I climb the steps three by three, stepping around snoring kitties here and there. I make short work of the low wall barring the way, steal through the garden of an abandoned house, and stop dead in my tracks. Sugoi! Amazing! Splendid view of the bay, a totally iconic site.
Charming historic alleyway in Tomonoura, Japan, lined with traditional wooden buildings and lush greenery.
Winding stone steps through Tomonoura, a picturesque Japanese town with traditional wooden buildings.
Charming felines basking in tranquility on a historic Tomonoura staircase amidst lush greenery.
Tomonouras timeless charm: Historic port town with traditional architecture and playful cat.
A tranquil orange cat contemplates the scenic harbor view in the historic town of Tomonoura.
Immerse in the tranquil beauty of Tomonoura, a historic Japanese coastal village with traditional thatched-roof houses and lush gardens.
Picturesque harbor town Tomonoura blends traditional architecture with serene coastal scenery.
Timeworn wooden planks in Tomonouras historic port town exude rich character.
Tomonoura is a small fishing port near the middle of Seto Inland Sea, with a history dating back to the 13th century. At the intersection of several tidal currents, this port was ideally placed to reach the open sea. Ships docked there in great numbers and contributed to the town’s prosperity. The structure of the medieval port, still visible today, meant that ships could load or unload at any turn of the tide. This benefited the town centre, which flourished thanks to its local products and dynamic community spirit.
Quaint historic Japanese town with traditional wooden buildings lining narrow streets.
Exploring the enchanting alleys of historic Tomonoura, Japan.
Intricate latticed architecture frames vibrant traditional Japanese shrine interior in historic Tomonoura port town.
Quaint Historic Street in Tomonoura, Japan Lined with Traditional Wooden Buildings.
Schoolchildren stroll through Tomonouras quaint historic streets lined with aged wooden buildings.
Tranquil sunset over Tomonouras scenic harbor with silhouetted mountains and moored boats.
Enchanting sunlit alleyway of historic Tomonoura, Japan captures timeless charm.
Tranquil Japanese coastal town with historic wooden pier extending into serene waters.
Picturesque bay in Tomonoura, Japan, with a historic pavilion overlooking tranquil turquoise waters framed by lush green hills.
Ornate traditional Japanese shrine roofline in Tomonouras historic port town.
The port has conserved this atmosphere very well. The town centre is laid out as a small labyrinth of narrow streets flanked by old wooden buildings. They house little shops, saké makers, restaurants and minshuku (family-run B&Bs). As cute as you could wish, the streets of Tomonoura are richly decorated with small objects, plants and flowers. The curious will take away some homeishu, a shochu liqueur that blends sixteen different types of herb, claimed to prolong your life … as long as drunk in moderation? In Tomonoura you’ll also find many dishes based on sea bream, like a delicious ramen (noodle soup).
Idyllic Japanese coastal town of Tomonoura showcasing traditional architecture nestled amid verdant hills by azure waters.
Enchanting historic Japanese fishing town with winding cobblestone streets and traditional tiled-roof buildings.
Winding alleyway lined with historic wooden buildings evokes timeless charm in Tomonoura, a centuries-old Japanese port town.
Charming Tomonoura: A Historic Japanese Harbor Town with Vibrant Boats and Colorful Architecture.
Delightful ceramic figurine of a fantastical creature from Japans historic Tomonoura port town.
Idyllic Japanese coastal town with historic harbor and hillside cemetery.
Explore the tranquil beauty of Tomonouras traditional Japanese coastal town.
Weathered door frame adorned with vibrant flowers invites a glimpse into Tomonouras charming old port town.
Coming back to the incredible view mentioned above, I hear the whole story at a local hostelry. This abandoned house happens to be where Hayao Miyazaki lived for several months, in a voluntary hermitage far from Studio Ghibli, in search of inspiration. While here, he drew the first sketches for the animated fantasy film Gake no ue no Ponyo (Ponyo on the Cliff)! I’m tempting you to seek it out, but if you find it, guard it jealously. Like an emerald, precious and fragile.
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