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There are great many things to do in Japan, and so are in Naruto.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Japan lies a treasure trove of adventure, culture, and beauty – Naruto.
From the raging rapids of the Naruto Strait to the sublime serenity of Ryozenji Temple, this enchanting town offers endless possibilities to delight the heart and captivate the soul.
Whether you seek to marvel at the mystical power of nature, immerse yourself in ancient traditions or simply relish the pleasures of life, Naruto beckons, ready to enchant you with its magic.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Naruto:
1. Naruto Whirlpools
What to see or do:
Don’t miss: Catching a glimpse of the whirlpools during the spring and fall equinoxes as they reach their peak.
Insider travel tips: Check the tidal schedules in advance to ensure the best view of the whirlpools, avoid visiting during typhoon season, and try the local specialty dish, Sanuki udon noodles.
2. Naruto Park
Naruto Park is a Japanese theme park dedicated to the popular anime and manga series, Naruto.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore attractions like the Ninja Experience Hall, where they can train like a ninja, test their reflexes, and learn about the history and culture of ninjas.
There’s a massive statue of the main character, Naruto Uzumaki, which is great for taking photos.
The park also has a variety of themed rides and games, such as the Tobi Tobu rollercoaster and the Shukaku’s Spin ride.
Don’t miss: The highlight of Naruto Park is the Naruto and Sasuke Final Battle show.
This live performance is a recreation of the iconic fight scene between the two characters from the anime series and features impressive choreography, special effects, and music.
Insider travel tips: – Try the Naruto-themed food, like ramen and takoyaki.
3. Onaruto Bridge
Onaruto Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans across the Naruto Strait, connecting the city of Naruto on Shikoku Island with Awaji Island in Japan.
What to see or do: Take a walk or bike ride across the bridge and enjoy the panoramic views of the Naruto Strait. You can also visit the observatory deck at the Naruto Ohashi Memorial Museum to get an even better view.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the Naruto Whirlpools, one of the largest and most powerful tidal whirlpools in the world, which can be seen from the bridge.
Time your visit for either the ebb or flow of the tide to witness these natural wonders.
Insider travel tips: -For an even better view, try to visit the bridge during sunrise or sunset.
4. Otsuka Museum of Art
The Otsuka Museum of Art is the largest ceramic art museum in the world, located in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum houses a collection of over 12,000 reproductions of masterpieces from around the globe, covering 25,000 square meters. Visitors can admire over 1,000 works of art displayed on the museum’s walls, including famous paintings, sculptures, and crafts.
Don’t miss: One of the most popular exhibits is the replica of the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo. The reproduction is so accurate that it appears to be the original artwork.
Insider travel tips: – Visitors are not allowed to take pictures inside the museum.
5. Tokushima Prefectural Nature Park
Tokushima Prefectural Nature Park is a vast park located in Tokushima Prefecture in Japan. It is famous for its picturesque landscape, natural features, and exceptional recreational opportunities.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy many activities in the park, such as hiking, trekking, camping, picnicking, and sightseeing. They can explore the mountainous terrain, lush forests, roaring waterfalls, and steep cliffs.
They can also experience the beautiful views of the Naruto Strait and its famous whirlpools.
Don’t miss: The prime attraction of the park is the view of the Naruto Strait and the whirlpools. The park provides a perfect vantage point to witness the natural phenomena at its best.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit the park is in the spring season when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
6. Ryozenji Temple
Ryozenji Temple is the first of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage and is located in the city of Naruto, Tokushima.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the temple grounds with its lush gardens and traditional Japanese architecture. The highlight is the main hall, which houses a statue of the temple’s founder, Gyōki.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the temple’s famous octagonal pagoda and try the local specialty savory pancake called “okonomiyaki.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and fully immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the temple. Take a stroll through the nearby town of Naruto and try the famous local citrus fruit, Sudachi.
7. Awa Odori Kaikan
A cultural center dedicated to the traditional dance of Awa Odori in Naruto, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can watch live performances of Awa Odori, learn about its history and significance, and even try their hand at dancing it themselves.
Don’t miss: The Awa Odori Festival, held annually in August, where the streets of Naruto come alive with thousands of dancers and spectators.
Insider travel tips: Check the schedule beforehand for performance times and consider attending a workshop to fully experience the dance. Don’t forget to sample the local cuisine while in Naruto, particularly the udon noodles.
8. Ohnaruto Bridge Memorial Hall
The Ohnaruto Bridge Memorial Hall is a museum located in the city of Naruto, in the Tokushima Prefecture of Japan. The museum commemorates the construction of the Ohnaruto Bridge, one of the largest suspension bridges in the world.
