Awaji Island from Tokushima: A Day Trip Across the Onaruto Bridge (Whirlpool Cruise, Onions and More)

Quick answer: Awaji Island (Hyogo Prefecture) is right across the Onaruto Bridge from Naruto — about 30 minutes by car from Naruto IC to Fukura port. Take the Uzushio whirlpool cruise from Fukura (¥3,000) for a close look at the Naruto whirlpools from the Awaji side, stop at the rebuilt Michi-no-Eki Uzushio for the bridge view, and eat anything made with famous Awaji onions. The bridge toll is about ¥700 with ETC (¥1,200 cash) each way. Without a car, a new bus from Naruto Station goes to Fukura (¥1,400).

I live in Tokushima, and Awaji is the island just across the strait from Naruto. I’ve driven across the Onaruto Bridge and around the island, taken the whirlpool cruise from Fukura, and eaten Awaji onions. If you’re staying in Tokushima or Naruto, it’s an easy day trip.

Getting there

By car (easiest)

Cross the Onaruto Bridge on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway.

From Naruto IC, it’s about 15 minutes to Awajishima-Minami IC (the first exit on Awaji), then about 15 minutes to Fukura. Weekend ETC discounts don’t apply on major holidays.

See Renting a Car in Shikoku and Shikoku Bridge Tolls.

By bus

A new UZS BUS (a trial service since July 2026) runs from Tokushima Airport via Naruto Station and the Otsuka Museum of Art to Fukura (¥1,400 from Naruto Station). Some runs need booking. On Awaji, a free shuttle, UZU LOOP, links Fukura, Michi-no-Eki Uzushio and the bridge memorial hall.

The Uzushio whirlpool cruise from Fukura

The Naruto whirlpools form in the strait between Tokushima and Awaji, and you can see them by boat from either side. From Fukura port on Awaji, large sightseeing ships sail out under the Onaruto Bridge to the whirlpools. I’ve taken this cruise myself.

• Fare: ¥3,000 for adults, ¥1,500 for elementary school children.
• Tickets: at the Uzushio Dome Nanairo-kan at Michi-no-Eki Fukura. Arrive 30 minutes early on weekdays, 40–50 minutes at weekends.
• Check the tide times: the whirlpools are strongest only at certain times of day.

For the Tokushima side (boats from Naruto and the Uzu-no-Michi walkway), see Naruto Whirlpools.

Michi-no-Eki Uzushio and the bridge view

At the southern tip of Awaji, right beside the Onaruto Bridge, the Michi-no-Eki Uzushio roadside station was rebuilt and reopened in October 2025. Its rooftop deck gives a 360-degree view over the bridge and the strait.

• Rooftop deck: 9:00–17:00. Closed Thursdays.
• Food: a restaurant, Awaji burgers, rice balls and soft-serve.
• It’s about 5 minutes from Awajishima-Minami IC, on the local road.

Nearby, the Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall (Uzu-no-Oka) is free and also has views of the bridge (closed Tuesdays).

Awaji onions

Awaji Island is famous across Japan for its onions, known for their sweetness. I’ve eaten them myself, and you’ll find them all over the island: in burgers, soups and more, and sold whole as souvenirs at roadside stations.

More on Awaji (if you have time)

I haven’t visited these myself, but they’re well-known stops:

• Awaji Ningyoza (Fukura): traditional Awaji puppet theatre, four shows a day (¥1,800; closed Wednesdays).
• Awaji Yumebutai: a complex designed by Tadao Ando, with the free Hyakudanen garden of 100 flower beds stepping up a hillside. It’s in the north of the island, nearer Kobe.
• Nijigen no Mori: an anime-themed park with paid attractions.

A day trip plan

1. Morning: drive from Naruto over the Onaruto Bridge (check the tide times first).
2. Uzushio cruise from Fukura at the best tide time.
3. Lunch: something with Awaji onions.
4. Afternoon: Michi-no-Eki Uzushio rooftop for the bridge view, or the puppet theatre.
5. Back to Tokushima in about an hour.

See Where to Stay in Tokushima for a base.

FAQ

Is Awaji Island part of Tokushima?
No, it’s part of Hyogo Prefecture, but it’s connected to Naruto (Tokushima) by the Onaruto Bridge.

How much is the Onaruto Bridge toll?
From Naruto-Kita IC to Awajishima-Minami IC: ¥1,200 cash, ¥690 with ETC on weekdays.

Should I see the whirlpools from Awaji or Tokushima?
Either. Boats run from both sides. The Fukura cruise uses large ships; the Tokushima side also has the Uzu-no-Michi glass-floor walkway.

Can I get to Awaji without a car?
Yes, by the UZS BUS from Naruto Station to Fukura (¥1,400), but services are limited.

Tolls, fares and hours checked on official JB Honshi, operator and Minamiawaji City websites on 25 October 2026.

Kaz

Tokushima local with family roots in Hiroshima

I live in Tokushima and my family is from Hiroshima, where I also used to live. I still go back several times a year. The guides here come from places I have actually been. Where I haven't tried something myself, I say so.