Tomonoura Day Trip Guide 2026: Hiroshima's Ponyo Town

Lately, I've been craving the quiet charm of Japan’s rural towns over the neon-lit rush of its major cities.

During my recent trip to Hiroshima, I knew I wanted to seek out a peaceful coastal escape.

While browsing local Japanese travel vlogs, I stumbled upon Tomonoura—a historic port town famous as the real-life inspiration behind Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli masterpiece, Ponyo. :)

Today, I’m sharing my exact footstep-by-footstep day trip itinerary so you can experience this hidden gem too!

While I originally wanted to spend a night in Tomonoura, the accommodations here are mostly high-end traditional ryokans, with rates starting around ~$192 per night.

To keep things budget-friendly, I chose to stay in nearby Fukuyama and took an easy day trip to Tomonoura.

Fukuyama has incredibly affordable hotels, and you can reach Tomonoura in just a quick 30-minute bus ride.

▼ Check out my Fukuyama accommodation review here ▼

Fukuyama Hotel 1-2-3 Review: Budget Stay with Breakfast & Public Bath for ~$32

How to Get to Tomonoura from Fukuyama

If you are heading here as a day trip from Hiroshima, your route will look like this: Hiroshima Station → Fukuyama Station → Tomonoura.

Once you arrive at Fukuyama Station, head straight to Bus Stop 5 right outside the exit to catch the local bus bound for Tomonoura.

The bus stop is clearly marked with a giant yellow number 5, so even if you have a terrible sense of direction like me, you won't get lost!

Tomonoura Tourist Information Center · Tomo-416-1 Tomocho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 720-0201, Japan

📍 Where to Get Off:

Across from the Tomonoura Tourist Information Center

When returning, catch the bus right in front of the Information Center.

After a scenic bus ride (and a quick nap), I arrived in Tomonoura!

Almost everyone gets off at this stop, so you don't have to worry about missing it. The one-way bus fare from Fukuyama was 550 yen.

Since all the main attractions are clustered together, you can easily explore the entire town on foot in about 4 hours at a very leisurely pace.

From the bus stop, it’s about a 10-minute stroll to the iconic Joyato Lighthouse.

As I walked along the coast, I couldn't resist stopping at a charming retro cafe for a quick, refreshing drink.

Continuing along the path, you'll pass the ferry terminal where you can catch a short boat ride to Sensuijima Island.

I skipped the island this time, but if you have extra time on your hands, it’s highly recommended!

Joyato Lighthouse

This is the most famous landmark in Tomonoura: the Joyato Lighthouse.

Built in 1859 during the Edo period, this stone lighthouse stands as the historic symbol of the port.

It still retains its old-world maritime atmosphere, making it the absolute best photo spot in town. :)

Since I was traveling solo, I asked a friendly local passerby to snap a quick photo for me. 😄

Next, I set off to find the hidden Ponyo photo spots!

Since this town inspired the movie, you'll spot cute little Ponyo figures tucked away in windows and shopfronts. Some can be tricky to find, so here is the exact Google Maps location for a major one:

Matsuemon-ho · 838 Tomocho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 720-0201, Japan

Tomonoura is filled with traditional wooden houses and preserved storefronts, giving it a nostalgic, historic vibe similar to towns like Hita.

Everything is incredibly walkable, so you don't need a car at all. The only downside? Many of the shops have irregular opening hours, so some might be closed during your visit.

It was early May, but the weather was surprisingly warm, so I treated myself to this colorful, photogenic drink. It tasted average, but it looked beautiful in photos! :)

Because I arrived early in the morning, many of the local diners and boutique shops were still closed.

One of the few places open was a nostalgic vintage toy shop, where I was surprised to spot some familiar BTS merchandise on display!

Fukuzenji Temple Taichoroh

Weekdays 09:00~17:00 / Weekends & Holidays 08:00~17:00

Fukuzenji Temple Taichoroh · 2 Tomocho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 720-0201, Japan

Next, I headed to Fukuzenji Temple, specifically the Taichoroh reception hall.

This spot is historically significant; during the Edo period, Korean envoys (Joseon Tongsinsa) stayed here and praised the view from the window as the "most beautiful scenic view in Japan."

Admission Fees:

Adults: 300 yen / Middle & High School Students: 150 yen / Elementary Students: 100 yen

The view from the temple hall is absolutely breathtaking. Sitting quietly on the tatami mats with a cool sea breeze blowing through was pure bliss.

Because I visited early in the morning, I had this entire view completely to myself. If you plan to visit, I highly recommend going early to beat any crowds!

Lunch in Tomonoura

Minato Yumegokochi · Tomo-892 Tomocho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 720-0201, Japan

After taking in the views, it was time for lunch.

Tomonoura is famous for its fresh sea bream (tai) dishes. However, since I'm not a big fan of seafood, I had pre-selected a few non-seafood restaurants, but they all happened to be closed that day. Luckily, I found a cozy local udon shop instead!

The menu translated easily using my phone's translation app. The owner had a classic "tsundere" vibe—a bit quiet and gruff at first, but incredibly warm and kind underneath!

I wanted to try something different, so I ordered the Tanuki Udon. It was simple, comforting, and hit the spot.

If you do enjoy seafood, make sure to try the local sea bream rice (taimeshi) while you're in town!

To walk off my lunch, I followed a winding path up to the top observatory overlooking the town. It seems most tourists miss this spot, as I didn't run into a single other person.

The panoramic view of the quiet port town, dotted with little houses that looked like miniature Pikmin characters, was absolutely unforgettable.

Tomonoura's peaceful, slow-paced atmosphere makes it an incredibly comforting destination for solo travelers. You don't have to rush; you can simply wander and soak in the scenery.

If you are looking for an authentic Japanese small-town escape near Hiroshima, or if you want to see the real-life setting of Ponyo, make sure to add Tomonoura to your travel list!

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