Top Attractions in Naruto
Naruto has a rich heritage of religious sites and historic landmarks. It is particularly important to pilgrims undertaking the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, as the first two temples on the route are located within the city.
Kuwajima Hachiman Shrine
Kuwajima Hachiman Shrine is a traditional place of worship cherished by the local community. With its quiet atmosphere and long-standing religious traditions, it offers visitors a glimpse into the spiritual life of the area.
Ebisu Shrine
Dedicated to Ebisu, a deity associated with prosperous business and fishing, Ebisu Shrine reflects the close relationship between local religious traditions and the sea. It is a meaningful stop for visitors interested in the culture of Naruto’s coastal communities.
Ryozenji Temple: The First Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Ryozenji is the first temple on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, one of Japan’s best-known Buddhist pilgrimage routes. Pilgrims traditionally begin their journey here before traveling around Shikoku to visit all 88 sacred sites. The temple’s peaceful grounds and spiritual atmosphere make it a memorable destination for both pilgrims and general visitors.
Gokurakuji Temple: The Second Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Gokurakuji is the second temple on the Shikoku pilgrimage route. Its tranquil grounds provide a place for prayer and reflection, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the quiet traditions of Japanese Buddhism.
Torin-in Temple
Torin-in is the first temple on the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage, another religious route through the region. It serves as a starting point for visitors exploring this alternative pilgrimage tradition.
Hasedera Temple
Hasedera is the second temple on the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage. Surrounded by nature, the temple offers a peaceful setting for visitors seeking a quiet break from sightseeing.
Chōmyōji Temple
Chōmyōji is the fourth temple on the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage. Its scenic surroundings make it appealing to both pilgrims and travelers who appreciate traditional temples in tranquil settings.
Chōjuji Temple
Chōjuji, the fifth temple on the New Shikoku Mandala Pilgrimage, is associated with prayers for longevity. Its calm atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to pause and reflect.
Tenrikyo Muya Grand Church
Tenrikyo Muya Grand Church is an important center of Tenrikyo religious activity in the area. Beyond its role as a place of worship, it forms part of Naruto’s local religious and cultural landscape.
Historic Castle Ruins
Muya Castle Ruins
Muya Castle is a historic castle site associated with Japan’s Warring States period. Although only parts of the former stronghold remain, the site offers an opportunity to explore the region’s medieval history.
Tosadomari Castle Ruins
Tosadomari Castle is another former stronghold dating to the Warring States period. The ruins evoke the area’s turbulent past and provide an interesting destination for visitors drawn to Japanese castle history.
Kizu Castle Ruins
Kizu Castle is a further reminder of Naruto’s strategic importance during the Warring States period. The surviving remains offer a sense of the fortifications that once defended the surrounding area.
Festivals and Annual Events
Naruto hosts a variety of festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Summer is particularly lively, with fireworks, traditional dancing, and celebrations inspired by the city’s maritime heritage.
Naruto Summer Fireworks Festival — August 7
The Naruto Summer Fireworks Festival is a major summer event that draws crowds to enjoy colorful fireworks illuminating the night sky. It is a popular opportunity to experience the festive atmosphere of the city.
Naruto Awa Odori Festival — August 9–11
The Naruto Awa Odori Festival takes place before the better-known Awa Odori celebrations in Tokushima City. Visitors can enjoy traditional dance performances accompanied by lively music and experience one of Tokushima Prefecture’s most recognizable cultural traditions.
Naruto Uzumatsuri Festival — Early August
The Naruto Uzumatsuri Festival celebrates the famous whirlpools of Naruto Strait and the region’s connection with the sea. Festivities include local food and traditional entertainment, making it an enjoyable event for families and visitors of all ages.
Otani-yaki Pottery Festival — Second Saturday and Sunday of November
Otani-yaki is a traditional ceramic craft closely associated with Naruto. The annual pottery festival celebrates the area’s ceramic heritage and offers pottery enthusiasts an opportunity to visit kilns, discover local craftsmanship, and observe pottery-making techniques.
