Straits that generate fast currents are a treasure trove for fish

As an island nation, Japan is surrounded by water on all sides. This means that while there are many prefectures facing the sea, not many prefectures are actually facing two or more different seas.
Hyogo is one of the few prefectures facing two or more different seas. It is bordered by the Sea of Japan to the north and the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Home to many islands such as Awaji Island, which stretches 55 km from north to south, Hyogo offers countless opportunities for one to enjoy the gifts of the sea.
The most significant among these are the two straits to the north and south of Awaji Island.
Awaji Island is an island that is mentioned in myths that recount the creation of Japan. According to Japan’s oldest book on its history, Japan is said to have been first created by two deities. To the north of the island is the 4-km wide Akashi Strait, and to its south is the 1.3-km wide Naruto Strait.

The seafloor of these straits bears many topographic features such as deep holes and uneven sites, giving rise to fast currents. This in turn makes the straits a wonderful feeding ground for fish, with fish that grow up feeding on the abundant feed here having to constantly work against the fast currents, allowing them to develop firmer flesh and a stronger umami taste.
The area around these two straits is also known as one of the best fishing grounds in Japan, with the fish caught here of superior quality! The two straits also offer a plethora of dynamic experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.

Sushi prepared with fish caught in Akashi is among the best you’ll ever taste! (Image courtesy of Akashi Tourism Association)

Enjoy all the seafood you want as you walk around Akashi’s popular shopping district

Start your tour of the two straits from Akashi.
Akashi is a city facing the Seto Inland Sea. Located around a 10-minute walk from Akashi Station is Akashi Port, and fish landed at this port are auctioned at a nearby market. Although auctions are widely associated with the early morning, Akashi is famous for its afternoon market. Live fish at the market are sold and auctioned directly to retailers without going through any intermediate wholesaler, which ensures the freshness of the fish! This is a system unique to Akashi, where the port, market, and retailers share a close relationship.

The fish auctioned at this afternoon market are known as “hiruami” (seafood caught in the afternoon) and can be purchased at the nearby Uonotana Shopping Street, which has a nearly 400-year history and is lined with around 110 stores along a total distance of around 350 meters. The name “Uonotana” (fish shelves) has its roots in how fish merchants used to arrange fish on large planks placed on the eaves of their stores and pour water over the fish to keep them fresh.

The Uonotana Shopping Street is decorated with “tairyo-bata” (fisherman’s flags) around the New Year’s holidays, which are flags flown by fishing boats to let people waiting at the port know whenever there is a large catch of fish.　

A variety of stores offer fresh seafood and fish paste products made by grilling or frying fish paste, and the Akashiyaki egg omelet made with Akashi octopus, a local specialty, is a must-try. Akashi boasts the largest catch of octopus in Japan and has a long history as evidenced by the discovery of bottles for catching octopus dating back to over 2,000 years ago. Akashiyaki is a local Akashi dish made by adding octopus to batter containing flour and eggs, grilled in the shape of balls, and dipped in dashi broth before serving. The fluffy batter, octopus, and the flavor of the dashi broth complement each other to create a treat so delicious that you’ll lose track of how many you have eaten.

Piping hot Akashiyaki is dipped in a flavorful dashi broth before serving

Another equally famous local specialty is Akashi sea bream. In Japan, sea bream is known as the “king of fish” and often makes an appearance on festive occasions. Akashi sea bream develop firm flesh as they grow amid the fast currents and are known to be especially delicious when compared to other types of sea bream. Some restaurants serve sea bream for lunch, and you should definitely give it a try.
Other unique Japanese dishes that can be eaten on the spot such as pettanyaki, which is made by pressing down on Akashi octopus, are also sold at stores along the Uonotana Shopping Street. Don’t forget to experience various new flavors as you take a walk down the shopping street.

After filling up your stomach at the Uonotana Shopping Street, it’s time to head for the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. As you drive along, the large suspension bridge will come into view through your car window. This 3911-meter-long bridge spanning the Akashi Strait is the world’s second longest suspension bridge.

Magnificent views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge ©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU

There is a park at the foot of the bridge where you can see the massive Akashi Kaikyo Bridge up close, but if you want to truly experience the power of the bridge, head to the Maiko Marine Promenade. The 317-meter promenade juts out into the Akashi Strait, and its glass floors allow you to see the Akashi Strait below you from a height of 47 meters. You will certainly enjoy the heart-stopping views from the promenade.

Glass floors of the Maiko Marine Promenade ©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU

Indulge in seafood from the Naruto Strait

Once you cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, you’ll find yourself on Awaji Island. You can go around the entire Awaji Island in 3 to 4 hours by car, making it a short but enjoyable trip.

One point of interest is a small island to the south of Awaji Island called Nushima. According to the myths that recount the creation of Japan mentioned at the beginning of this article, the two deities stirred up chaos on Earth, causing a droplet to fall and form an island called Onokoro-jima, from which Awaji Island and the rest of Japan were born. Onokoro-jima is believed to be none other than Nushima.
Local fishermen on Nushima offer the Onokoro Cruise, which brings participants on a 10-km tour around the island in a fishing boat. You can catch views of the island’s mysterious boulders and strangely shaped rocks from the sea on this tour.

