Uzu no Oka Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall is a multifaceted tourist attraction in Minami-Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture. Established to commemorate the opening of the Onaruto Bridge in 1985, this popular destination brings together the natural beauty, local cuisine, and distinctive entertainment of Awaji Island.
From spectacular views of the Naruto Strait to interactive science exhibits, creative photo spots, and delicious regional specialties, the facility offers something for visitors of all ages. It is an excellent stop for families, couples, and anyone exploring the southern part of Awaji Island by car.
The Uzushio Science Museum is one of the main attractions at the memorial hall. Through realistic water-flow models and video presentations, visitors can learn how the powerful whirlpools of the Naruto Strait form and why this area is famous for its dramatic tidal currents.
The highlight is the Uzunetarium, where impressive images of whirlpools are projected onto a giant spherical screen. Combining science and immersive visual effects, this exhibit makes the natural phenomenon fascinating and accessible to both adults and children.
The restaurant Uzu no Oka serves dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients from Awaji Island. One of its signature specialties is Uzu no Oka Seafood Uni Shabu, a luxurious hot pot in which fresh seafood is dipped into a rich sea urchin broth. The meal can be finished with a flavorful rice porridge made using the remaining broth.
The type of sea urchin served changes with the season. Red sea urchin is available from mid-June to mid-October, while black sea urchin is featured from mid-October to mid-June.
Other local favorites include Awaji Island beef bowls, fresh whitebait rice bowls, and Awaji Island noodles, known as Awaji Island Noodle. Dishes featuring premium Awaji beef and Japanese pike conger, or hamo, can be ordered on the day. Torafugu pufferfish dishes and Mifuku hot pot require reservations by the previous day.
This popular burger shop serves creative burgers featuring Awaji Island’s naturally sweet onions. Its best-known offerings include the Awaji Island Onion Beef Burger and the Awaji Island Onion Gratin Burger, both of which have earned first- and second-place awards at a national regional burger competition. These inventive burgers are a favorite among visitors looking to sample the island’s signature ingredient in a casual meal.
Made with generous amounts of Awaji Island milk, this soft, fluffy milk bread has a delicate texture and gentle sweetness. It is delicious freshly baked or chilled, making it a popular treat and an appealing edible souvenir.
Meat lovers can try a hamburger steak wrapped in A5-grade Awaji black wagyu beef and grilled over Binchotan charcoal. Its juicy interior, rich flavor, and smoky aroma make it a satisfying lunch option.
One of the site’s most recognizable photo spots is O-Tamanegi, a giant onion sculpture measuring 2.5 meters tall and weighing approximately 200 kilograms. Visitors can pose beside the oversized vegetable and even wear a special onion-shaped hat for a playful souvenir photograph.
This unusual crane game challenges visitors to grab a real onion instead of a toy. Anyone who successfully catches one receives a 1.5-kilogram bag of Shiokaze onions. The simple but entertaining attraction is popular with both children and adults.
Tamaden is a collection of colorful neon artworks inspired by Awaji Island’s culture and local ingredients. Its playful designs make it a fun place to explore and take memorable photographs.
This scenic terrace offers sweeping views of Fukura Bay and the Naruto Strait. Its design takes inspiration from the island’s onion fields and terraced rice paddies, connecting the visitor experience with Awaji’s agricultural landscape and rural character.
A piano formerly used at a local elementary school has been made available for public use. Visitors are welcome to sit down and play, turning the instrument into a community street piano where anyone can share a little music.
The rooftop observation deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area. On clear days, visitors can see the Onaruto Bridge, Fukura Bay, wind turbines on the hills, and sections of the expressway. It is an ideal place to appreciate the landscape of southern Awaji Island.
A free outdoor dog run allows visitors to give their dogs space to exercise while enjoying the attraction together. The area can be used outside the facility’s regular opening hours as well, although visitors should take care when it is dark.
The Uzu no Oka Ajichiba shop offers more than 300 regional products and specialty items. Popular choices include fresh Awaji Island onions, onion dressing, and tsukudani made from wakame seaweed stems, a savory preserve commonly eaten with rice.
The shop also sells merchandise featuring Shimabisuke, a charming local character. With its wide selection of food products and souvenirs, Ajichiba is a convenient place to take home a taste of Awaji Island.
Uzu no Oka Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall is also recognized as Stop No. 38 on the Awaji Hana Henro flower-viewing route. From mid-January to early March, daffodils bloom in the surrounding area, filling the landscape with seasonal color and a sweet fragrance.
The surrounding natural environment also offers opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying expansive views across the island and the sea. The combination of seasonal flowers, coastal scenery, and open landscapes makes the site appealing beyond its indoor attractions.
Uzu no Oka Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall brings together science, food, entertainment, and nature in one memorable destination. Visitors can discover the science behind the Naruto whirlpools, sample Awaji Island’s famous onions and seafood, enjoy playful attractions, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.
Whether you are traveling with family, planning a day out as a couple, or taking a scenic drive around Awaji Island, this attraction offers an enjoyable introduction to the region’s distinctive character and local flavors.
9:00-17:00
Tuesdays (open on Tuesdays that are holidays, spring vacation, GW, and summer vacation)
January 1
Uzushio Science Museum
Adults 500 yen
Junior high and high school students 200 yen
Elementary school students 100 yen
Free for preschool children
20 minutes by bus from Fukura Bus Terminal 10 minutes by car from Fukura Port Short distance from Awajishima Minami IC
Approx. 90 min. by highway bus from JR Sannomiya Stn. to Fukura Bus Terminal, approx. 20 min. by free shuttle bus from Fukura