Local Specialties of Naruto
Naruto benefits from fertile farmland, rich coastal waters, and a long tradition of craftsmanship. Its best-known products include sweet potatoes, lotus roots, seafood, and traditional pottery.
Naruto Kintoki Sweet Potatoes
Naruto Kintoki is a famous Japanese sweet potato known for its natural sweetness and pleasantly dense, moist texture. It is enjoyed in a variety of dishes and sweets and makes a popular regional souvenir.
Naruto Lotus Roots
Lotus roots grown in the Naruto area are valued for their crisp texture and distinctive flavor. They are commonly used in Japanese home cooking, including simmered dishes, stir-fries, and tempura.
Naruto Rakkyo Pickled Shallots
Naruto is also known for rakkyo, small shallots commonly pickled in sweetened vinegar. Their crisp texture and tangy flavor make them a popular accompaniment to Japanese meals and curry dishes.
Naruto Pears
Locally grown pears are appreciated for their juicy flesh and pronounced sweetness. When in season, they offer a refreshing taste of the region’s agricultural produce.
Naruto Sea Bream
Naruto sea bream is prized for its firm flesh and rich flavor. The strong currents of Naruto Strait contribute to the distinctive character of the fish, which is enjoyed in sashimi, grilled dishes, and rice-based specialties.
Naruto Wakame Seaweed
Naruto wakame is known for its satisfying texture and fresh sea aroma. Harvested in the surrounding waters, this seaweed is widely used in Japanese soups, salads, and other dishes.
Otani-yaki Pottery
Otani-yaki is a traditional pottery style that dates back to the Edo period. Its distinctive appearance and established craftsmanship make it one of Naruto’s most recognizable cultural products. Visitors interested in Japanese ceramics can look for locally made pieces and explore the area’s pottery traditions.
Food Culture in Naruto
Naruto Udon
Naruto udon is a local noodle dish known for its pleasantly chewy yet relatively soft texture and flavorful Japanese broth. It is a comforting choice for travelers looking to sample everyday regional cuisine.
Sea Bream Rice
Tai meshi, or sea bream rice, is a popular dish made with fresh sea bream. As the fish cooks with the rice, its savory flavor infuses the grains, creating a satisfying meal that highlights Naruto’s seafood heritage.
Chinese-Style Noodles
Naruto’s local chūka soba, or Chinese-style noodles, typically features relatively thin noodles served in a light soup. This familiar comfort food is enjoyed by local residents and offers a simple introduction to the area’s everyday dining culture.
Naruto Tai Sake
Naruto Tai is a local sake brand produced by a regional brewery. It is known for its gentle rice sweetness and smooth character, making it a natural accompaniment to local seafood and other regional dishes.
History of Naruto City
The Origins of the City’s Name
The name Naruto comes from Naruto Strait, the channel linking the Seto Inland Sea with the Pacific Ocean. The strait is famous for its powerful tidal currents and dramatic whirlpools, which have long captured the imagination of travelers and artists. An illustrated account of the whirlpools appeared in the publication Unkin Zuihitsu, issued in 1862, reflecting the area’s longstanding reputation as a remarkable natural spectacle.
Establishment of Naruto City
Naruto became a city in 1947. It was initially named Narinan City, but the name was changed to Naruto City just two months later following public dissatisfaction with the original choice. The city emblem was established on November 7 of that year, and the municipal song followed on July 3, 1948.
The German Prisoner-of-War Camp at Bando
Naruto is also known for its connection to World War I. The Bando Prisoner-of-War Camp housed German prisoners during the war and became an important setting for cultural exchange between the prisoners and local residents. It is particularly famous as the place where Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony was first performed in Japan. The nearby German House, or Doitsu-kan, introduces visitors to this chapter of local history and the cultural ties that developed during the period.
Postwar Development and Industry
After World War II, Naruto developed as both a tourism destination and an industrial center. The Otsuka Group established a significant presence in the area, contributing to the city’s economic development through factories and other business facilities.
