Naruto, city, Tokushima ken (prefecture), eastern Shikoku, Japan. The city lies along the Naruto Strait (Naruto-kaikyō), which connects the Inland Sea with the Pacific Ocean. The narrow strait (1 mile [1.5 km] wide) separates Naruto from Awaji Island, a large island of the eastern Inland Sea. During the Edo (Tokugawa) period (1603–1867) Naruto was a flourishing port and centre of salt production. Since the late 19th century, chemicals and medicines have been produced there. Fishing and the gathering of seaweed are still important.
Naruto is perhaps best known as a base for viewing Naruto Strait, popularly known as the Awa no Naruto (“Roaring Gateway of Awa”), which is filled with rushing water and whirlpools at each ebb and flow of the tide. Ōnaruto Bridge spans the strait, connecting Naruto with Awaji Island and ultimately providing a road link with Kōbe, on the island of Honshu. Pop. (2005) 63,198; (2010) 61,513.