Toro

The lighthouse in Tomonoura was built in 1859, during the Ansei era, to guide ships entering the port. It stands at a height of 5.5 meters, and is known as the largest existing lighthouse from the Edo period in Japan. Tomonoura is the only place in Japan where you can find Edo-era port facilities such as the lighthouse, ganmoku (stone steps for boats to dock), wharf, ship guard station, and burning area (dock). Come and see the lighthouse up close, and feel the history it holds!

The lighthouse at Tomonoura, famous as a symbol of the area, is a popular photo spot. The reason for its popularity is that you can take a photo with the lighthouse standing at the end of the harbor and the calm Seto Inland Sea in the background! In the evening, it is lit up, allowing you to enjoy an even more retro atmosphere of the harbor town. On weekends, it can get a bit crowded, so it's recommended to take your time and take photos early in the morning or late at night!

For those who want to see beautiful views, we recommend early morning or evening. In the stillness of the early morning, you can enjoy the view with the sea dyed in the color of the sunrise as the backdrop. The orange color reflected on the water, combined with the blue of the sea and sky, creates a fantastic landscape. In the evening, the gradation of the reddish sky and the darkening sea and sky is also wonderful. Why not go to the lighthouse during the magic hour, which only happens twice a day, and see the beautiful scenery? You're sure to encounter a wonderful view!

When visiting Tomonoura, one of the things you'll want to enjoy is strolling through the town. As soon as you step onto the narrow streets, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time to the Edo period, with the old townscapes that have been preserved since then. As you wander through the narrow streets, you'll come across souvenir shops, cafes, and sake breweries that make Tomonoura a delightful place to explore at a leisurely pace. In just half a day, you can easily see all the sights of this town, including many temples such as Fukuzenji Taichoro, which is famous for its stunning views from the tatami room. Taking a walk and visiting the temples is also recommended!

Next to the Tomonoura lighthouse, there is a stylish cafe called "Tomonoura a cafe" that has been renovated from a 150-year-old traditional Japanese house. The pasta and sandwiches made with a focus on local ingredients are exceptional! Drinks can also be taken out, so it's nice to relax outside with a cup of tea. In addition to coffee and tea, the menu is also rich with options such as tea soda and lemonade made with Setouchi lemons. Why not stop by this traditional Japanese house cafe where you can relax after strolling around Tomonoura?