Tomonoura
Tomonoura is a historic port town on the Numakuma Peninsula in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, facing the Seto Inland Sea. The port served as a vital maritime waypoint since ancient times, positioned at the center of tidal currents where vessels waited for favorable conditions. The town flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868) as a prosperous trading port. Its well-preserved Edo-period townscape including merchant houses, temples, shrines, and the iconic stone seawall and lantern remains largely intact, making it one of Japan's most authentic historical port towns.
The town's cultural significance includes its association with Japanese maritime heritage and diplomatic history. Taichoro, the Fukuyama Castle lord's guesthouse, overlooks the harbor and hosted Korean diplomatic missions during the Edo period. Tomonoura inspired locations in Studio Ghibli's film "Ponyo", with director Hayao Miyazaki reportedly staying during production. Traditional industries included brewing homeishu, a medicinal tonic from 16 herbs, and producing tai-ami fishing nets for sea bream. The joya-to stone lantern, built in 1859 at the harbor's edge, is one of Japan's largest traditional harbor lights and the port's defining symbol.
Visitors explore the preserved historical district with narrow streets, traditional wooden buildings, and waterfront promenades. The Tomonoura Museum of History and Folklore occupies an Edo-period merchant house displaying maritime heritage artifacts and local industry items. Walking routes along the stone-paved seawall offer harbor views, nearby islands, and the distinctive joya-to lantern. Fukuzenji Temple provides elevated viewpoints over the town and sea, with its reception hall designated a scenic beauty site.
Tomonoura is approximately 14 kilometers south of JR Fukuyama Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen line. Tomotetsu Bus connects Fukuyama Station to Tomonoura, taking approximately 30 minutes and costing around ¥530 one way. Buses depart regularly to stops near the harbor. By car, take the Sanyo Expressway to Fukuyama-higashi IC or Fukuyama-nishi IC, though parking in the historical district is limited; use designated peripheral parking areas.
