Discover the vibrant cultural heritage of Japan on this full-day tour from Osaka. Enjoy the lively Awa Dance Festival, where traditional performers showcase their colorful costumes and energetic rhythms. Then, witness the mesmerizing power of nature at the Naruto Whirlpool, one of the world’s largest. With included transportation, meals, and priority seating, this experience promises a well-rounded exploration of Japan’s stunning sights and captivating customs. What awaits as you delve deeper into this cultural adventure?
Key Points

- This full-day tour combines the vibrant Awa Dance Festival and a sightseeing cruise at the Naruto Whirlpool in Osaka.
- The tour includes admission to S-class seats at the festival, a boat ride to witness the natural wonders of the Naruto Whirlpool, and provided meals.
- The tour starts at 10:15 am from the Mainichi Newspaper building and ends at Umeda Station, with transportation provided throughout the day.
- The tour is not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, and may be affected by traffic during annual holidays.
- The Awa Dance Festival dates back to the 16th century and showcases the unique regional culture through vibrant, traditional performances.
Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day experience that combines a visit to the renowned Awa Dance Festival in Osaka with a sightseeing cruise along the Naruto Whirlpool.
Priced from $179.66 per person, the tour accommodates up to 30 travelers and includes admission to the festival’s S-class seats and the Whirlpool Sightseeing Boats WONDER NARUTO.
Lunch and dinner are also provided. The tour starts at 10:15 am, meeting at the Mainichi Newspaper building, and ends at Umeda Station.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, excluding those with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.
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Inclusions
This tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation.
You’ll also get admission to the Awa Dance Festival, where you’ll have S-class seats to enjoy the colorful and lively performances.
After the festival, you’ll visit the Naruto Whirlpool and take a sightseeing boat ride to witness the mesmerizing natural wonder.
Lunch and dinner are provided, ensuring you’re well-fed throughout the day.
With these inclusions, you’ll have a comprehensive experience exploring the cultural and natural highlights of the Osaka region.
Meeting and Pickup

To begin the tour, travelers will need to meet at the Mainichi Newspaper building located at 3-chōme-4-5 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0001, Japan.
Look for the guide with the HIS logo to identify the group.
At the end of the tour, travelers will be dropped off at Umeda Station, 8-6 Kakudachō, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0017, Japan.
The return journey will be by public bus without a guide.
This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation.
The meeting and pickup points are conveniently situated for easy access.
Schedule and Accessibility

The tour begins at 10:15 am.
It’s not wheelchair accessible, but it’s near public transportation.
The experience isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, though most travelers can participate.
The schedule may be delayed due to traffic congestion during annual holidays in Japan.
If there’s a delay, the Bizan Ropeway will replace the Uzushio Cruise.
- Start time: 10:15 am
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for certain travelers
- Most travelers can participate
Awa Dance Festival
The Awa Dance Festival is a vibrant and centuries-old tradition that takes place during the tour.
Dancers adorned in colorful, traditional costumes perform intricate, synchronized moves to the beat of taiko drums and shamisen music.
This lively festival dates back to the 16th century and showcases the region’s unique culture and heritage.
Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the festival’s S-class seats, providing them with a front-row view of the mesmerizing performances.
The tour’s inclusion of this iconic event ensures an immersive cultural experience for participants.
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Naruto Whirlpool
After experiencing the vibrant Awa Dance Festival, the tour takes visitors to witness another natural wonder – the Naruto Whirlpool.
Located in the Naruto Strait, this powerful tidal phenomenon is one of the largest whirlpools in the world.
Travelers will board the WONDER NARUTO sightseeing boats to observe:
- Swirling vortexes spanning up to 20 meters in diameter
- Currents rushing at speeds up to 20 knots
- Colliding tides creating dramatic, foaming eddies
- Stunning views of the Naruto Bridges and surrounding landscapes
- Educational commentary on the science behind this natural marvel
Transportation

One air-conditioned vehicle will transport travelers throughout the day’s activities.
At the start, you will meet the tour guide at the Mainichi Newspaper building in Osaka’s Kita Ward. The air-conditioned coach will then take them to the Awa Dance Festival venue.
After the festival, the same vehicle will bring them to the Naruto Whirlpool site for the sightseeing cruise.
At the end of the day, the tour concludes at Umeda Station, where travelers can continue their journey independently by public transportation, without the guide.
Additional Considerations
Travelers should note that this tour may be subject to delays during annual Japanese holidays due to increased traffic congestion.
In the event of such delays, the Bizan Ropeway will replace the Uzushio Cruise portion of the itinerary.
The tour isn’t recommended for:
- Travelers with back problems
- Pregnant women
- Those with serious medical conditions
Although not wheelchair accessible, the tour is located near public transportation.
Most travelers can participate, but those with concerns should consult the tour operator prior to booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Other Attractions?
Unfortunately, the tour package cannot be customized to visit other attractions. It’s a fixed itinerary that includes the Awa Dance Festival and Naruto Whirlpool. Customers must choose this tour as-is or consider alternative tours that better fit their interests.
What Is the Dress Code for the Awa Dance Festival?
The tour organizers recommend wearing comfortable, casual clothing for the Awa Dance Festival. There’s no strict dress code, as the festival celebrates traditional Japanese dance in a lively, festive atmosphere.
Are Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options Available During Lunch and Dinner?
Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available during the lunch and dinner included in the tour. The provider accommodates various dietary requirements to ensure all participants can enjoy the meals provided throughout the day.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. However, a full lunch and dinner are included in the tour package, so bringing your own meals may not be necessary.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t mention any age restrictions or requirements. It’s suitable for most travelers, though it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
The Sum Up
This full-day tour from Osaka offers an immersive experience of Japan’s vibrant culture. Visitors can witness the captivating Awa Dance Festival, explore the stunning Naruto Whirlpool, and savor delicious local cuisine. With convenient transportation and premium seating, this tour provides an unforgettable journey that combines cultural exploration and natural wonder.
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