What to see or do: The museum has a wealth of information on the construction of the bridge and the technology used to build it. There are interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience the bridge’s construction process.
A short video presentation is played in the museum’s theater, featuring breathtaking views of the bridge.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to walk through the recreation of the cables of the bridge at the museum. You can feel the strength of the cables and the enormity of the bridge as you walk across the structure.
Insider travel tips: Plan enough time to explore the museum and learn about the bridge construction.
The museum has an observation deck offering stunning views of the Ohnaruto Bridge, so don’t miss the chance to see it in person and take some amazing photos.
Plan your visit around the hourly whirlpools that occur in the Naruto Strait underneath the bridge, as seeing them is an unforgettable experience.
9. Naruto Galle No Mori Art Museum
Naruto Galle No Mori Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located in Naruto City, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum features a rotating collection of contemporary artwork from both Japanese and international artists. Visitors can enjoy the wide range of artworks including paintings, sculptures, installations, and more.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the panoramic views of the Naruto Strait, which can be seen from the museum’s observation deck on the top floor.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting during the winter months to see the annual “Winter Lights” event, where the museum is illuminated with a beautiful display of lights.
Also, be sure to check the museum’s website in advance as there may be special exhibitions or events happening during your visit.
10. Shinmachi River Terrace
Shinmachi River Terrace is a scenic spot located along the Naruto Strait that offers breathtaking views of the waterway and the surrounding landscapes.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a stroll along the promenade to marvel at the powerful whirlpools caused by the tidal currents. You can also watch the boats passing through the strait, which is an unforgettable sight!
Don’t miss: Make sure to catch the sunset, as it casts a golden glow over the strait and the nearby mountains.
Insider travel tips: – Check the whirlpool predictions before visiting, as the strength of the currents can vary throughout the day.
11. Sake Brewery Museum
Sake Brewery Museum located in Naruto, Tokushima prefecture, is a cultural and culinary center that introduces the history and process of sake brewing.
What to see or do: Visitors can learn about the history and evolution of sake brewing and the traditions behind it. They can also see the brewing process and different types of sake production.
Don’t miss: Visitors shouldn’t miss the tasting rooms, where they can sample a variety of sake products made by the local breweries in the area.
Insider travel tips: To fully experience the sake brewery museum, it is recommended to book a guided tour. The museum also offers various events and workshops throughout the year, so make sure to check the schedule in advance.
12. Fudo Falls
Fudo Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the town of Naruto in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view of the waterfall cascading down the rocks and into the emerald green pools below.
Don’t miss: The best time to visit Fudo Falls is during autumn when the surrounding maple trees change color, creating a stunning backdrop for the waterfall.
Insider travel tips:
13. Antique Cafe
Antique Cafe is a charming and cozy cafe located in the picturesque town of Naruto, Japan.
What to see or do: Relax with a cup of coffee or tea while admiring the antique decor and furniture. Antique Cafe also serves delicious homemade desserts and light meals.
Don’t miss: Be sure to try their signature cream puff, which is freshly made and filled with a rich and creamy custard.
Insider travel tips: The cafe can get quite busy during peak hours, so try to visit during off-peak times for a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Also, keep in mind that the menu is in Japanese only, but the staff is always willing to help with any language barriers.
14. Tsukimiyama Park
Tsukimiyama Park is a scenic park located on top of a hill in Naruto, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of Naruto City and the Seto Inland Sea from the park.
The park is also home to a variety of cherry blossom and plum trees, making it a popular spot for flower viewing in the spring.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the park’s observation deck, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. There is also a walking trail that leads to a Japanese-style garden and a small shrine.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit Tsukimiyama Park is during cherry blossom season in early spring.
15. Kogenji Temple
Kogenji Temple is a serene and picturesque Buddhist temple located in Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll around the temple grounds and admire the beautiful Japanese gardens and traditional architecture.
Inside the main hall, you can witness some stunning Buddhist statues, including a Kannon statue, which is said to have miraculous healing powers.
You can also participate in Zen meditation sessions and calligraphy workshops held at the temple.
Don’t miss: The temple’s stunning rock garden, which is considered one of the finest examples of its kind in Japan. The garden features a large central boulder, surrounded by meticulously arranged rocks, raked gravel, and a small pond.
It’s truly a sight to behold and a must-see for anyone visiting the temple.
Insider travel tips: Kogenji Temple is best visited during the autumn months, when the leaves change color and turn the temple’s surroundings into a breathtaking sea of red, orange, and yellow.
If you’re interested in Zen meditation or calligraphy, be sure to book in advance as availability can be limited. Additionally, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as the temple grounds can be hilly and uneven.