Discover the Beauty of the Naruto Skyline
Much of the Naruto Skyline was formerly a toll road, and its well-maintained roadway continues to make it a popular scenic drive. Seven bridges cross the route, creating opportunities to look out over the surrounding mountains and coastal waters from elevated viewpoints.
The road winds through a varied landscape of hills, islands, and bays. Its changing elevations and sweeping curves add to the sense of adventure, while the views across the water provide plenty of reasons to pause and enjoy the scenery.
Drive Carefully Along the Winding Road
The Naruto Skyline includes steep gradients and sharp bends, so drivers should proceed with care, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the area. There is also a risk of falling rocks near the starting point, and roads leading into nearby settlements can be narrow. Reduce your speed, stay alert, and use designated parking areas when stopping to take photographs.
Scenic Highlights Along the Route
Yomomi Observatory
One of the most popular stops along the Naruto Skyline is Yomomi Observatory. From here, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Uchinoumi, a tranquil inland sea dotted with numerous floating platforms used for fishing. The contrast between the calm blue water, the platforms, and the surrounding green hills creates a distinctive landscape that is especially appealing to photography enthusiasts.
Yomomi Bridge, located nearby, also offers beautiful views of the surrounding waters and islands. Both locations are ideal places to take a break from driving and appreciate Naruto’s coastal scenery.
Leisure Facilities and Places to Stop
Golf courses, hotels, and rest facilities are scattered along the route, making it easy to incorporate a relaxing break into your drive. The Skyline is particularly enjoyable when combined with a wider tour of Naruto’s coastal attractions and island landscapes.
Bridges Along the Naruto Skyline
Horikoshi Bridge
Horikoshi Bridge connects Ōge Island with Shimada Island across the Horikoshi Strait. As part of the Skyline, it provides an important link between the islands and contributes to the route’s distinctive coastal scenery.
Yomomi Bridge
Yomomi Bridge links two elevated sections of Shimada Island. Its pronounced gradient and elevated position create an excellent vantage point for panoramic views of the surrounding sea and landscape.
Konaruto Shin Bridge
Konaruto Shin Bridge is a striking 308-meter-long arch bridge spanning the Konaruto Strait. Opened in August 1971, it carries Prefectural Route 183 and serves as an important connection between the Shikoku mainland and Shimada Island.
The bridge’s elegant structure stands out against the calm waters below. For drivers, crossing it is one of the memorable moments of the Skyline journey, offering a close-up view of the strait and the surrounding coastline.
Route Details and History
Route Information
The Naruto Skyline extends from Tosadomariura, Naruto-cho, Naruto City, near the junction with Tokushima Prefectural Route 11, to Inojiri, Kushiki, Kitanada-cho, Naruto City, where it meets National Route 11. Its total length is approximately 11.028 kilometers, including an 8.1-kilometer section that was formerly a toll road.
The posted speed limit is 40 km/h between Dōura and Kitadomari in Seto-cho, and 50 km/h on the remaining sections. Drivers should always follow posted signs and adjust their speed to road and weather conditions.
From Toll Road to Scenic Route
The road was first designated as the Kameura Port–Kushiki Line in 1969. In 1972, it was formally designated Tokushima Prefectural Route 183. On August 1, 1996, the former toll road was opened to the public free of charge, making the scenic route more accessible to visitors.
Explore the Surrounding Islands and Coastline
The Naruto Skyline passes through a varied coastal landscape that includes Tosadomariura in Naruto-cho, Naruto Tourist Port, Horikoshi Parking Area, Muro Parking Area, Yomomi Observatory, and Magoshi Parking Area. The route also offers views of Ōge Island, Shimada Island, Uchinoumi, the Konaruto Strait, and Hideshi Bay.
Several bridges and coastal viewpoints make the journey as much about the scenery as the drive itself. The surrounding area also includes Naruto Country Club and other leisure facilities, providing additional options for visitors wishing to spend more time exploring the region.
Experience Naruto from the Road
The Naruto Skyline is an excellent way to discover the coastal beauty of Naruto City. Its winding roads and elevated bridges reveal changing views of the Seto Inland Sea, small islands, and peaceful bays, while Yomomi Observatory offers a particularly memorable panorama of Uchinoumi.
Whether you are planning a short scenic drive or incorporating the route into a broader tour of Tokushima, allow time to stop at designated viewpoints and enjoy the landscape at a relaxed pace. With its combination of sea views, distinctive bridges, and island scenery, the Naruto Skyline offers a memorable driving experience in eastern Shikoku.