Things To Do
in Narutō

Narutō, Japan, is a picturesque town located on the island of Shikoku, famous for its stunning whirlpools formed in the Naruto Strait. The town is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and proximity to the historic city of Takamatsu. Visitors can explore various temples, enjoy fresh seafood, and experience the unique local festivals.

With a blend of tradition and natural beauty, Narutō offers a serene getaway from bustling urban centers.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Discovering Narutō
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Naruto Whirlpools at the Naruto Park, where you can catch a boat ride and see the whirlpools up close.

afternoon
:

After lunch, visit the Otsuka Museum of Art, which features a wide range of art reproductions from around the world, including famous masterpieces.

evening
:

Finish your day with a dinner at a local izakaya, enjoying traditional Japanese dishes while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

day 2
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Ryozen-ji Temple, the first temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage route, and admire its beautiful architecture.

afternoon
:

Explore the local markets, such as the Naruto Fish Market, where you can taste fresh seafood and local delicacies.

evening
:

Wrap up your visit with a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the sunset views over the Naruto Strait.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍣Sushi Meal$15
🍜Ramen Bowl$10
Coffee$3
🍶Sake Bottle$25
🚉Train Ticket$5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning natural scenery and unique whirlpools.
  • Rich cultural experiences and historic sites.
  • Delicious seafood and local culinary delights.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Public transportation may not be as frequent.
  • English signage can be minimal, posing challenges for non-Japanese speakers.
  • "こんにちは" - Hello
  • "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
  • "すみません" - Excuse me/Sorry
  • "おいしい" - Delicious
  • "トイレはどこですか?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Narutō

Visit one of these nice places.

Naruto Whirlpools

Capture the natural phenomenon of the whirlpools, especially during the tidal changes.

Ryozen-ji Temple

A beautiful temple with stunning architecture, surrounded by lush greenery.

Naruto Park

Offers panoramic views of the Naruto Strait and the Great Naruto Bridge, particularly stunning at sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Narutō

Narutō is a culinary delight, renowned for its fresh seafood and local specialties that reflect the rich maritime culture of the region.

Narutō Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Naruto Ramen

A unique style of ramen featuring a rich, flavorful broth and topped with the famous Naruto fish cake.

Must-Try!

Kawara Soba

Stir-fried soba noodles served on tiles, often topped with green onions, egg, and various seafood.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Naruto Fish Market

A bustling market where you can find a variety of fresh seafood, local snacks, and traditional street food.

Narutō Street Food Stalls

Vibrant stalls offering local delicacies such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).

Climate Guide

Weather

Narutō has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F) with high humidity, while winters average around 5°C (41°F). The rainy season typically occurs in June and July, leading to lush greenery, while autumn offers pleasant weather and colorful foliage.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness

Always greet people with a bow and use polite language; showing respect is crucial.

Shoes Off Indoors

Remove your shoes when entering homes and certain traditional accommodations.

Quietness in Public

Keep noise levels down, especially on public transportation and in quiet areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Narutō is considered very safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, it's advisable to take standard precautions such as safeguarding personal belongings and being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Tipping in Narutō

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not customary in Japan; excellent service is expected and included in the price.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely used, but credit cards are accepted in many restaurants and shops; convenience stores also offer ATM services.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Cherry blossoms bloom, making it a picturesque time to visit, with mild weather perfect for outdoor activities.

Summer

Warm and humid, ideal for enjoying beach activities, but be prepared for possible typhoons.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn foliage provide a stunning backdrop for sightseeing.

Winter

Mild winters with occasional snowfall, perfect for enjoying hot springs (onsen) and winter festivals.

Nightlife Guide

Narutō at Night

Narutō's nightlife is relatively laid-back, with a few izakayas, bars, and karaoke spots. Locals enjoy unwinding after work at these establishments, creating a friendly atmosphere. While it may not be as vibrant as larger cities, visitors can experience authentic Japanese nightlife and socialize with locals over drinks and traditional food.

Hiking in Narutō

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kankakei Gorge Trail

A beautiful hiking trail that offers stunning views of the gorge, especially vibrant during autumn.

Yashima Trail

Located a short distance away, this trail features historical sites along with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Airports

How to reach Narutō by plane.

Takamatsu Airport

Located approximately 30 minutes from Narutō, this airport offers domestic flights and a few international connections, making it a convenient entry point for travelers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Narutō is quite walkable, especially in the town center and near popular attractions. Many of the key sites, including the Naruto Park and Otsuka Museum of Art, are within a reasonable walking distance, making it easy to explore on foot. However, some areas may require public transport or taxis for more distant destinations.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Residents

The majority of Narutō's population comprises Japanese locals who maintain traditional lifestyles while embracing modernity.

Tourists

Visitors from Japan and abroad come to Narutō for its natural beauty and cultural experiences, particularly during peak seasons.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is immensely popular in Japan, with local teams often playing in the region.

Soccer

Soccer enjoys a strong following, with local clubs and community games being a common sight.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Narutō is generally manageable, with less congestion compared to larger cities. Public transportation is limited but includes local buses and trains connecting to nearby cities. Many visitors prefer walking or cycling to explore the town at a leisurely pace.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Narutō.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

While seafood is prominent, many restaurants offer vegetarian-friendly dishes such as vegetable tempura.

Gluten-Free

Some restaurants are accommodating to gluten-free diets, especially with soba noodles made from buckwheat.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Narutō is accessible, with several clinics and hospitals available for residents and visitors. Emergency services can be reached easily, and many healthcare professionals speak basic English. It is advisable for travelers to have travel insurance to cover any medical needs.

Discover Japan

Read more in our Japan 2025 Travel Guide.

Japan Travel Guide