Tomonoura, on a headland south of Fukuyama, is one of the best-preserved old harbour towns on the Seto Inland Sea, so little changed that walking its lanes feels like stepping into the Edo period. Ships once waited here for the tide to turn, and the town grew wealthy on that trade, leaving a rare survival: the original stone-built harbour with its curved jetty, a squat stone lighthouse, warehouses and temples, and streets of wooden merchant houses. The views over the island-dotted sea are timeless, and the town’s atmosphere has drawn film-makers — it is said to have inspired the seaside setting of the animated film ‘Ponyo’ and featured in ‘The Wolverine’.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Fukuyama, Hiroshima |
| Hours | Town always open; museums daytime |
| Admission | Free to wander; small museum fees |
| Time needed | Half day |
| Best time | Year-round; clear days for the sea |
What to See
- The original Edo-period stone harbour and lighthouse.
- Streets of wooden merchant houses and warehouses.
- Views over the island-dotted Inland Sea.
- The setting said to have inspired ‘Ponyo’.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Fukuyama Castle by the station en route.
- Pair with Onomichi along the coast.
- Read our Hiroshima overview .
Getting There
- By train + bus: JR to Fukuyama, then a bus of about 30 minutes to Tomonoura.
- On foot: the old town is small and made for slow wandering.
Tips
Come for the atmosphere and slow wandering rather than a checklist of sights — the pleasure is simply walking the old harbour and lanes, ideally staying for the light on the sea in late afternoon. Climb to the Taichoro hall or a hillside temple for the classic view over the port, try the local homeishu herbal liqueur, and combine it with Fukuyama on the way in or out.