The seabed near Nushima is soft, and the fast currents of the Naruto Strait are famous for producing conger pike with high-quality flesh. Conger pike is deemed a luxury ingredient in Japan, with conger pike caught in early summer considered especially exquisite. Hamosuki (conger pike sukiyaki) is a dish made with onions cultivated locally on Awaji Island that is served on Nushima and Awaji Island.

Hamosuki boasts the perfect combination of fatty conger pike, onions, and the sweetness of dashi broth

Another summer specialty is red sea urchin caught at Yura Port in southeast Awaji Island. Given its rarity in the market, red sea urchin is also called the “elusive sea urchin” and is known for its rich umami notes and sweetness. Sea urchin is typically plated with the back of the sea urchin exposed, but red sea urchin from Yura is so fresh that it is plated with its belly exposed.
The Awaji 3-year torafugu (tiger puffer) farmed in the superior marine environment of Fukura Port in the south of Awaji Island is in season in winter. Tiger puffer is normally exported after two years, but the tiger puffer here is farmed for three years to develop a richer and more robust flavor. You can enjoy this fish in hot pots, deep fried, or as sashimi.
Sakuramasu (cherry salmon) farming is also carried out at Fukura Port. This fish is only available in spring and has a creamy, elegant sweetness. With its beautiful pink flesh, it can be enjoyed in a wide range of ways, from sashimi and rice bowls to fried fish and burgers.
The root of the delicious flavors of these various marine products lies in the Naruto Strait, which is blessed with fast currents and serves as a wonderful feeding ground for fish. We hope you can experience these delicious flavors for yourself.

Fresh and affordable cherry salmon

Head to Sumoto Onsen, the largest hot spring resort on Awaji Island, for overnight accommodation on the island. The hot springs are located in the central part of Awaji Island, with the guest houses lining the island’s coastline. The hot springs of Sumoto Onsen are unique for the water’s power to retain warmth and give you moist and smooth skin, allowing you to enjoy the bath while watching the morning sun rise over the horizon.

Awaji Yumesenkei’s infinity bath

Experience the magic of nature at one of the world’s largest whirlpools!

The next day, it’s time to head to the second strait, Naruto Strait, where you will catch a glimpse of whirlpools.
Whirlpools are a natural phenomenon that occurs in places with turbulent flow of seawater. The whirlpools in the Naruto Strait are among the largest in the world, occasionally reaching up to 20 to 30 meters in diameter at their widest.
Cruise ships departing Fukura Port offer a convenient way of seeing the whirlpools up close. The cruise ship passes close to the sites where whirlpools form, allowing you to enjoy the impressive sight. The swirling surface of the sea and the whirlpools that form will no doubt make you realize how profound and sublime nature is.

Note that whirlpools are created by the ebb and flow of the tides, and there are times of the day when whirlpools cannot be seen.

You may wish to grab a bite after visiting the whirlpools. Michi no Eki Uzushio in Uzumachi Terrace is a facility overlooking the Naruto Strait located just before crossing Onaruto Bridge. You can enjoy the panoramic views before your eyes while indulging in a hamburger prepared with generous amounts of onions and other local ingredients sourced from Awaji Island. The facility also sells a wide variety of gifts and souvenirs, including around 100 original products. You will surely find something that tickles your fancy here.

Awaji Island’s famous onions are the star of this hamburger.

After having crossed Onaruto Bridge by car, it’s time to try walking across the bridge. The Onaruto Bridge Uzu no Michi walkway is a 450-meter-long promenade built under the driveway. Constructed 45 meters above the sea, part of the floor is made of glass, which makes you feel as if you are standing over the whirlpools. The observation deck is also a wonderful photo spot, so don’t forget to take a photo to capture the moment.

Enjoy walking over the sea while you watch the whirlpools

●Uonotana Shopping Street
https://www.hyogo-tourism.jp.e.atl.hp.transer.com/spot/0300

●Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
https://www.hyogo-tourism.jp.e.atl.hp.transer.com/spot/108

●Maiko Marine Promenade
https://www.hyogo-tourism.jp.e.atl.hp.transer.com/spot/90

●Hyogo Field Pavilion: Nushima Onokoro Cruise
https://expo2025-hyogo-fieldpavilion.jp.e.atd.hp.transer.com/program/5

●Sumoto Onsen
https://www.hyogo-tourism.jp.e.atl.hp.transer.com/spot/0856

●Kanrin Maru, a whirlpool cruise ship
https://www.hyogo-tourism.jp.e.atl.hp.transer.com/spot/923

●Michi no Eki Uzushio in Uzumachi Terrace
https://www.hyogo-tourism.jp.e.atl.hp.transer.com/spot/948

●Onaruto Bridge Uzu no Michi
https://www.uzunomichi.jp/lang_en/