Naruto Station (鳴門駅, Naruto-eki) is a railway station located in the city of Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. It is the northern terminus of the Naruto Line and is operated by Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku). The station serves as a vital transportation hub for the city of Naruto, known for its famous whirlpools, connecting local residents and tourists to the wider rail network.
Lines
Naruto Station is served by the following line:
- JR Shikoku
- Naruto Line (Y04)
Station Layout
The station features a single side platform (Platform 1) serving one track, which is a dead-end. The station building is located directly adjacent to the platform. It is an unmanned station (無人駅, mujin-eki), meaning it does not have staff on duty for ticket sales or gate operations, though a private travel agency operates nearby, providing some travel services.
History
- February 15, 1916: The station opened as Muya Station (撫養駅) as part of the Awa Electric Railway.
- July 1, 1947: The station was renamed Naruto Station.
- April 1, 1987: With the privatization of Japanese National Railways (JNR), the station came under the control of JR Shikoku.
Surrounding Area
Naruto Station is centrally located within Naruto city, providing convenient access to various public facilities, commercial establishments, and tourist attractions. Key points of interest in the vicinity include:
- Naruto City Hall
- Naruto Post Office
- Naruto Public Library
- Naruto Wharf, serving tourist boats to view the Naruto whirlpools and ferries to other islands.
- Ōnaruto Bridge, a major bridge connecting Shikoku with Awaji Island, known for its panoramic views of the whirlpools.
- Several bus terminals offering connections to various parts of the city and surrounding regions.
- Numerous local shops, restaurants, and accommodations for visitors.
Note on "Naruto" Name
It is important to clarify that the city of Naruto and Naruto Station are named after the Naruto Strait and its iconic whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮, Naruto no Uzushio), a natural phenomenon that predates the popular Naruto manga and anime series. There is no direct connection between the station or the city and the fictional series, despite sharing the same name.