Tomonoura Recommendations

BINGO CRAFT CAMP RIDE 1Day Tour

Personal experiences

Call for 1-day tour to enjoy BINGO CRAFT CAMP RIDE (BCCR), which connects Bingo's craftsmanship and camping by bicycle, in a more casual way!

We have started accepting applications for a 1-day tour that allows you to more easily enjoy the BINGO CRAFT CAMP RIDE (BCCR), which connects Bingo's craftsmanship and camping by bicycle. Starting from Tomonoura, you can enjoy frying pan making and bonfire cooking at Tomo Iron and Steel Complex, and then enjoy cycling and sightseeing to Onomichi via the Shimanami Kaido. *This plan is available only for guests staying at the Hotel Ofutei, Hotel Ochikochi, the Keishokan Sazanamitei, or the Siomachi Hotel.

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Setouchi Fisherman Experience

Personal experiences

Taste the bounty of the Setouchi Sea along with the experience. Experience the fishing methods that change with the seasons and the scenery of the Setouchi Sea.

The sound of boat engines echoes in the harbor, and mothers selling fish can be seen here and there on street corners. If you are fascinated by the unique scenery of such a fishing town, you should definitely try a fisherman's experience. Fishing is a word that can be used to describe a wide variety of fishing styles, depending on the individuality of the fisherman. Experience the work of the sea, which varies from season to season. Wakame (seaweed) harvesting (February to March). Wakame seaweed cultivation in Tomo started in 2017. By growing wakame, they are helping to preserve the ocean. Visitors can experience wakame harvesting from a boat at a farm near Senanoshima Island. You can take home the freshly harvested wakame.

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Historical Experience Bomei Sake Brewery Tour

Personal experiences

Visitors will learn about the history of Homeishu and observe the brewing process at the brewery of Okamoto Kametaro Honten, a brewer of Homeishu with a history of more than 360 years. Visitors will also have the opportunity to compare the products.

Homeishu, a mirin-based condiment liquor, has a history of more than 360 years since the Edo period. It is a Japanese liqueur made by soaking herbs such as cinnamon and licorice in mirin. We will visit the sake brewery of Okamoto Kametaro Honten, one of the four breweries currently operating in Tomonoura. With its meltingly sweet and gentle taste and the nourishing and refreshing aroma of medicinal herbs, Homeishu was valued as an important product of the Fukuyama clan and was served at the time of Perry's arrival in Japan. High quality mirin is indispensable for this historic condiment sake. Okamoto Kametaro Honten places the utmost importance on the brewing of the basic mirin, or original mirin, in making Homeishu, and has inherited the signboard and tools of the Nakamura family, the originators of Homeishu. During the “Homeishu Brewery Tour,” visitors will learn about the history of Homeishu, observe the brewing process, and compare the products that are available in various flavors. It can also be combined with the facility's popular “Tomo Sanpo” tour, which allows visitors to learn about the history and culture of the town while interacting with local people.

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Wooden boat excursion and fishing experience

Personal experiences

You can enjoy a sightseeing cruise from a wooden boat, which is rare in Japan, to view the Japanese Heritage site of Tomonoura, and experience fishing under the guidance of local fishermen. Please come empty-handed.

Tomonoura, where active fishermen still sail their boats and fish. In this two-hour activity, you can enjoy the scenery of the port town from the sea and experience fishing while learning from the fishermen. You will board a wooden boat that has been used at Taira Fishing Port for 50 years. The wooden boat is one of the few boats of its kind in Japan, and you will enjoy a leisurely cruise to view Tomonoura, a Japanese Heritage Site. The boat has a sunshade and the sea breeze makes it comfortable even in summer. After the wooden boat cruise, you will visit a fishing spot well known by local fishermen. Mr. Okazaki, an active fisherman, will help you with everything from baiting to removing the fish you have caught, so even beginners can easily enjoy fishing. All fishing equipment and bait will be provided, so please come empty-handed.

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Traditional Port Town Industry Forging Experience

Personal experiences

With the support of craftsmen, we will create original items using free forging technology, which is the basis of anchor making.

Sankyo Corporation, located in the ironworks complex at the entrance to Tomonoura, specializes in the manufacture of special metal fittings and other products using state-of-the-art equipment and precision processing technology. having been established in 1951 as a ship's tackle factory, the company is dedicated to carrying on the traditional casting technique known as “free forging”. Free forging, which is the basis of anchor making, is a technique in which heated metal is beaten with a hammer to apply pressure and shape while increasing strength; the room number plates and room keys of NIPPONIA Tomo Port Town are also made using this technique. In the forging experience, visitors can actually experience Tomo's traditional blacksmithing culture by observing the powerful scene of hammering molten red iron at more than 1,000 degrees Celsius up close, and with the assistance of craftsmen, they can create their own original iron trays, incense holders, and iron pans. Visitors can take their finished items home with them.

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Iouji-Temple / Birth Shrine of Hiraga Gennai

Shrines and Temples

Full of ambience and heartstring on ascent up the hill.

The precinct located on the halfway up the Ushiro-Yama, is one of the best view points at Tomonoura which provides the views of the townscape and whole bay area of Tomonoura. At the foot of the Deva gate of Shingon Sect., there is a small shrine on the birth place of Hiraga Gennai who was a genius lived in Edo-era.

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Nunakuma Shrine

Shrines and Temples

This is the pristine shrine of Yasaka-Shrine in Kyoto and proud of its long history and formalities

There are many dedicated things from all over in Japan such as Noh-Stage (National Important Cultural Property) which Toyotomi Hideyoshi loved, Stone Archway (Prefectural Important Cultural Property) and Lanterns and Tamagaki-Fences dedicated from all over Japan. This Shrine has been loved by local people as [Gion-san at Tomo] and visited by unending worshippers. In February Oyumi-Shinji, an archery bow divine service is held and Otebi Festival, giant torch divine service in July.

