What Is Tomonoura?
Tomonoura is a historic port town in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, known for its beautiful Seto Inland Sea scenery and atmospheric streetscape.
It’s an ancient port praised even in the Manyōshū, and it flourished as a “tide-waiting port” where ships once stopped for changing currents. Today, it still retains the distinctive charm of an Edo-period port town.
It has also gained attention as a setting for films and anime, and its nostalgic ambiance captivates visitors from Japan and abroad.
Compact and easy to explore on foot, it’s a great place to enjoy history, culture, and local food at a relaxed pace.
Why Visit Tomonoura?
1. Edo-Period Streets and Port Scenery
Tomonoura’s port townscape has been preserved since the Edo period and is selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
- Jōyatō (Stone Lantern): Tomonoura’s signature landmark, a lantern built in Ansei 6 (1859) and standing about 5.5 m tall. It’s one of Japan’s largest existing jōyatō lanterns in a port setting.
- Gangi (Stone Steps): Stone steps at the landing that served as port infrastructure adapted to the tide level, conveying the port town’s historical function as it once was.
- Old houses and storehouses: From Hōmeishu liquor breweries to wealthy merchants’ residences, historic buildings are scattered throughout, letting you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time while strolling.
2. A Setting for Films and Anime
Tomonoura is also famous as a place said to be one of the models for the Studio Ghibli film “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.”
Director Hayao Miyazaki is known to have stayed here while developing ideas, making it a pilgrimage spot for fans.
It has also been used for dramas and movie shoots, so simply visiting can sometimes evoke the world of your favorite works.
3. Spectacular Seto Inland Sea Views
Tomonoura is also a great place to enjoy the Seto Inland Sea’s tranquil scenery.
The calm water dotted with islands—and the sunset colors—can be wonderfully soothing.
A popular outing is the short ferry ride to Sensui-jima (Sensuijima): the “Heisei Iroha-maru” ferry gets you there in just 5 minutes.
On the island, you can enjoy the unique Goshiki-iwa rock formations, hiking routes, and quiet beaches.
4. Walkable Historic Sights
Many historical spots in Tomonoura are clustered within easy walking distance.
- Fukuzen-ji Taichōrō (Fukuzenji Taichoro): A historic guest hall used in the Edo period to welcome Korean diplomatic missions. The tatami-room view over the Seto Inland Sea was praised as “Nittō Daiichi Keishō” (the finest scenic view in Japan). In the late Edo period, it also became a negotiation site for the Iroha-maru Incident, making it known as a place linked to Sakamoto Ryōma. Admission is typically around 200 yen for adults.
- Iō-ji Temple (Iō-ji): An old temple said to have been founded by Kōbō Daishi in the Heian period, offering a panoramic view over the port town from its hillside.
- Iroha-maru Exhibition Hall: A facility displaying salvaged items from the Iroha-maru, which sank off Tomonoura during the late Edo period, along with materials from seabed investigations.
5. Enjoy Local Food and Specialties
Tomonoura offers fresh seafood dishes and local specialty sweets.
- Sea bream dishes: Tomonoura is known for sea bream—grilled bream, sashimi, and tai-meshi (sea bream rice) are outstanding. In spring, the traditional “Tai Shibari” fishing event is also held.
- Hōmeishu: A health liqueur made by steeping 16 herbs/spices, produced here since the Edo period. Several breweries offer tastings and sales.
- Hōmeishu sweets: Ice cream, manju, and other sweets made with Hōmeishu are also popular local treats.
How to Get There (Access)
By Train and Bus
- From Fukuyama Station
- From the south exit of JR Fukuyama Station, take the “Tomotetsu Bus” bound for Tomoko (Tomonoura Port) and get off at the “Tomonoura” bus stop (about 30 minutes; fare is typically around 530 yen).
- Fukuyama Station is a Shinkansen “Nozomi” stop, making it convenient for travelers coming from afar.
By Car
- About 1.5 hours from central Hiroshima
- Use the Sanyō Expressway “Fukuyama Higashi IC” or “Fukuyama Nishi IC,” then drive about 30 minutes toward Tomonoura.
- There are multiple parking lots around the port, but weekends can be busy, so arriving early is recommended.
How to Enjoy Tomonoura
1. Stroll Through the Port Town
Walk around and visit sights like the stone lantern, gangi steps, and historic buildings while enjoying the nostalgic port-town atmosphere.
Most key highlights are compactly located within a 15–20 minute walk, so half a day is enough to enjoy the area.
2. Visit Sensui-jima
Sensui-jima is a nature-rich uninhabited island just 5 minutes away by the “Heisei Iroha-maru” ferry—perfect for a quiet escape.
Enjoy hiking trails, relaxing on the beach, and the unique Goshiki-iwa rock scenery.
3. Taste Local Food
Try fresh seafood and Hōmeishu-based sweets unique to this port town and savor local flavors.
Retro cafes and eateries are tucked away in Tomonoura’s narrow lanes.
4. Take Photos at Scenic Viewpoints
The Seto Inland Sea views from Fukuzen-ji Taichōrō and the hillside near Iō-ji are excellent photo spots.
Late afternoon is especially recommended, when the stone lantern and sunset create a beautiful contrast.
Practical Travel Tips
- Suggested time needed
- Allow about 2–3 hours to stroll the port town. Including Sensui-jima, you can enjoy a half day to a full day.
- Recommended clothing
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the season.
- With many stone-paved paths and slopes, avoid high heels.
- Notes
- Roads near the port are narrow, so if you’re driving, checking parking options in advance is recommended.
- Ferry operations to Sensui-jima can change due to weather. Check the last departure time beforehand.
Summary
Tomonoura is a special place where history, nature, and culture come together.
While enjoying the Seto Inland Sea’s calm scenery, you can experience the unchanged charm of an Edo-period port town.
With easy access—about 30 minutes from Fukuyama Station—it’s also perfect for a day trip.
Visit Tomonoura and enjoy a soothing, nostalgic getaway.
