<strong>Setonaikai National Park: </strong>The Heisei Iroha Maru ferry passes Benten Island on its way to Sensui Island. It's a worthwhile side trip from the historic village of Tomonoura, which sits at the coastal center of Setonaikai National Park.
Setonaikai National Park: The Heisei Iroha Maru ferry passes Benten Island on its way to Sensui Island. It's a worthwhile side trip from the historic village of Tomonoura, which sits at the coastal center of Setonaikai National Park.
Beth Reiber
<strong>Historic architecture: </strong>Tomonoura, a historic village in Hiroshima prefecture overlooking the Seto Inland Sea for more than 1,400 years, is home to about 280 buildings that date back to the Edo Period.
Historic architecture: Tomonoura, a historic village in Hiroshima prefecture overlooking the Seto Inland Sea for more than 1,400 years, is home to about 280 buildings that date back to the Edo Period.
Beth Reiber
<strong>Looks familiar?</strong>: Many Japanese know Tomonoura as a film shoot location for Marvel's "The Wolverine," as well as the inspiration for Studio Ghibli's animated "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea."
Looks familiar?: Many Japanese know Tomonoura as a film shoot location for Marvel's "The Wolverine," as well as the inspiration for Studio Ghibli's animated "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea."
Image navi/QxQ images/Alamy Stock Photo
<strong>The home of homeishu:</strong> Ryochi Okamoto is the sixth generation owner of Okamoto Kametaro Honten, one of the village's four homeishu breweries. Homeishu is a medicinal liquor that's made with more than a dozen herbs and plants.
The home of homeishu: Ryochi Okamoto is the sixth generation owner of Okamoto Kametaro Honten, one of the village's four homeishu breweries. Homeishu is a medicinal liquor that's made with more than a dozen herbs and plants.
Beth Reiber
<strong>Guiding light: </strong>Tomonoura's 36-foot tall stone lighthouse and stone dock date back to Japan's Edo Period (1603-1868).
Guiding light: Tomonoura's 36-foot tall stone lighthouse and stone dock date back to Japan's Edo Period (1603-1868).
Beth Reiber
<strong>Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens: </strong>Just 25 minutes from Tomonoura, this Rinzai school temple features a pond filled with moss-covered mounds, boulders, stunted pines and waterfalls.
Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens: Just 25 minutes from Tomonoura, this Rinzai school temple features a pond filled with moss-covered mounds, boulders, stunted pines and waterfalls.
Beth Reiber
<strong>Abuto Kannon: </strong>About four kilometers from Tomonoura, this seaside temple was built in 1570 and dedicated to the 11-faced Goddess of Mercy.
Abuto Kannon: About four kilometers from Tomonoura, this seaside temple was built in 1570 and dedicated to the 11-faced Goddess of Mercy.
Beth Reiber
<strong>Temple shrine: </strong>Throughout history, Abuto Kannon has attracted seafarers hoping for safe passage and pregnant women praying for a safe delivery.
Temple shrine: Throughout history, Abuto Kannon has attracted seafarers hoping for safe passage and pregnant women praying for a safe delivery.
Beth Reiber
<strong>Taichoro: </strong>The view from Taichoro, a reception hall adjoining Fukuzenji Temple. It sits on a cliff overlooking nearby Benten and Sensui islands.
Taichoro: The view from Taichoro, a reception hall adjoining Fukuzenji Temple. It sits on a cliff overlooking nearby Benten and Sensui islands.
Beth Reiber
<strong>Metalworking: </strong>Tomonoura is known for its metalworking industry. Hiromasa Hayama, third-generation president of Sangyo Corporation, says the company is trying to reach a younger generation of customers.
Metalworking: Tomonoura is known for its metalworking industry. Hiromasa Hayama, third-generation president of Sangyo Corporation, says the company is trying to reach a younger generation of customers.
Beth Reiber