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Taichorou/Fukuzenji Temple

Shrines and Temples

This is the 2nd visiting sacred place among Bingo thirty-three(33) pilgrimage.

This is the place every Korean Communication Delegation in Edo-era used for their lodging and the view from the window was admired as the most spectacular view in Japan. Also the place of parley where Sakamoto Ryoma and directors from Kishu met after Irohamaru incident.

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Enpukuji Temple/Remains of Taigashi Castle and its vicinity

Shrines and Temples

The panoramic views from backyard of main hall is worth enjoying.

The location was the battle field back in Nanboku-Era (14th Century) and at Irohamaru parley, this hall was served as a lodging for Kishu-Han. The view from backyard of main hall is so splendid and very popular spot for photographers. There is also a poem monument of a poet Matsuo Basho.

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Irohamaru Exhibition Hall

Exhibition Facility

Must-visit-spot for Ryoma fans

This is a must-visit-spot for Ryoma fans where exhibits diorama of Irohamaru which sank at offshore of Tomo in 1867, reproduced room where Ryoma hid and the wreckage and retrieved artifacts of the ship.

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Ruin of Irohamaru Parley Site

Historic Site

This was the very first maritime court case in Japan called "Irohamaru compensation parley"

The house previously owned by Uoya-Manzo is the site of the parley of Irohamaru compensation which Sakamoto Ryoma on board collided with Myokomaru of Kishu and sank. Now, the residence was restored and Mr. Hayao Miyazaki (a Famous Animation Director) contributed in its designing to the restoration. There is a stone pillar saying [The Parley site of Irohamaru Incident].

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Masuya Seiemon

Exhibition Facility

Ryoma's hiding room / Residence of Masuya Seiemon

At the time of Irohamaru boat collision, Masuya Seiemon supported Kaien-Tai and offered lodging for them. Ryoma was lodging in a hidden room on the 2nd floor which does not have any stairs, and showed up at the Parley site in spite of the high risk of assassination. Now the building is used for exhibition and gallery for introducing the relationship between Ryoma and Tomo-cho.Viewing Ryoma's hiding room is available.

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Ota Residence

Exhibition Facility

Originally, this residence belonged to Nakamura family who started brewing Homeishu (distilled spirits with medicinal herb).

Originally, this residence belonged to Nakamura family who started brewing Homeishu and Ota family became the owner in Meiji-era. This resident typifies the house of merchant in modern times and was appointed as a national important cultural property in 1991. Also has been frequently used as a filming location. At the closing days of the Tokugawa shogunate, the property is known as the lodging site of Sanjo Sanetomi and other seven court nobles in Sonno-Joi Party who escaped from Kyoto.

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Scenery from the Wharf

This place gives you tender sentiments of Tomonoura

Scenery from the Wharf.The scenery of small fishing boats sailing back and forth will give you tender sentiments of Tomonoura. It is recommended to drop by when you wander around Tomonoura.

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Joyato

Historic Site

This is a symbol of Tomonoura and is the tallest Joyato lighthouse among existing Joyato in Japan.

The lighthouse called "Tourodo" built in Edo-era, guides the boats sailing in and out. The height is 11m from foundation platform in the sea to the top sacred gem stone, tallest among existing Joyato at ports in Japan. It is the symbol of Tomonoura. Almost all visitors comes here and is the most popular sightseeing spot.

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Myoenji Temple

Shrines and Temples

Myoenji has a long and deep history and provides splendid views

Also very popular for its stillness and charms of Tomo-cho Fukuyama-city.Buddhism preaching could be experienced if you wish. The priest gets a good reputation among visitors for his kindness. Myoenji Temple is affiliated with Jodo Shinshu and a branch temple of Otani Sect. of Shinshu (Higashi-Honganji).Shokozan Hosenin Myoenji Temple is the official name.

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Yodo Hime Shrine

Shrines and Temples

Provides superb views and a portable-shrine is brought out in the town during the festival in August.

Yodo Hime, a younger sister of the Empress Jingu, was ordered to stay here at Tomo as the master of religious rites, and the later ages, she was enshrined as a tutelary god in the memory of her virtue.

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Mutsu Inari Shrine

Shrines and Temples

Locally well known shrine as "Anaba-San" locates at the port.

Not only local people but also many visitors pay visits for pray and pictures. This is one of the spots you should visit in Tomonoura.

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Sawamura Ship Chandler

Sawamura Ship Chandler has been running business since Edo-era.

The style and appearance shows its long lasting history.Became on of the hottest spots for visitors.

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Bentenjima Island

Nature

At night, you can spend some peaceful time by just seeing Bentenjima lit up in the dark.

The scenery of the island represents the view of Tomonoura. Although visiting island is not allowed, you can enjoy its beautiful views from the boat called Heisei Irohamaru sailing back and forth between main island and Sensui Island. Benzaiten, a guardian god for maritime affairs, is enshrined on the island, and beside the shrine, there is a stone monument for consoling the spirit of young men who died for keeping the glory of Tomo. At night, you can spend some peaceful time by just seeing Bentenjima lit up in the dark. Bentenjima Firework Festival is held around end of May.

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Tomonoura Museum of History and Folklore

Exhibition Facility

Old castle remain provide will view of Tomo port

Located in the old castle remain area where commands panoramic views of Tomo port, this museum introduces the industries, festivals and history of the port where sailors awaited favorable tide from ancient days. Some rare Hina-Dolls are displayed during "Machi-Nami Girls' Festival" in March.

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