Naruto

The Otsuka Museum of Art was larger than I expected, making it a pleasant place to explore at leisure. The best part was being able to see a wide variety of world-renowned artworks all in one place. Although they weren't the original pieces, it still felt very meaningful to be able to see so many works together. Each space had a different atmosphere, which made it enjoyable to look around, 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 slowly browsing.

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.

The moment I stepped onto the Naruto Whirlpools' Uzunomichi Walkway, my heart was filled with anticipation. This walkway, built beneath the piers of the Onaruto Bridge, offers a unique vantage point to overlook the world-famous Naruto Whirlpools, making the journey not just sightseeing, but more like a close encounter 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 changed and the whirlpools gradually formed, the swirling, churning power was breathtaking. 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, sometimes grand, sometimes intricate, were different every moment, captivating my gaze. During this visit, I specifically chose a time close to the optimal viewing period for the whirlpools. When the whirlpools reached their strongest, the entire sea surface seemed to churn and boil, and the sound of the rushing water echoed through the bridge structure, resonating deep within my heart. That dual impact of sight and sound was far more unforgettable than any photo or video, and it made me deeply appreciate the value of experiencing it firsthand.

Because there were few registrants, the minibus we found was a bit old and the suspension wasn't very good. I suggest extending the rest stops at both sides of the Ferris wheel from 10 minutes to 20 minutes. There are also some great photo spots near the bridge, but rushing to take pictures there felt a bit rushed.

The tour guide and driver were polite, and the itinerary was well-arranged, including time for lunch. As it was a Saturday, we only had an hour to stay on Awaji Island, and the wait for the Happy Pancake was quite long, so we couldn't try it, which was a bit disappointing.

This time, I brought my family to Takamatsu, and to easily explore the surrounding attractions, we chose a private car day tour. This was definitely the best decision of the entire trip! 🚗 Professional and Warm Local Guide First, I must highly praise our driver! Her service was very professional and meticulous. Not only did she drive smoothly throughout the journey, but she also introduced us to Takamatsu's attractions and local customs, just 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 was not in our original plan, but she guaranteed it was worth visiting based on her professional experience, and it truly amazed us. It perfectly demonstrated the advantage of flexible adjustments in a private car tour. 📍 Highlights of Today's Itinerary First Stop: Slowpoke Park If you're a Pokémon fan or traveling with children, this place is simply paradise! There are super cute Slowpoke facilities everywhere, colorful and great for photos, putting everyone in a good mood right from the start. Second Stop: Konpira-san (Kotohira-gu Shrine) A must-visit shrine in Kagawa, a place you "must visit 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 sweat was worth it! Third Stop: Zentsu-ji Temple (Highly Recommended by the Driver!) 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 grounds, I felt my mind and body calm down. I'm truly grateful for the driver's insightful recommendation. Fourth Stop: Shikokumura (Shikoku Folk Village) The last stop was this place rich in history. The park relocated ancient folk houses from various parts of Shikoku and even has a miniature "Kazurabashi Bridge" to experience. Strolling around 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 today, 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.