climbing thousands of stone steps, the shopping street along the way is great for browsing. After reaching the observation deck and overlooking the vast Sanuki Plain, all the effort was worth it! Third Stop: Zentsu-ji Temple (Driver's Top Recommendation!) This is the birthplace of Kobo Daishi, with magnificent architecture and a solemn, peaceful atmosphere. Compared to the bustling Konpira-san, this place offered a sense of tranquility. Walking through the temple, I felt both my body and mind calm down. I'm truly thankful for the driver's insightful suggestion. Fourth Stop: Shikokumura Village The last stop was this place rich in history. The park relocated old folk houses from various parts of Shikoku and even has a miniature "Kazura Bridge" for visitors to experience. Strolling and admiring the ancient buildings felt like traveling through time, providing a perfect end to the day's itinerary. 💡 Summary of Experience We visited four attractions this day, and although the itinerary was packed, we didn't feel tired at all. Thanks to the driver's thoughtful pick-up and drop-off service and professional explanations, we avoided the anxiety of transferring and waiting for transportation, allowing us to fully enjoy each attraction.