Tomonoura Port

**Ponyo pilgrimage spots:** Studio Ghibli fans should visit the Joyato lighthouse (常夜燈) — its distinctive stone lantern tower appears in Ponyo's opening scenes and is the port's most iconic structure. The harbor waterfront, with fishing boats and stone seawall, mirrors the film's coastal village setting. Miyazaki stayed at a cliffside house overlooking the port (private residence, not accessible) and sketched harbor scenes daily; the port's entire ambiance infuses Ponyo's world. While no official Ghibli museum exists in Tomonoura, local shops sell Ponyo-themed souvenirs and postcards comparing film scenes with real locations. **Historical exploration:** Taichoro (対潮楼) is the port's historical gem — a 17th-century guesthouse overlooking the harbor where Korean Joseon Dynasty envoys stayed during diplomatic missions. The 2nd-floor tatami room frames the harbor through wide windows, creating a 'living painting' effect that inspired historical poets and artists. Entry ¥200 includes access to the observation room and historical exhibits. The Iroha-maru Museum (いろは丸展示館) displays artifacts from the 1867 Iroha-maru shipwreck involving Sakamoto Ryoma (Meiji Restoration hero) — the ship sank off Tomonoura after collision, and recovered cargo is exhibited in a former warehouse. **Local food & sake:** Tomonoura's specialty is homeishu (保命酒), a sweet medicinal herbal liqueur developed in the Edo period, containing 16 herbs and mirin. It's traditionally drunk for health and longevity, with a unique spiced, honeyed flavor (ABV ~14%). Sample at Irohamaru-shuzo Brewery (入船山記念館, tastings ¥300). The port also offers fresh Setouchi seafood — tai (sea bream) sashimi and grilled fish at harbor-side restaurants (¥1,500–2,500 lunch sets). For sweets, try homare-manju (誉饅頭), local steamed buns filled with sweet bean paste.