Tomonoura is beloved nicknamed the “tide waiting port” for its long history for guiding boats along its perfect tides. It has also been celebrated in the Manyoshu, the oldest collection of Japanese poems. Home to floating isles in the Seto Inland Sea, Sensui and Benten islands, it is also part of Setonaikai National Park, Japan’s first designated national park. This picturesque town has been featured as film locations of famous Hollywood movies, served as inspiration of beloved anime, and remains a popular tourist destination.
The area boasts many easily walkable attractions, including Fukuzenji Temple with panoramic views of the Seto Insland Sea, the iconic Tomonoura Nightlight and other photo-worthy spots to delight your eyes.
You can also find sites related to Ryoma Sakamoto, a historic, patriot soldier from the end of the Edo period. Many visitors like to follow his footsteps and tour the Tomonoura Gallery shop MASUYA or the Irohamaru Tenjikan.
From deep history to remarkable sites, there are many spots to visit like the Ota-ke Old House, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property that served as the original brewer of homeishu, a medicinal sake native to Tomonoura since the Edo period.
Highlights
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home to locations featured in famous Hollywood films and anime.
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part of Japan’s first designated National Park.
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plenty to see in an easily walkable distance.
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hometown to historic sites related to Ryoma Sakamoto.
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visit Ota-ke Old House, a former brewery and nationally designated Important Cultural Asset.
