Kobe - Naruto Whirlpool

Hi everyone,

I will spend some days in Kobe and want to do a day trip to Naruto Whirlpool.
I have investigated in Internet and found these bus-timetables:


http://www.honshi-bus.co.jp/daiyanaruto.htm

http://www.honshi-bus.co.jp/daiyatokukobe.htm


1.) Exists differences in content and does the eHonshi-busf belongs to JR?
2.) Can I buy a round-trip-ticket in the Kobe Sannomiya-Station?
3.) I assume that I must get off at the Naruto Koen bus stop. Which Japanese sign (kanji) in the schedule stands for this bus-station?
4.) Is the Naruto Koen bus stop serviced by Honshi-Bus, bound for Kobe Sannomiya Station too (way back)?

Thanks for your help.

Exists differences in content and does the eHonshi-busf belongs to JR?

They are two different companies. Hoshi Bus does not belong to JR. They might be using slightly different bus types, but the differences would be minor. The Japan Rail Pass cannot be used on either company's buses.

Can I buy a round-trip-ticket in the Kobe Sannomiya-Station?

Yes, that should be available at the bus terminal. Alternatively, JR ticket counters also sell tickets for JR bus routes. So do a lot of convenience stores and travel agencies.

I assume that I must get off at the Naruto Koen bus stop. Which Japanese sign (kanji) in the schedule stands for this bus-station?

Yes. In Japanese: ––åŒö‰€Œû

Is the Naruto Koen bus stop serviced by Honshi-Bus, bound for Kobe Sannomiya Station too (way back)?

No. The bus stop situation is explained in quite some detail on the following page. To get back to Kobe, you will have to take a regular city bus to Naruto-Kosoku bus stop, from where you can board a highway bus back to Kobe:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7851.html?aFROM=2157_7850
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7852.html

Thanks Uji! I appreciate your advices!

Hi Uji and other Forum-participants,

meanwhile I have collect all necessary informationfs for my visit on 7th April, but now I asked to myself if itfs actual worthwhile to visit the Naruto-Whirlpool out of high- / low tide season. (according to this schedule: http://www.uzusio.com/shio1-3.html).

So I would like to ask you to communicate your personal view / assessment! Or maybe does the Naruto-Park have other (touristic) attractions, like observation platforms, hiking trails, etc. where I can make a side trip too.

Thanks folks

I asked to myself if itfs actual worthwhile to visit the Naruto-Whirlpool out of high- / low tide season.

No, it is not worth it! You won't be able to see much at all. Just a beautiful bridge and a few other minor attractions mentioned in the Naruto section of this website. But unless you pass through the area anyway, it is not worth a visit, in my opinion.

Thankfs Uji for you personal assessment.
I have made a new arrangement: Nara
The access is easier, cheaper and surely much more interesting than such whirls....