Tomonoura

Overview

Tomonoura is a historic port town on the southern tip of the Numakuma Peninsula in Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture. Facing the Bingo Sea, it flourished for centuries as a place where travelers waited for the turning tide. Even after modern harbor facilities were built, its distinctive circular harbor and a rare, complete set of Edo-period port structures survive intact, framed by small islands scattered across the calm inland sea. Designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and recognized as a Japan Heritage site, Tomonoura remains one of the Seto Inland Sea's most evocative destinations.

Highlights

• ●The harbor's landmark stone lantern, with surviving Edo-period stone steps and breakwaters
• ●The distinctive arc-shaped harbor and calm views of islands across the Bingo Sea
• ●The old streets, temples and shrines of Tomo, a designated traditional building preservation district
• ●The atmosphere of the port town said to have inspired the film Ponyo

History

Once known as Tomonotsu, Tomonoura drew people and goods from ancient times as a port where ships waited for favorable tides. Its unusual arc-shaped harbor was preserved even into the modern era, and the surrounding streets are lined with old temples, shrines and merchant houses. In November 2017 an area of about 8.6 hectares in the Tomo district of Fukuyama was selected as an Important Preservation District for a Group of Traditional Buildings. The port and its surroundings form part of Setonaikai National Park, and in 2007 the harbor and town were named among Japan's finest scenic and historical places, reflecting the deep overlap of heritage and nature here.

Map

34.3808, 133.3800 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Travel from Fukuyama Station to the Tomo area and begin at the landmark stone lantern
2. 2Walk around the harbor past the old stone steps and breakwaters to take in its arc-shaped form
3. 3Wander the lanes of the preservation district lined with merchant houses, temples and shrines
4. 4Enjoy local red sea bream and Seto Inland Sea cuisine, then end the day by the lantern at dusk

Did you know?

💡 Tomonoura is known as the place that inspired Hayao Miyazaki's 2008 film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, and it has served as a location for many films and dramas. The surrounding waters are also famous for red sea bream (madai) fishing, so seasonal seafood is a highlight of any visit.

Nearby spots