Hiroshima > Tomonoura (鞆の浦), between the sea and the mountains.

Tomonoura (鞆の浦), located in the Hiroshima perfection (広島県), is a coastal port with centuries of history that offers a unique experience for those looking to explore traditional Japan. This picturesque town, located in the Setouchi (瀬戸内) region, stands out for its stunning views, ancient streets, and intact connection to the past.

Where time stands still

In Tomonoura (鞆の浦), the streets seem to have frozen in time. Walking through the town, it is easy to feel transported back to the Edo period, with its traditional houses and peaceful atmosphere. Here you will not find the bustle of modern tourism, but a peace that allows you to enjoy an authentic Japan unchanged over the years.

The area is famous for its spectacular views, whether from the port, where the sea reflects the colours of the sunset, or from the surrounding mountains, which offer unrivalled panoramas of the Seto Inland Sea. In addition, from the port you can see the Stairs to the bottom of the sea, a unique structure that is not found anywhere else in Japan.

The Eternal Lighthouse: Jōyatō (常夜燈)

One of the most iconic symbols of Tomonoura (鞆の浦) is the Jōyatō lighthouse (常夜燈). Built in the Edo period, this monument stands as a guardian of the port. At over 10 meters tall, including its turtle-shaped stone underwater base, it is the largest harbor lighthouse in Japan and a true pride of the Setouchi (瀬戸内) region.

This lighthouse has inscriptions on its faces: on the south side, it reads “Konpira Daigongen” (金毘羅大権現) and, on the north, “Tōsho Gion-gū” (当所祇園宮), both dedications to deities protecting maritime safety. In its operational era, the lighthouse used fish oil to illuminate the nights, reliably guiding sailors. Today, Jōyatō (常夜燈) remains a symbol of Tomonoura’s connection to the sea.

More than just a port: history and culture

Another point of interest is the Fukuyama-shi Tomonoura Rekishi Minzoku Shiryōkan (福山市鞆の浦歴史民俗資料館), a museum that tells the rich maritime and cultural history of Tomonoura (鞆の浦). Through its exhibits, you can learn about local traditions, the merchants who thrived in the region, and the stories that made this port a strategic point for centuries.

A destination full of charm

Tomonoura (鞆の浦) is not only a place to enjoy the past, but also the present. As you walk through its streets, you’ll find souvenir shops and handmade sweets in traditional Japanese homes, where locals welcome you with a hospitality that reflects the spirit of the region. For those looking to relax even more, there are onsens nearby, perfect for rounding out a visit full of tranquility and beauty.

In Tomonoura (鞆の浦), every corner tells a story, and every sight leaves an indelible impression. It’s a place where past and present meet, inviting visitors to be part of its rich narrative.