Shikoku - Naruto Uzusio "Killer Whirlpool"

 It was time for a new adventure! So, we flew to Shikoku Island and landed at Tokushima Airport. From there we took a local bus to Naruto to see the amazing Uzusio (whirlpool). Check this out!

The miracle occurs under the Ōnaruto Bridge. To get there we need a boat, a big boat!

We arrived at the tour boat facility around 11:00 am but the peak whirlpool activity was supposed to be around 12:00 noon. When we talked to the tour boat ticket agent he said the difference between  11:00 and 12:00 wasn't that great and that they were expecting a large number of tour buses to arrive for the 12:00 run. 

We decided to go on the 11:00 boat run and there were only 6 people on that tour. 

Off to sea we go!

The view from the stern of the boat as we head for the vortex of hell!

Before we reach our destination we pose for our traditional been there done that pictures. The waters are still calm.

But, as I took Emi's picture I noticed that the water was getting a little crazy.

We have arrived!

The Captain of the boat drives us right into the frothing whirling waters of the "Killer Whirlpool".

This is amazing.

Other tour boats show up for the fun.

This is the kind of place normal people would avoid - I guess we're not normal.

The Captain drives the ship in and out of the vortex and we have to move from side to side of the boat to enjoy the sights. 

At that end of the bridge is the the Uzunomichi Walkway; Emi and I will be going there next (if we survive the boat ride 😮)

Okay, we survived and now we're heading back to port. 

Looking back at the Ōnaruto Bridge. We still have big grins on our faces, that was the most fun and excitement we've had in a long time.

Time to more the boat and go to the Ōnaruto Bridge Uzunomichi Walkway.

The ticketing agent was right, when we got off the boat there were 7 tour buses full of high school students ready to to board the tour boat. 

Next stop: Ōnaruto Bridge Uzunomichi Walkway!

And, we have arrived. By-the-way, if one is afraid of heights this place is real scary! More info here

The walkway is built on the underside of the Ōnaruto Bridge suspended high above the water.

Note: When the bridge was built, space was left for the proposed Shikoku Shinkansen; however, no progress has been made on the train line, so the space intended originally for the bullet trains is used as an observatory to see the whirlpools beneath the bridge.

There are many windows for viewing. 

There are glass floor windows for looking straight down - they are the scariest!

Some places there are no windows at all just guard rails.

The view is amazing.

Room for a train to operate.

The last look of the day before we catch a local bus for Tokushima city.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mike

Bonus shots!