Tomo no Ura
Hiroshima Prefecture · Japan
Floating the sea kayak from the ganki (historic Edo-period stairs leading down to the sea), the journey begins. Viewing the port town of Tomonoura from the sea is a unique experience only possible with sea kayaking. Enjoy the charming scenery of the town.
Contents
7 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Tomo no Ura, a quaint and deeply nostalgic port town nestled in the heart of the Seto Inland Sea. Known historically as 'Shiomachi no Minato'—the Port of Waiting Tides—this town has for centuries served as a vital…
Listen in the app2The Joyato Lighthouse: Sentinel of the Seto Sea
The Joyato Lighthouse is the unmistakable symbol of Tomo no Ura and one of the tallest stone lanterns remaining from the Edo period. Built in 1859, it has stood for over a century and a half as a guiding light for ships entering…
Listen in the app3The Ota Residence and the Secret of Homeishu
A short walk from the waterfront brings us to the Ota Residence, a sprawling and impeccably preserved merchant house that dates back to the mid-Edo period. This residence is of significant scholarly interest as it was once the…
Listen in the app4Fukuzenji Temple: The View Beyond the Peninsula
Perched on a small hill overlooking the sea, Fukuzenji is said to be the oldest temple in Tomo no Ura, with its origins reaching back to the mid-10th century. However, its most famous feature is the reception hall, Taichiro,…
Listen in the app5Ioji Temple: The Hermitage of Kobo Daishi
Continuing our exploration of the town's spiritual landscape, we climb further up the hillside to Ioji Temple. This site is said to have been established by Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism and one of Japan's most…
Listen in the app6Nunakuma Shrine: Guardians of Maritime Safety
Our journey concludes at Nunakuma Shrine, a site of immense importance for the local community and a center for prayers regarding maritime safety, bountiful catches, and family health. The shrine’s history is ancient, but much of…
Listen in the app7Closing
As the sun begins to set over the Seto Inland Sea, casting a warm glow on the stone of the Joyato lighthouse and the roofs of the old town, our exploration of Tomo no Ura comes to a close. we have traversed a landscape where time…
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What is Tomo no Ura?
Tomo no Ura is a place in Hiroshima Prefecture · Japan with 7 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Hiroshima Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 7 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 34.3827, 133.3811 |
| Last updated |