Tomonoura in Hiroshima is an old port town developed as a key port that plays a central role in the Japanese economy, even within the Seto Inland Sea. The town is perched at a bay facing the Seto Inland Sea, endearing historic port townscape with a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere. Because of its town’s charm, Tomonoura has been picked as a filming location for several international and Japanese movies, such as “X-MEN Origins: Wolverine” starring Hugh Jackman and “Ponyo on the Cliff” by Studio Ghibli.
In that unique place, Tomonoura, there are many undiscovered historical and natural attractions, including marine activity in the Seto Inland Sea, a blacksmith experience, and a temple tour experience.
- Sea Kayaking and Standup Paddleboarding Activities
Distance from nearest ryokan: 5 min by car from Ochikochi & Villas
Private marine activities, including sea kayaking and standup paddleboarding, are popular nature activities in Tomonoura, being held in nature’s embrace overlooking the old port town and Sensui Island, an inhabited island of Tomonoura. The marine activities are operated by SETOUCHI Sea Kayak Adventures (MURAKAMI SUIGUN SHOKAI). Once a famous Hollywood star, Hugh Jackman enjoyed sea kayaking with them while shooting in Tomonoura for “X-MEN Origins: Wolverine.” Mr. Murakami, the president of MURAKAMI SUIGUN SHOKAI, born and bred in Tomonoura, has a lot of kayaking experience, and will guide the guests for each tour. During the sea kayaking tour, the guests can enjoy the scenery of Tomonoura from above the water, going into the mysteriously beautiful sea cave and the beach of the inhabited island. Especially for a one-day sea kayaking tour, the guests can have a special lunch made by the guide at the private beach.
- Private Blacksmith Experience at Sangyo
Distance from nearest ryokan: 20 min by car from Ochikochi & Villas
Blacksmithing in Japan is widespread, and its techniques are well known worldwide. As Tomonoura used to be a thriving port town, a ship blacksmith flourished since the bustle of maritime trade created a demand for forgery, from ship parts to sea anchors in the Nara Period (AD 710- 794). Sangyo Corporation is an ironworks founded in 1951 and has been forging sea anchors for over a century. Sangyo Factory Tour will open a door for you to see how ironworkers forge a sea anchor and the deep history of Tomonoura’s ironworking. Reservations are required for a blacksmith experience, and you can make your own frying pan during the tour.
Additionally, right next to the third factory of Sangyo, where you can experience forging, an added modern facility that conveys the value of manufacturing, “santo,” was opened in 2022 on the premises. In addition to exhibiting and selling furniture from their furniture brand, “TAonTA,” operated by Sangyo, and frying pans from the outdoor brand “cocinero,” we also offer consultation on the manufacture of custom-made items related to store fixtures and interiors.
- Visit to Fukuyama Castle
Distance from nearest ryokan: 30 min by car from Ochikochi & Villas
Once you arrive at JR Fukuyama Station, Fukuyama Castle welcomes you right in front of the platform. This symbolic castle was originally built in 1622 under the command of the cousin of Ieyasu Tokugawa, Katsunari Mizuno. However, its current main keep was destroyed by air raids during World War II. The spacious park of this historic castle that surrounds the main keep of the castle turns into an attractive cherry blossom spot, typically around early April.
- Visit to Sensui Island
Distance from nearest ryokan: 15 min by car from Ochikochi & Villas
Sensui Island, an inhabited island of Tomonoura, is full of unspoiled nature you can explore. Legend has it that the name of the island is derived from the fact that it is full of natural beauty, and that even the fairies became intoxicated by its beauty. The island was originally formed by massive volcanic activity tens of millions of years ago. There is a variety of outdoor activities available on Sensui Island, such as beaching, trekking, barbecuing, and taking a cruise to see fireflies at night.
A municipal boat, “Heisei Iroha Maru,” runs daily from in front of Ochikochi & Villas to Sensui Island, which only takes 5 minutes.
- Visit to Fukuzen-ji Temple Taichoro
Distance from nearest ryokan: 1 min by car from Ochikochi & Villas
Fukuzen-ji Temple is a small Buddhist temple located next to Tomo Port, and Taichoro is a pavilion facing the bay of Tomonoura, which made it a special place to welcome distinguished guests of the temple in the Edo period (1600-1867). One famous guest who stayed at Taichoro was Lee Bang Eun, a Korean envoy from 1711 who proclaimed this view “the most beautiful scenery in East Asia.” Taichoro had even become the place where Ryoma Sakamoto and other Kaientai (Maritime Support Force) and Kishu Domain had a talk during the famous “Iroha Maru Incident” that happened in 1867. From Taichoro, you can expect beautiful scenery that has not changed since the Edo period.
- Temples Tour Experience
Distance from nearest ryokan: 3 to 10 min by car from Ochikochi & Villas
(Photo: Nunakuma Shrine)
Tomonoura is dotted with 18 shrines and temples, making it a perfect place for visiting shrines and temples. In the early Edo period, Masanori Fukushima, who built Tomo Castle, built “Teramachi Street” to maintain the castle town. The temples of each sect are lined up almost in a straight line, leading to the approach to Nunakuma Shrine. Starting with Numana Shrine, where the Otebi Shinto ritual is held, Tomonoura shrines also feature festivals held every year. While sightseeing, you can encounter shrines and temples here and there just by roaming. It may be rare to find a town like Tomonoura where you can visit so many shrines and temples in such a small area.
(Photo: Iou-ji Temple)