Tomonoura: Exploring the Historic Tide-Waiting Port Town

Tomonoura is a historic port town located almost at the center of the Seto Inland Sea, which has flourished since ancient times as a tide-waiting port. Edo period port facilities such as the stone lighthouse (joya-to), stone steps (gangi), and breakwaters remain intact to this day. The town is also known as the setting of the "Iroha Maru Incident" associated with Sakamoto Ryoma. Walking through the narrow alleys reveals nostalgic scenery of white-walled storehouses and traditional townhouses lined up together. Said to be a model for Studio Ghibli films, it is also popular among overseas tourists.