The scenic port town of Tomonoura is a well-known sightseeing location in Hiroshima Prefecture. It is a historic townscape which captures the look and feel of an Edo period port, creating a slightly nostalgic atmosphere. As Tomonoura faces the Seto Inland Sea, it also provides stunning views of the coastline and the islands which lie near the mainland. Despite being a small town, Tomonoura is home to a great number of old residences, temples, and other structures, which together form its distinct landscape.
On this page we will cover information such as how to get to Tomonoura, things to do and places to visit around the town, and guided tours which include a stop by this picturesque location.
Where is Tomonoura?
Tomonoura is a town located in the southernmost part of Fukuyama, the second-largest city of Hiroshima Prefecture. The town is fairly compact and can be explored comfortably on foot.
History of the Port Town
Tomonoura originally began to flourish in the 7th century as a place for sailors and travelers to stop at and wait for more favorable sailing weather. As time passed, it continued to prosper and develop into a proper trading port. Today, we can still see some of the town’s historic port facilities such as the lighthouse and tiered dock. These are the only Edo period port facilities remaining in all of Japan.
Unfortunately, Tomonoura’s role as an important port town would not be able to extend past the 20th century. As new transportation systems developed and advanced and maritime travel became much less important, the town lost most of its traffic and business. Nonetheless, it has been beautifully preserved, allowing us to visit it today and “travel” to the past.
Tours Visiting Tomonoura
If you’d like to explore Tomonoura but are not completely sure how to get there or which are the best sightseeing spots within it, our 1-day Fukuyama tour can solve both of these problems. Our expert guides will lead you around the town and take you to the most relevant and iconic locations. You will also be making additional stops by the impressive Fukuyama Castle and Sensui-jima island. It is a tour which includes all the must-do activities of Fukuyama!