The opening of the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway in 1985 strengthened connections between Naruto, Awaji Island, and the Kansai region. Subsequent development of attractions and public facilities, including the Ōnaruto Bridge, Naruto Uchino Sea General Park, and Roadside Station Daiku no Sato, further expanded the area’s appeal to visitors.
Geography and Natural Environment
Naruto is made up of part of Shikoku’s main island and several nearby islands, including Ōge Island, Takashima, and Shimada Island. The Awa-Sanuki mountain range extends across the northwestern area, while the city’s landscape also includes rivers, coastal plains, and rugged shorelines.
Across Naruto Strait lies Minami-Awaji City on Awaji Island. The former Yoshino River flows along the southern side of the area, and the surrounding waters include the Seto Inland Sea, Harima-nada Sea, Naruto Strait, Konaruto Strait, and Uchino Sea. This combination of mountains, rivers, islands, and coastal waters supports both a rich natural environment and a strong fishing tradition.
Mountains and Rivers
Notable mountains around Naruto include Mount Ōasa, Mount Tenen, Mount Hakama-goe, and Mount Konko. Rivers and waterways include the former Yoshino River, Muya River, and Shinike River. These landscapes provide opportunities to enjoy scenic drives, outdoor exploration, and views of rural Tokushima.
Climate
Naruto has a relatively mild climate influenced by the Seto Inland Sea. Compared with many other parts of Tokushima Prefecture, it generally receives less rainfall because it is less exposed to southerly winds.
On August 6, 1923, the Muya district recorded a temperature of 42.5°C, a figure that was reported as a national high at the time. Although the record was not officially recognized, it was included in a meteorological yearbook.
Major Cultural and Tourist Facilities
Naruto Park and the Whirlpools
Naruto Park is one of the city’s best-known sightseeing areas, offering views of Naruto Strait and the Ōnaruto Bridge. The famous whirlpools form as tidal currents move through the narrow strait, creating a spectacular natural phenomenon that attracts visitors from Japan and abroad. Viewing conditions vary with the tides, so checking the predicted whirlpool times before visiting can help you plan your trip.
Ōtsuka Museum of Art
The Ōtsuka Museum of Art is a major attraction featuring ceramic-board reproductions of famous paintings from around the world. Its extensive collection allows visitors to encounter celebrated works of Western art in a single museum, making it a popular destination for art lovers and international travelers.
Public and Cultural Facilities
Naruto has a range of facilities supporting cultural activities and local industry, including Naruto Cultural Hall and the Naruto Regional Industry Promotion Center. Along with museums, parks, and roadside facilities, these venues contribute to the city’s appeal as a destination where visitors can explore both its natural environment and its cultural heritage.
Pilgrimage Culture and Spiritual Heritage
Naruto holds a special place in Japanese Buddhist pilgrimage culture. Ryozenji, the first temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, and Gokurakuji, the second temple, are both located in the city. Pilgrims begin their journey here before continuing around Shikoku, visiting sacred temples and following traditions that have been maintained for generations.
Even for visitors who are not undertaking the full pilgrimage, these temples offer opportunities to experience Japanese Buddhist architecture, religious customs, and the quiet atmosphere of traditional sacred sites.
Discover Naruto’s Natural Beauty, History, and Cuisine
Naruto City brings together dramatic coastal scenery, historic temples, cultural attractions, and a distinctive regional food culture. The Naruto whirlpools and Ōnaruto Bridge are major highlights, while the Bando prisoner-of-war camp heritage, traditional Otani-yaki pottery, and the first two temples of the Shikoku pilgrimage reveal other sides of the city’s history.
Visitors can also sample local specialties such as Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes, Naruto wakame, sea bream, and regional noodle dishes. Whether you are interested in natural wonders, Japanese history, pilgrimage traditions, or local cuisine, Naruto offers a rewarding introduction to the northeastern corner of Shikoku.