Justin Dobbs
2025-2026 MIKAN BLOG Editor
Justin is a third year JET based on the edge of Ehime in Shikokuchuo. He enjoys hiking, cycling, coffee, and getting lost exploring the island.
It has been a great experience writing about all the weird and wonderful places/experiences Shikoku has to offer for the past two years. This island may not seem like much, but step outside the major cities a bit and you’ll find more than enough exciting places to explore for your time on JET and beyond.
Ninjas – silent, deadly, and always changing. You never know where they’ll pop up or what form they’ll take. For many growing up in early 2000s America, they most often looked like four teenage turtles, a spunky blond-haired kid from the Hidden Leaf Village, or a series of contestants trying to conquer TV’s most difficult obstacle course. These three shows defined a generation’s idea of ninjas, and they’re still fondly remembered today. Yet for the latter two, we don’t have to rely on nostalgia. Shikoku, surprisingly, still carries their spirit — if you know where to look.
With his wild personality, spikey hair, and undying love for ramen, Naruto Uzumaki remains one of Japan’s most beloved characters. Even years after the anime ended in 2017, his face still appears in convenience stores and souvenir shops across the country. But his love for ramen isn’t just a gag — it’s his whole identity. Referring to the fish cake often used as a ramen topping, the “narutomaki” is famous for its “uzumaki” (渦巻) —the iconic pink swirl/whirlpool pattern. It’s a very literal meaning to be sure, but it goes much deeper than any bowl of noodles.
What if I told you there’s a place where you can eat narutomaki in Naruto while watching real uzumaki. Wait, what? It turns out this ninja’s name is also a reference to Tokushima Prefecture’s most famous natural wonder – the Naruto Whirlpools. These whirlpools are located in the Naruto Strait which separates the town of Naruto in Tokushima and Awaji Island. They’re formed where the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide in the narrow Kii Channel. During high tide, they reach their peak intensity. The result is a magnificent display of raw oceanic power — white seafoam swirling through a 1.3-kilometer cauldron of glistening blue water.
Historically, these rough waters were both a marvel and a menace — treacherous to cross but mesmerizing to behold. That changed after the Onaruto Bridge was built in 1985, transforming them from a navigational hazard into a proud cultural symbol of the Naruto area. This is especially thanks to the Tokushima Prefectural Uzu-no-Michi Walkway that was built on the underside of the bridge.
Stepping onto this beautifully frightening walkway feels like taking a dare from a friend. The open-air grates and glass floors put you directly above the roaring whirlpools, 45 meters below. And as the wind and waves intensify, you don’t just see the whirlpools — you feel them. That’s doubly so for the adrenaline seekers taking one of the boat tours that spin through the pools until they come out the other side. It’s a beautifully chaotic place to say the least. But that’s exactly what makes it the perfect inspiration one of anime’s most energetic characters.
Anyone who has watched the anime will know that Naruto is far from being alone. He is joined by an entire cast of quirky ninjas who help (or hinder) him on his journey to become the Hokage (village chief). Of these, arguably the most notable is a ninja named Sasuke Uchiha. As both Naruto’s best friend and rival he ultimately becomes one of the strongest ninjas of the entire show with an astounding display of ninja prowess and supernatural ability. For anyone familiar with Japanese folklore this should sound familiar. A powerful ninja best friend/arch-rival duo with magical abilities? It sounds a lot like Sarutobi Sasuke and Kirigakure Saizo – members of fictional group of ninjas named the Sanada Ten Braves who took part in the 1615 siege of Osaka. These ninjas (but especially Sarutobi Sasuke) have left a huge impact on Japanese culture and have inspired countless literary and TV adaptations. So, it’s not surprising to learn that Naruto’s rival and a certain popular obstacle course series would be inspired by such a character.
What we in the West know as “Ninja Warrior” is known as simply “Sasuke” in Japan. If you’ve never seen it, Sasuke is essentially a brutal obstacle course — strength, stamina, and precision rule above all else. Contestants race the clock through a gauntlet of physical trials, each tougher than the last, for a shot at the final cash prize. So, what does all this have to do with Shikoku? Well, guess which prefecture also has a Sasuke course?
Despite having no connection to each other, it is funny that Tokushima is home to both Naruto and Sasuke in different forms. Located in Yoshinogawa City right beside the Yoshino River, the JOSA Ninja Obstacle Sports Yoshinogawa Course (JOSA公認オブスタクルスポーツ吉野川コース) technically isn’t Sasuke. It’s run by the Japan Obstacle Sports Association (JOSA). However, it states on their website that their course is heavily inspired by the Sasuke TV series and includes the same or similar obstacles. These include a gauntlet of twelve challenges that, like the show, demand loads of upper body strength, stamina, and hand-eye coordination. So, come prepared.
