KIKO + MANILA: Day Trip in Tomonoura, Japan

TOMONOURA, JAPAN:

On this 2015 year end holidays, one of my trips is visiting Tomonoura.

Tomonoura is a simple port town 14 kilometers south of Fukuyama Station (35-minute trip by bus from the station) in the Numakuma Peninsula. Two reasons why I decided to make a visit here are:

1. I'm a Ghibli fan, and this location was where the creator found inspiration for his film Ponyo (you guys should watch Ponyo).

2. "The Wolverine" movie was shot here. I saw Hugh Jackman's photo on one of the town's park.

So I guess, those 2 reasons kept me very interested on this trip.

The place is simple yet so calming. You have a very good view of the sea, and of course lined with old picturesque Japanese houses. Its a walk back to yesterday in serenity.

Another advantage of this place is there are very few foreign tourists. Since all the sight-seeing spots are within reach, walking is very much enjoyable. You can take a good shot in your camera without photo bombers and of course a good selfie to serve as your souvenir.

Tomonoura town overview

Start your trip by taking a bus infront of Fukuyama Station. Buses bound for "Tomo Port" run every 20 minutes at bus stop No. 5. There were no English signs and I just asked the bus driver for confirmation. The trip is around 30 minutes (520 yen) going to the "Tomonoura" bus stop, and 35 minutes (550 yen) to the "Tomo Port" bus stop.

The "Tomonura" bus stop is near the visitors' center. For my case, I proceeded to the "Tomo Port". From the bus stop, walking to the attractions is recommended. You could take snapshots of those classic and lovely houses and alleys of the town.

I went immediately to the "Joyato Lighthouse". It is around 35 feet tall and serves as a symbol of the town.

Joyato Lighthouse

To get better views of the town and its bay, I recommend you to go to the Ioji temple. It is a 15 minute ascent up the hill. The hike going up is steep, but indeed worth it.

Tomonoura town view from Ioji temple

You could also take pictures of the town and its bay from its pier. On the eastern part of the bay there is a long pier that one could stroll and enjoy the scenery.

Another famous attraction here is the Bentenjima island. Ferries touring around the island are available and its ferry station can be found between the "Tomonoura" and "Tomo Port" bus stop. If you have no plans of going to the island, I recommend you take a photo from the Fukuzenji temple. From its temple window, you could get good framing for your photos. Fukuzenji Temple has an admission of 200 yen and is on a top of a hill near the "Tomo Port" bus stop.