One Day Fukuyama Castle Tomonoura and Sensui jima Island Tour

Fukuyama, known as the City of Roses, is a beautiful and historic city located in the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture. Originally established as a castle town in 1619, it is now the second largest city in the prefecture, and the fourth largest in Western Honshu. By the end of the Second World War, about eighty percent of Fukuyama was burned down due to an air raid. Following this attack, the city underwent arduous recovery efforts, planting one thousand roses during the rebuilding process to boost the spirits of the people. Through the hard work of its dedicated citizens, Fukuyama was able to develop into the scenic and major city that it is today. This One Day Tour of Fukuyama is designed for those who wish to deepen their understanding of Western Japan’s history through both a castle, museum and historic townscape visit. It is also ideal for guests who are searching for some of Japan’s hidden gems, as Sensui jima is most definitely one of them.

Fukuyama castle was built with the intention of intimidating the feudal lords in the western part of the country and demonstrating the authority of the shogunate, Japan’s military government. The castle’s many turrets and its impressive five tiered Main Keep were meant to serve as a deterrent against rebellion from local lords living far from the capital in Edo. As guests walk within the castle grounds and gaze upon the Castle Tower, they will be able to picture how this imposing and formidable structure might have impacted the decisions of feudal lords in the past. Your guide will also take you inside the Main Keep, which has been converted into a museum explaining the founding of the city of Fukuyama and the history of the man who built the castle, Katsunari Mizuno. Inside the museum, guests can read exhibits, watch short videos, and participate in some interactive challenges to gain a better understanding of the castle’s history.

For such a small town, Tomonoura is packed with temples, residences, and other structures which help visitors visualize the once thriving area. At the pier, some of the facilities remaining, such as the lighthouse and tiered dock, have been around since the Edo Period. Nunakuma Shrine, an impressive Shinto Shrine nestled at the foot of a mountain and possessing a collapsable Noh theater stage, is further proof of the importance this town once held. Your guide will take you on a stroll around Tomonoura, visiting these relevant sites and providing all necessary background information so that the history of this port town unfolds before your eyes.

Once we arrive at Sensui jima your guide will take you on a short hike throughout the small island, stopping at two different observatory hills, Senningaoka and Akaiwa, as well as two beaches, Tanoura and Hikoura. Since this is an uninhabited island, it provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy nature in a peaceful and relaxing environment. Depending on the time of the year, you might find yourself being the only person walking around the island. Visiting in spring and summer, when the camping sites and beach are mostly in use might disrupt the peace of Sensui jima but allows for a livelier experience. This small island with its breathtaking view of the sea is truly one of the hidden gems of Hiroshima.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

• One Day Fukuyama Castle Tomonoura and Sensui jima Island Tour
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• English speaking guide
• Transportation to/from activities (public transport)
• Ferry tickets (Round-Trip)
• Entry fees at all tour locations

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Transportation to meeting point

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.).
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Tokyo.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.