Naruto Strait

Naruto Strait (鳴門海峡, Naruto-kaikyō) is a strait between Awaji Island and Shikoku in Japan. It connects Harima Nada, the eastern part of the Inland Sea and the Kii Channel. A famous feature of the strait is the Naruto whirlpools. In 1950, it was included as part of the Setonaikai National Park. Ōnaruto Bridge, the southern part of the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, crosses over it. It was built in 1985, leading to the cessation of ferry services in 1995 due to low demand. Mopeds are forbidden from driving on the bridge for safety reasons. An annual "Whirlpool Opening" celebration is held every year with the arrival of the spring tide by Naruto City's tourism association. The strong currents of the strait create vortexes that can reach up to 20 meters in diameter at a speed of 20 kph.