The Onaruto Bridge spans the Naruto Strait connecting Naruto to Awaji Island. The Naruto Strait connects Japan’s Inland Sea to the Pacific Ocean. The Naruto Strait is known for the strong currents and whirlpools created by the tides. Naruto 2005
I wanted a sunrise picture of the bridge so I set off in the dark for about a 5 mile walk. I was getting close and saw this man with a fire by the bridge. Naruto 2005
A ship heads into the Inland Sea with the tide. Sometimes the ships try to go against the tide and sometimes they make it. This is a dangerous strait and there have been many accidents. Naruto 2005
Another ship coming into the Inland Sea and the current is strong. Naruto 2005
The sun finds a hole in the clouds. Naruto 2005
The sun reflecting on the water. I kept thinking it would be the perfect spot for kayaking. You could run the rapids one way and take a break on a beach. After the tide has turned you could you could go with the current and run the rapids the other way. You could end up where you started, paddling downstream the whole way. Naruto 2005
Down closer to the rapids. Naruto 2005
Tobishima on the Pacific side of the Bridge. Naruto 2005
The rapids flowing into the Inland Sea. The rocks are a bit sharp though. River rocks roll around and get smoother. Naruto 2005
Boats of all sizes pass through the strait. Some are fishing, some are just trying to get somewhere. Naruto 2005
Naruto Strait. Naruto 2005
I think that this guy was enjoying the rapids. Naruto 2005
There are lots of shore birds too. Naruto 2005
The rocks on Tobijima look forbidding. Naruto 2005
Tobijima has a light to help keep the boats off of the rocks. Naruto 2005
There are lots of tour boats in the Strait showing the people the whirlpools. This is one of the larger tour boats. On my boat tours, not many people would ask for a rougher ride. Naruto 2005
The bridge has an observation area with glass windows on the floor for looking down on the whirlpools. Naruto 2005
Inside the bridge. I heard that it was built for trains in the future but that has not happened yet. Naruto 2005
Naruto Bridge in the daylight. Naruto 2005
Nice waves for surfing, on the Pacific side of the bridge. Naruto 2005
Homeward bound on a bus crossing the Onaruto Bridge. Naruto 2005