Tomonoura

Tomonoura has served as a vital port since ancient times, positioned at the center of the Seto Inland Sea where tidal currents from east and west meet. For centuries, ships waited here for favorable tides before continuing their voyages between western and eastern Japan. This strategic importance made Tomonoura prosperous during the Edo period (1603-1868) as a waystation for daimyo processions, merchant vessels, and diplomatic missions to and from Korea.

The town's historic core has been remarkably preserved, with Edo-period merchant houses, warehouses, temples, and narrow stone-paved lanes creating an atmospheric streetscape frozen in time. The waterfront features distinctive structures including Joyato, a stone lighthouse from 1859 that served as a harbor beacon, and Taichoro, an elegant waterside pavilion where visiting dignitaries were entertained. These architectural treasures earned Tomonoura designation as a Japan Heritage site and proposals for UNESCO World Heritage status.

In 2005, legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki stayed in Tomonoura for two months while developing his film 'Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.' The town's scenic harbor, traditional houses cascading down hillsides to the water's edge, and colorful fishing boats directly inspired the film's visual world. Since Ponyo's 2008 release, the town has welcomed animation fans alongside history enthusiasts, with several locations identifiable as film inspiration including the harbor view from Taichoro pavilion.

Tomonoura avoided the industrial development that transformed most Japanese ports, partly due to local resistance to a proposed harbor land reclamation project in the 2000s. Citizens successfully fought to preserve their historic waterfront, a rare environmental victory in Japan. This preservation effort maintains Tomonoura as one of Setouchi region's most authentic traditional port towns, where fishing boats still depart daily, and life continues much as it has for centuries, albeit now with tourists photographing the timeless beauty.