After paying the 2200-yen entrance fee you’re granted all-day access to the course – that is if your muscles can last that long. The first challenge eases you in with the Giant Steps, a set of angled platforms spaced just far enough apart to test your balance and speed. You’ll need to hop from one to the other without falling to make it across. Just when you find your footing, the course throws you at a set of monkey bars, a 1.5-meter wall climb and a balance beam. And before you can catch your breath, the “Wheels” appear — a rotating gauntlet that separates the tourists from the true ninjas.
Essentially an upgraded version of the monkey bars, you won’t find these anywhere near your local playground. Rather, this challenging obstacle consists of a set of rotating handholds that ascend upward. These demand even more strength, speed, and precise momentum control in order to ring the suspended bell at the end and safely stick the landing. Followed immediately by the Two-Meter Wall, the Island Hops, the Rings, and the Net Crawl, once it gets going it never slows down. All this momentum leads to the final three obstacles that test whatever strength you have left in a final vein-popping challenge.
This challenge comes in the form of the Cliff Hangers, the Tarzan Swing, and the aptly named Finish Wall. The first demands sheer grip strength. The Cliff Hangers require you to jump from an elevated platform onto a narrow ledge that has just enough room to hang on by your fingers. You’ll have to shimmy across, grab a second ledge, and finally jump off onto another platform to safety. The second is pretty self-explanatory. Just hold onto the rope as best you can and swing to the other side of a large gap. However, you’ll likely need a running start to get the momentum you need to properly clear it. Just make sure not to lose any of it because plenty of momentum is exactly what you’ll need to conquer the final challenge!
Anyone who has watched the show or is a fan of ninjas in general will know that wall running is one of the most important skills in a ninja’s arsenal. So, it’s not surprising that Sasuke and this obstacle course feature it as the final test. This is where speed, power, and reach matter the most. In order to get to the top you’ll have to run as fast as you can and jump for the top ledge like your life depends on it. If you can reach it though, the feeling of finally standing atop the platform having conquered Shikoku’s toughest ninja challenge is unbeatable.
Admittedly, all this is a bit extreme. Walking over swirling whirlpools and testing one’s ninja abilities via a brutal obstacle course is definitely not for everybody. Luckily, there are a few more ways to get your ninja fix without going too far. In fact, if you’ve ever been to Imabari Station you’ve probably caught a glimpse of Sarutobi Sasuke himself performing ninjutsu (special ninja techniques) by the bus stop. It turns out the author of a series of highly influential Showa-era books (Tatsukawa Bunko) featuring the titular character is from Imabari City. To honor the work of Yamada O-tetsu (山田阿鉄), a dramatic statue was installed which designates Imabari as somewhat of a spiritual home for one of Japan’s most popular ninjas. Still, not all ninjas are satisfied with bus stops; some just want a good bowl of soba noodles.
One other place to see ninjas in Shikoku is the beautiful Senkichi soba noodle shop in the Iya Valley. Located on a steep, winding road not too far from the famous vine bridge, Senkichi has both the best soba noodles this writer has eaten in Japan, and a number of ninjas stealthily clinging to the walls of the traditional style restaurant. It’s a true hidden gem run by a husband and wife duo. While their reason for including ninjas into the décor isn’t explicitly stated, the valley itself is ripe with rumors of ninja activity.
For instance, after their defeat in the Genpei war in the late 1100s the retreating Heike warriors fled to the valley. According to legend, some of these warriors used the stealth tactics later associated with ninjas. True or not though, they are being forever honored via this delicious soba restaurant and the very ninja-esque valley that it calls home. In many ways the Iya Valley resembles the Hidden Leaf Village from the beforementioned Naruto series with just how remote and tucked into the forest it really is. If you’d like to learn more check out my article “Journey to the Center of Shikoku“.
But why stop at a place that simply resembles the Hidden Leaf Village when you could visit the real one? While not in Shikoku, the Naruto x Boruto Park in the Nijigen no Mori anime theme park is close enough to be worth a mention. Located on Awaji island about an hour drive from the Naruto Whirlpools, this park is honestly worth an entire article on its own. Fans of Godzilla, Crayon Shin Chan, Dragon Quest, and Naruto will all find something to love with attractions centered around each series. For Naruto, though, visitors can enjoy completing ninja missions, meeting the characters, dining at Ichiraku Ramen, and much more. For anyone who wants to feel like anime’s most popular ninja without taking on a punishing obstacle course, this park is the perfect choice.
Shikoku may not be world famous for ninjas like Mie and Shiga Prefectures are, but it doesn’t have to be. Like any good ninja, it’s connection to these shadowy figures remains mostly hidden. It’s subtle, yes, but unmistakable once you spot it. Roll back the smokescreen a bit and you’ll find that Shikoku is home to a number of (mostly) fictional, but no less impactful ninjas in one way or another. Whether it’s whirlpools with Naruto, obstacle courses inspired by Sasuke, or valleys steeped in Heike legend, they all have their hands in propagating ninja culture/history. Most never notice Shikoku’s ninjas. But the thing about ninjas is that often strike where least expected.
Hey everyone! Thanks for checking out this month’s travel article. If there is a story, experience, or idea you’d like to share please reach out to us at themikanblog@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!
Best, Justin
