Tomonoura: The Magical Port Town That Inspired Ponyo

In Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, there is a small port town that looks like it came straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. The town is called Tomonoura. It became famous among Ghibli fans around the world because Hayao Miyazaki stayed here for three months and found inspiration for Ponyo. Even today, you can see scenery that feels just like the movie and streets that have remained unchanged for over 400 years. In this column, I will introduce the charm of Tomonoura — a place where you can step into the world of Ponyo in real life.

Much of the scenery that inspired Ponyo still remains in Tomonoura today. That is what makes this small port town so special.

For example, the stone lighthouse called Joyato has stood by the harbor for over 160 years. Streets dating back to the Edo period remain almost unchanged, giving the town the same warm, nostalgic atmosphere found in the movie. From the temple Taichorō, you can look out through a large window and see many small islands scattered across the sea. Centuries ago, foreign envoys praised this view as one of the most beautiful in Japan. This combination of real history and natural beauty is believed to have inspired Miyazaki when he created the world of Ponyo.

Walking around Tomonoura feels like stepping into the world of Ponyo. I first climbed up to Ioji Temple, which sits on a hill overlooking the port. From there, I saw rows of old houses with tiled roofs, and beyond them, the blue sea sparkling in the sunlight. The moment I saw that view, I felt excited and thought, “Maybe Sosuke’s house is on one of those cliffs.” It reminded me of the opening scene of the movie.

As I walked down the hill and approached the Joyato lighthouse, I noticed a handmade Ponyo doll hanging under the eaves of a small alley. The locals clearly cherish the movie, and handmade Ponyo dolls can be found throughout the town.

At Taichorō, looking out at the sea through its large window, like a natural picture frame, you begin to imagine Ponyo riding a big wave toward you.

If you have ever wanted to step into a Studio Ghibli film, Tomonoura is the place to go. Climb the hill, walk through the quiet old streets, and take in the peaceful harbor view. When you travel through Japan, get off at Fukuyama Station and visit this small port town. There, the world of Ponyo feels closer than ever.