Facility Overview
The facility connects a commercial building partway up the mountain with an observation deck near the summit of Mount Naruto. Four escalators arranged in two connected sections bridge a total elevation difference of approximately 45 meters. At the time of its construction, the escalator system was notable for its exceptional vertical rise, with a 68-meter section forming part of the approximately 80-meter route.
Escahill Naruto is operated by Naruto Kanko Kogyo Co., Ltd. Opening hours vary by season, but the usual schedule is approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in summer and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in winter. Check the latest information before visiting, as hours and operating arrangements may change.
Café and Local Souvenirs
The building partway up the mountain houses a shop selling souvenirs and regional specialties, along with Café Park Inn, where visitors can enjoy light meals and refreshments. It is a convenient place to take a break before or after visiting the observation deck.
Local treats worth looking out for include soft-serve ice cream made with Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes, a Tokushima specialty known for its rich sweetness, and croquettes made with Awa Odori chicken, a locally raised poultry breed. These regional flavors offer a delicious introduction to the food culture of Tokushima and Shikoku.
Panoramic Views of the Naruto Strait
From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Great Naruto Bridge and the Naruto Strait, where the tides flowing between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean create the famous Naruto whirlpools. On clear days, the view may extend as far as Shodoshima Island and Wakayama Prefecture.
The surrounding landscape is attractive throughout the year. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the slopes, creating colorful scenery that can also be enjoyed during the escalator ride. The area is also known as a migration route for birds of prey. In autumn, birdwatchers visit to observe hawks and other raptors passing through the Naruto Strait region.
The Escalator Experience
A See-Through Design with Scenic Views
The escalator system includes a main section approximately 68 meters long with a vertical rise of about 34 meters, as well as shorter sections. Manufactured by Hitachi, the CX-type escalators feature a see-through design with glass walls and a glass ceiling, allowing passengers to look out at the surrounding scenery as they ascend.
Flowers such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, and daffodils grow around the facility. Spring is especially appealing, when visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms while riding the escalator toward the viewpoint.
Designed for Safety and Comfort
The long ascent is divided into two sections, with a landing between them. This arrangement was designed to provide a practical stopping point, help reduce fatigue during the journey, and offer reassurance to visitors who feel uncomfortable at heights. The design also takes equipment safety and reliability into consideration.
Because the facility is close to the sea, where salt and moisture can accelerate corrosion, stainless steel is used extensively in the escalator structure. The escalator is approximately 80 centimeters wide and has a stated transport capacity of up to 6,000 people per hour.
Admission Fees and Combination Tickets
According to the published fee information from 2018, round-trip use of the escalator cost ¥400 for adults and ¥100 for children, while preschool children could ride free of charge. These are historical prices and may no longer be current, so visitors should confirm the latest admission fees before their trip.
Combination tickets have also been offered for Escahill Naruto and Uzu no Michi, a nearby walkway inside the Great Naruto Bridge where visitors can view the sea and whirlpools from approximately 45 meters above the water. Combining the two attractions makes it possible to appreciate the Naruto Strait from both a panoramic viewpoint and a dramatic position above the water.
History of Escahill Naruto
The facility began as an outdoor chairlift built by Naruto Kanko Kogyo Co., Ltd. in 1969. The lift transported visitors to the summit area of Mount Naruto, where they could enjoy views of the whirlpools below. After the opening of the Great Naruto Bridge, tourism in the area grew substantially, and the chairlift reportedly carried around 300,000 visitors annually.
To improve accessibility and make the attraction more convenient for older visitors and children, the chairlift was replaced by the present escalator system in 1988. Because the site lies within Setonaikai National Park, the project required permission from Japan’s Environment Agency, now the Ministry of the Environment. Escahill Naruto officially opened in 1989.
When completed, the escalator system attracted attention for its exceptionally large elevation difference. Today, it remains a distinctive attraction within Naruto Park, offering visitors an unusual way to reach one of the area’s best viewpoints.
How to Get to Escahill Naruto
Traveling by car is one of the most convenient ways to reach the facility. From Naruto-Kita Interchange on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, the drive takes approximately five minutes. From JR Naruto Station, the journey by car takes about 15 minutes.
Visitors arriving by car can use the paid parking facilities within Naruto Park. Those who prefer to explore on foot can also climb toward the viewpoint along Shikoku no Michi, a nature trail that forms part of the Shikoku walking route network.
A Scenic Highlight of Naruto Park
Escahill Naruto combines a memorable escalator ride with outstanding views of the Naruto Strait and the Great Naruto Bridge. The glass-sided structure allows visitors to appreciate the landscape as they ascend, while the observation deck provides an excellent vantage point for the surrounding sea, islands, and coastal scenery.
With seasonal flowers, regional snacks, souvenir shopping, and convenient access to nearby attractions, Escahill Naruto makes a worthwhile addition to a sightseeing trip in Tokushima. For a particularly rewarding visit, combine the panoramic views from the observation deck with a trip to Uzu no Michi to experience the Naruto Strait from above the water as well as from the mountainside.