Here are some recommended strolling spots around Tomonoura and please enjoy pleasure taste of Tomonoura.

Joyato area

The lighthouse called "Tourodo" built in Edo-era, guides the boats sailing in and out. The height is 11m from the foundation platform in the sea to the top sacred gem stone, tallest among existing Joyato at ports in Japan. It is the symbol of Tomonoura. Almost all visitors comes here and is the most popular sightseeing spot.

Scenery from the wharf

The view of Tomo port from the wharf. The scenery of small fishing boats come and go will give you tender sentiments of Tomonoura. It is recommended to drop by when you wander around Tomonoura.

Irohamaru Exhibition Hall

This is a must-visit-spot for Sakamoto Ryoma fans where exhibits diorama of Irohamaru which sank at offshore of Tomo in 1867, reproduced room where Ryoma hid and the wreckage and retrieved artifacts of the ship.

Ota Residence area

Originally, this residence belong to Nakamura family who started brewing Homeishu (distilled spirits with medicine herb) and Ota family became the owner in Meiji-era. This residence typifies the house of merchant in modern times and was appointed as a National Important Cultural Property in 1991. Also had been frequently used as a filming location. At the closing days of the Tokugawa shogunate, the property was known as the lodging site of Sanjo Sanetomi and other seven court nobles in Sonno-Joi Party who escaped from Kyoto.

Ruin of Irohamaru Parley site area

The very first maritime court case in Japan called "Irohamaru Compensation Parley" took place.

Ruin of Ryoma's Lodgings

This is the house of Masuya Seiemon, shipping agent in Edo-era. At the time of Irohamaru boat collision, Seiemon supported Sakamoto Ryoma and Tosa Kaientai and offered lodging for them. Unfortunately, inside is not open to public.

Sawamura Ship Chandler

Sawamura Ship Chandler has been running business since Edo-era. The style and appearance shows its long lasting history.

Enpukuji Temple / Remains of Taigashi Castle and its vicinity

The location was the battle field back in Nanboku-Era (14th Century) and at Irohamaru parley, this hall was served as a lodging for Kishu-Han. The view from backyard of main hall is so splendid and very popular spot for photographers. There is also a poem monument of a poet Matsuo Basho.

Tomonoura Museum of History and Folklore area

Located in the old castle remain area where commands panoramic views of Tomo port, this museum introduces the industries, festivals and history of the port where sailors awaited tides to turn from ancient days. Some rare Hina-Dolls are displayed during Machi-Nami Hina Festival in spring.

Mutsu Inari Shrine

Locally well known shrine as "Anaba-San" located at the port. Not only locals but also many visitors pay visit for prayers and pictures.

Splendid View from Yodo Hime Shrine

Yodo Hime, a younger sister of the Empress Jingu, was ordered to stay here at Tomo as the chief priest of religious rites, and later she was enshrined as a tutelary god in the memory of her virtue. The view from the shrine is gorgeous and portable shrine parade is held during the festival in August.

Myoenji Temple

Bentenjima Island

The scenery of this island represents the view of Tomonoura. Although visiting island is not allowed, you can enjoy its beautiful views from the boat called Heisei Iroha Maru sailing back and forth between main island and Sensui Island.
Benzaiten, a guardian god for maritime affairs, is enshrined on the island, and beside the shrine, there is a stone monument for consoling the spirit of young men who died for keeping the glory of Tomo.

Small Fish Market of Tomo around Watasu Shrine

Small fish can be directly purchased around Watasu Shrine from local fishermen. Very popular among locals and visitors which is often purchased as a souvenir. Very fresh and tasty.

Taichorou/Fukuzenji Temple area

This is the 2nd visiting sacred place among Bingo thirty-three (33) pilgrimage. This is the place every Korean Communication Delegation in Edo-era used for their lodging and the view from the window was admired as the most spectacular view in Japan. Also the place of parley where Sakamoto Ryoma and directors from Kishu met after Irohamaru incident.

Nunakuma Shrine

This is the pristine shrine of Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto and proud of its long history and formalities. There are many dedicated things from all over in Japan such as Noh-Stage (National Important Cultural Property) which Toyotomi Hideyoshi loved, Stone Archway (Prefectural Important Cultural Property) and lanterns and Tamagaki-Fences dedicated from all over Japan. This shrine has been loved by local people as "Gion-san at Tomo" and visited by unending worshippers.

Small Fish Market of Tomo

In front of Keishokan Sazanamitei and around Watasu Shrine. Small fish can be directly purchased from local fishermen. Very popular among locals and visitors which is often purchased as a souvenir. Very fresh and tasty.

Iouji Temple / Birth Shrine of Hiraga Gennai

The precinct located on the halfway up the Ushiro-Yama, is one of the best view points at Tomonoura which provides the views of the townscape and whole bay area of Tomonoura. Full of ambience and heartstring on ascent up the hill.
At the foot of the Deva gate of Shingon Sect., there is a small shrine on the birth place of Hiraga Gennai who was a genius lived in Edo-era.