Naruto Whirlpools are a natural phenomenon in the Naruto Strait (width: 1.3km), a channel between Magosaki, Naruto and Tozaki, Awaji Island.

The whirlpools of the Naruto Strait are formed because of the ebb and flow of the tides influenced by the gravitational pull of the Sun or Moon and because of complicated geographical features. During a spring tide (around New moon and Full moon), the speed of the water may reach 20km/h, a tidal difference may reach to 2m, the water rushes with tremendous force through the Naruto Strait from the side with the higher sea level to the other. Consequently, whirlpools as large as 20m in diameter are produced. In old times, it was feared as a non-navigable Strait by the seamen.

The center of Naruto Strait is deep, the water flows fast smoothly, whereas both sides of it are shallow, the water does not flow fast because of the reefs. The swirling whirlpools appear between the faster current in the center and slower currents on the sides.

As the whirlpools are caused by tides, the times (the appearance of whirlpools) vary every day. Outside of these times, the whirlpools cannot be seen.

Please check the Whirlpool Calendar before making travel plans.