Michi-no-Eki Uzushio, a roadside station overlooking the whirlpools of the Naruto Strait, and Uzushio Cruise, the sightseeing boat operator that takes visitors out to see them up close, are teaming up for the first time in Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture. Starting July 18, the two are running a joint summer campaign called "Uzushio Tag Campaign 2026 Summer," combining an Instagram giveaway, a two-day special event, and limited-edition collaboration stickers.
Background and Goals of the Joint Campaign
The whirlpools of the Naruto Strait are one of Minamiawaji City's signature, one-of-a-kind attractions. Wanting to share their appeal with more visitors and energize the wider area, Michi-no-Eki Uzushio and Uzushio Cruise have teamed up for the first time on this joint campaign. Anyone can enter simply by visiting either facility, taking a photo, and posting it to social media — there's no requirement to visit both locations or follow any social accounts, making it an easy way for visitors to enjoy the Uzushio area freely. Under the tagline "The Uzushio area is buzzing!," the two facilities are highlighting their distinct appeals while aiming to raise awareness and bring more visitors to the Uzushio area as a whole. The organizers hope the campaign helps participants rediscover the charm of Minamiawaji City and build a new base of fans for the region. The joint project also arrives ahead of two milestones for the partners: Michi-no-Eki Uzushio's first anniversary since its renewal opening (planned for October 2026) and Joyport Awajishima's 30th anniversary (planned for February 2027).
Campaign Highlights
Instagram Hashtag Giveaway: Five Pairs Can Win a Prize Worth ¥100,000
Period: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 9:00 AM through Monday, August 31, 2026, 11:59 PM
How to enter (no visit or purchase required): Take a smartphone photo of the campaign POP display set up at either facility.
- Michi-no-Eki Uzushio: the photo spot on the 1st floor, or the "Zekkei Uzu Hiroba" outdoor photo spot
- Uzushio Cruise: the ship's-wheel photo spot near the boarding area, or the ship's-wheel photo spot on board
Post the photo to an Instagram feed with the hashtag "#うずしお界隈26夏."
Prize: Five pairs (ten winners) will be selected by lottery to receive the "All-Inclusive Uzushio Premium Pass," worth about ¥100,000 per pair — a chance to experience Minamiawaji once again.
The package includes a pair of overnight stay vouchers (with breakfast and dinner) at "Minato Koyado Umi no Kaori to AWAJISHIMA," a lunch voucher for Irori Shokudo Uzushio, an invitation to the Uzushio Cruise premium lounge, plus special experiences and souvenirs.
Local resident slot (1 pair): In appreciation of local residents who support the area every day, one of the five winning pairs is reserved specifically for Awaji Island residents. The organizers hope this gives residents — who may rarely get the chance to experience it despite living nearby — an opportunity to rediscover the appeal of the whirlpools, said to be among the largest in the world.
- To enter the resident slot: add the hashtag "#淡路島民" alongside the standard hashtag.
- Note on winning: winners selected for the resident slot will be asked to verify their identity (such as current address) by direct message.
- For those who prefer not to disclose their resident status or location publicly on social media, entering through the standard entry without the "#淡路島民" hashtag is also welcome.
Winner announcement: Winners will be chosen by lottery in mid-September 2026 and contacted directly by direct message from the official Instagram account.
Special Event (August 1–2 Only)
Uzu-bo Makes a Special Visit
Michi-no-Eki Uzushio's official mascot character, Uzu-bo, will make a special appearance at Uzushio Cruise. Dressed in a sailor costume, Uzu-bo will greet passengers waiting to board, sending them off with high-fives and other lively interactions for a memorable moment.
- Saturday, August 1 departures: 12:10 PM / 12:50 PM / 1:30 PM / 2:10 PM
- Sunday, August 2 departures: 12:50 PM / 1:30 PM / 2:10 PM / 2:50 PM
The appearance will be cancelled in case of rain or severe weather.
Become a Captain at the Special Ship's-Wheel Photo Spot
For these two days only, a special Uzushio Cruise ship's-wheel photo spot will appear inside Michi-no-Eki Uzushio. Along with an authentic ship's wheel, a captain's hat and uniform will be available, letting the whole family dress up as captains for a one-of-a-kind photo.
Limited-Edition Sticker Giveaway to Mark the First Team-Up
To mark the first collaboration between Uzushio Cruise and Uzu-bo, a limited, non-commercial collaboration sticker will be given out — 5,000 at each facility, 10,000 in total. Some stickers are a sparkly "rare" holographic version, adding an element of surprise for adults and children alike (giveaways end once supplies run out at each facility).
How to receive one:
- Michi-no-Eki Uzushio: visitors who collect keywords scattered around the facility and complete the course can draw one sticker from a lottery box.
- Uzushio Cruise: customers who spend ¥2,000 (tax included) or more in a single purchase at the "Uzushio SHOP MARINE" boarding-area shop can draw one sticker from a lottery box at checkout (limit one per purchase).
More Summer Events at Both Facilities
Michi-no-Eki Uzushio: The spring "Great Whirlpool" theme returns for summer with a lineup of whirlpool-inspired menu items, along with the return of popular content from the Great Whirlpool Festival — including a whirlpool exhibition, a spinning photo spot, "uzushio petanque," and umbrella-spinning.
Uzushio Cruise: The giant acrylic "drawing spot" is back and upgraded for the season, alongside the ship's-wheel photo spot for a captain's-eye view and new heat-relief amenities. All passengers receive a set of an original fan, a frozen hand towel, and salted candy.
