Tomonoura

What to know

Tomonoura (鞆の浦) is a port town at the southern end of Fukuyama City in Hiroshima Prefecture. Nestled in a bay on the Seto Inland Sea, this scenic fishing village charms visitors with its nostalgic atmosphere and relaxed pace. It is part of the Setonaikai National Park.

In the age of sail, Tomonoura thrived as a stopover for merchant ships waiting for favorable tides along the Seto Inland Sea. The bustling port fueled local industries, including the production of homeishu, a medicinal liquor made from shochu and 16 herbs, believed to promote longevity.

Recently, Tomonoura has gained fame as a filming location for both international and Japanese movies, such as 'The Wolverine' starring Hugh Jackman and Studio Ghibli's 'Ponyo on the Cliff.' The port town depicted at the start of 'Ponyo' was modeled after Tomonoura.

The old town center is filled with photogenic alleys lined with rustic wooden houses. Several shops sell homeishu, the local medicinal liquor. The waterfront is dotted with small boats, showing the port's ongoing vitality. Here are some attractions around the town center:

Numerous temples and shrines surround the town center, serving as reminders of Tomonoura's heritage and popular sights. Some of the best views can be enjoyed from these places of worship:

The easiest way to reach Tomonoura is from Fukuyama Station by bus, which runs every 20–30 minutes. Look for buses bound for Tomo Port (鞆港, Tomokō) at bus stop 5 in front of the station. The trip takes about 30 minutes and costs 580 yen to the Tomonoura (鞆の浦) bus stop near the visitor center, or 35 minutes and 620 yen to the Tomo Port bus stop (the turnaround point). IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, and Icoca are accepted.