Tomonoura Private Tour: Explore Fukuyama with Licensed Guide

Summary

Customizable Walking Tour of Tomonoura & Fukuyama Highlights

You’ll stroll historic streets in Tomonoura, visit Fukuyama Castle’s museum, relax at Zen-inspired Shinshoji Temple, and take in island views from Taicho-ro—all led by a knowledgeable local guide who brings each spot to life with stories you won’t find in any brochure.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first time I wandered down Tomonoura’s narrow lanes—there was this faint smell of salt and grilled fish drifting from a tiny shop near the port. Our guide, Ms. Sato, met us right by the ferry terminal, waving a little flag so we wouldn’t miss her. She started off with stories about merchant ships waiting for the tide, pointing out how some of the old wooden houses have survived since the Edo period. The morning was quiet except for a couple of fishermen chatting by their boats and the soft slap of water against stone steps. If you look up, you’ll spot laundry flapping from second-floor balconies—real people still live here, not just tourists passing through.

We picked three stops for our day: Fukuyama Castle, Shinshoji Temple, and Taicho-ro Hall. At Fukuyama Castle, Ms. Sato explained how most of it was rebuilt after WWII but some parts—like Fushimi-yagura—are original and protected as cultural treasures. Inside the small museum, I got to see samurai armor up close (the helmet was heavier than I expected). Shinshoji Temple felt like stepping into another world; there were walking trails winding through cedar trees and even a modern art piece tucked behind one hall. The temple offers meditation classes if you’re into that sort of thing—I just sat by the pond watching koi swim lazy circles.

Lunch was quick—rice balls from a local konbini eaten on a bench facing the water. We finished at Taicho-ro Hall, attached to Fukuzen-ji Temple. The view from that old tatami room is something else: islands dotting the Seto Inland Sea, hazy in the afternoon light. Our guide said Korean envoys used to stay here centuries ago and even they wrote about how beautiful it was. I snapped way too many photos trying to catch that same view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tomonoura and Fukuyama

• Visit Tomonoura port town
• Explore another area of Tomonoura
• Tour Fukuyama Castle
• Visit Shinshoji Temple
• Discover Kusado Sengen medieval town site
• See Myooin Temple and pagoda
• Explore Kusado Sengen historical museum
• Visit unique Footwear Museum
• View Taicho-ro hall and Fukuzen-ji Temple
• Stop by Susanoo Temple

Top questions

Can I choose which sites we visit during the tour?

Yes! You can pick 3–4 spots from our list when booking—the guide will help plan your route based on your interests.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people using wheelchairs?

Absolutely—the whole route is wheelchair accessible and strollers are fine too. It’s an easy walk for all ages.

Where do we meet our guide?

Your guide will meet you on foot within central Fukuyama—details are sent after booking so you know exactly where to go.

Are entrance fees or transportation included?

The tour covers guiding services only; entrance fees or public transport costs aren’t included but your guide can help arrange tickets if needed.

What’s included

You’ll get a friendly government-licensed English-speaking guide who knows Fukuyama inside out, plus a fully customizable walking tour (pick your favorite 3–4 sites). Meeting point is central and easy to reach on foot. The whole experience is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers—and service animals are welcome too!