ABOUT
About this spot
Located at the southern tip of Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, Tomonoura is a historic port town that long flourished as a "port for waiting on the tide" in the Seto Inland Sea and was even praised in the Manyoshu poetry anthology. All five Edo-period port facilities, the "joyato" lantern, "gangi" stepped landing, "hato" breakwater, "takibaba" ship-repair yard, and "funabansho" boat lookout, survive today, making it a valuable place that strongly retains the look of its past. Walking through the town, you will find traditional merchant houses and old homes lining a maze of narrow alleys, giving the feeling of having traveled back in time. It is also famous as the place where the idea for the Studio Ghibli film Ponyo on the Cliff was conceived, so photo spots abound. After enjoying the superb view from Taichoro, which was hailed as "the finest scenery east of Joseon," we recommend sampling the local specialty medicinal liquor "Homeishu," or taking a break at a seaside old-house cafe while listening to the gentle sound of the waves. From history lovers and photography fans to solo travelers who want to gaze quietly at the sea, it is a charming spot that wraps every visitor in a gentle passage of time.
Last updated March 29, 2026