Tomonoura Visit Memo

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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].

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.