Tomonoura
鞆の浦
A historic harbor from the Edo period where ships waited for the tide. It preserves its lantern tower, stone steps and old streets, and it inspired Hayao Miyazaki's “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.”
Located at the tip of the Numakuma Peninsula in Fukuyama City, Tomonoura is an ancient Seto Inland Sea harbor where ships waited for the tide. It preserves Edo-period harbor facilities such as the Joyatou lighthouse, stone-stepped landing ramps called gangi, and the ship inspection office, along with traditional townhouse streets. Tomonoura is listed as a Japan Heritage site. From Fukuchi-ji's Taichō-rō tower, you can look out at Sensui Island, which Korean envoys praised as “the foremost scenic spot in eastern Japan.” Hayao Miyazaki is said to have conceived *Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea* here. It is about 40 minutes by car from Onomichi, or about 30 minutes by bus from Fukuyama Station.
Opening hours
Open all day (facilities approx. 09:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Jodoji Temple
- Saikokuji Temple
- Tenneiji Temple Three-storied Pagoda
- Cat Alley (Neko no Hosomichi)
- Onomichi Hondori Shopping Street
- Senkoji Temple
- Path of Literature
- Senkoji Park & Ropeway