Hiroshima

Tomonoura is a tiny, time-frozen port town on the Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima Prefecture, and one of Japan’s best-kept secrets. It preserves the only complete set of Edo-period harbor facilities in the country, from a 1859 stone lighthouse to original boat ramps and a harbor watch station. Famous as the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo and a filming location for The Wolverine, it also holds deep samurai history through Sakamoto Ryoma’s shipwreck negotiation. This first-timer’s guide covers how to reach Tomonoura from Fukuyama, the best things to do, where to eat sea bream and try the local homeishu liquor, where to stay, a full one-day itinerary, budgeting tips, seasonal advice, and answers to the most common visitor questions.

Onomichi is Hiroshima’s best-kept secret: a hillside temple town with 25 ancient temples, famous cat alleys, world-class cycling on the Shimanami Kaido, and legendary local ramen. Complete travel guide with itineraries, transport, accommodation, and tips.