Tomonoura: The Real-Life Town That Inspired Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo
Tomonoura is a small historic port town in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, overlooking Japan’s beautiful Seto Inland Sea. With its old streets, traditional houses, peaceful harbor, and surrounding hills, the town has preserved a unique atmosphere that feels far removed from Japan’s busy tourist destinations.
For fans of Studio Ghibli, however, Tomonoura has another special appeal. Hayao Miyazaki spent time here before the production of Ponyo, and the town is widely known as an inspiration for the film. Walk through Tomonoura, and you may begin to notice scenery, small details, and hidden corners that feel strangely familiar.
Discover the Hidden Ponyo Connections in Tomonoura
For fans of Ponyo, the connection with Tomonoura goes far beyond its beautiful harbor and seaside scenery.
As you walk through the town, you may come across small places and views that bring scenes from Ponyo to mind — a quiet shrine, a hillside, familiar-looking buildings, and details hidden along ordinary streets. Some are away from the main sightseeing route and are surprisingly easy to pass by without noticing.
Tomonoura also has a fascinating connection with Hayao Miyazaki himself. After discovering the town and becoming captivated by it, Miyazaki later returned and stayed in Tomonoura while developing the idea for Ponyo. During his time here, he explored the town on foot and interacted with many local residents. He visited some places regularly and even contributed his own designs to the restoration of a traditional building.
On a MOMIJIMARU tour, you can discover some of these places and hear stories shared by local people who actually met and interacted with Miyazaki during his time in Tomonoura. These personal stories offer a side of the connection between Miyazaki, Ponyo, and Tomonoura that you may not discover simply by visiting the famous sights.
For Ponyo fans, exploring Tomonoura with a local guide adds another layer to the experience. Discovering hidden connections, hearing the stories behind them, and seeing the town through local eyes can make the world of Ponyo feel a little closer — while also revealing the charm of Tomonoura beyond the film.
Explore Tomonoura with a Local Guide
Want to discover more than the usual sights of Tomonoura?
MOMIJIMARU JAPAN offers a private Tomonoura tour with a local guide born and raised in Fukuyama. The tour can be customized to your interests, whether you are a Ponyo fan, interested in history and local culture, or simply want to experience the quieter, hidden side of this beautiful seaside town.
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