Naruto
Naruto Family Hotels: Whirlpools and Seaside Resort Fun
In the town world-famous for its whirlpools, family-friendly resort stays with pools, a beach, and hot springs
Naruto is located at the northeastern tip of Tokushima Prefecture and is the town behind the world-famous Naruto whirlpools. The Onaruto Bridge, spanning the Naruto Strait, connects it to Awaji Island and Honshu, and the area opens onto the beautiful seascape of Setonaikai National Park. The appeal of a family trip to Naruto is being able to enjoy both dynamic natural sights, led by the whirlpools, and a seaside resort stay, all in one place.
The main sightseeing draw for families is, of course, the whirlpools. You can watch them up close from the water on a whirlpool-viewing boat, or peer down into the strait through the glass floor of "Uzu no Michi," a walkway built into the girders of the Onaruto Bridge — so you can choose the experience that fits your child's age. The Otsuka Museum of Art, which reproduces world-famous paintings on ceramic plates, is another signature Naruto spot, and since it's unaffected by weather, it's a reassuring option for a rainy day.
For a family base, one option is Aoawo Naruto Resort, an oceanfront property overlooking the Naruto Strait. This Southern-European-style resort has an open-air bath and an observation bath fed by Naruto Onsen, plus an outdoor pool and beach to enjoy in summer, and it even has a pool that welcomes children still in diapers, a welcome environment for families with young kids. Rentals such as strollers, bed guards, and baby baths are all available, and it also offers Tokushima cultural experiences like Awa Odori dance performances and festival-style stalls.
Another option is Grand Exiv Naruto The Lodge, a hotel within a comprehensive resort complex overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. It offers a wide range of family services, including a kids' room, childcare and babysitting services, a shallow kids' pool, kids'-menu meals, and children's tableware, so you can enjoy a relaxed resort stay.
For access, the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway connects from the Kobe and Osaka areas via Awaji Island, making it a strength that it's easy to visit by car from the Kansai region. By air, Tokushima Awaodori Airport is the nearest. Naturally summer is when the pool and beach really shine, but the whirlpools can be observed year-round, making this an area that works as a family travel destination no matter the season.
Highlights
- checkAn oceanfront resort with a hot spring, pool, and beach, including a pool that welcomes children still in diapers
- checkYou can choose a hotel with a wide range of family services, including a kids' room, childcare, and kids' menus
- checkFamily-friendly sights are clustered here, including the whirlpools, the Onaruto Bridge, and the Otsuka Museum of Art
Family-friendly features in Naruto
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Recommended hotels (4)
AoAwo Naruto Resort
Grand XIV Naruto The Lodge
Hotel AreaOne Naruto
GLAMPREMIER Naruto
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Nearby attractions
Travel tips
How the whirlpools look changes a lot with the tides, so when planning a visit to a whirlpool-viewing boat or Uzu no Michi, it's best to check the times when the whirlpools are at their largest before setting your schedule. The Otsuka Museum of Art is large inside, so with kids along, it's easier to narrow down the works you want to see rather than trying to cover everything. From the Kansai region, driving via Awaji Island is convenient, and it's an area where it's easy to build an itinerary combining Awaji Island's sightseeing spots too.
Best season
Summer (July and August) is best for enjoying the pool and beach. Whirlpool sightseeing can be enjoyed year-round, and the mild climates of spring and fall are also pleasant.
Getting there
From the Kobe and Osaka areas, driving via Awaji Island on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway is convenient. By rail, JR Naruto Station is the nearest, and by air, Tokushima Awaodori Airport is closest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good sightseeing spots in Naruto for families with kids?
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Whirlpool sightseeing is the top draw — you can see the whirlpools up close from the water on a whirlpool-viewing boat, or look down into the strait through the glass floor of Uzu no Michi, the walkway on the Onaruto Bridge. The Otsuka Museum of Art, which reproduces world-famous paintings on ceramic plates, is unaffected by weather, making it a popular option for rainy days too.
Are there hotels in Naruto where young children can enjoy a pool?
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Yes. Aoawo Naruto Resort has a pool that welcomes children still in diapers, and you can also enjoy the beach in summer. Grand Exiv Naruto The Lodge has a shallow kids' pool, along with a kids' room and childcare services.
How do you get to Naruto?
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From the Kobe and Osaka areas, it's convenient to drive via Awaji Island on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. By rail, JR Naruto Station is the nearest, and by air, Tokushima Awaodori Airport is closest — an easy location to visit as a family trip destination from the Kansai region.