“Fukuyama-City Tomonoura Museum of History and Folklore” was built on the high ground of Tomo castle ruins to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Fukuyama city system. In the hall, there is a permanent exhibition which displays not only ancient, historical documents, but also more modern texts. There’s texts from old folklore and documents from festivals and events such as the Otebi rituals, as well as the Shrine ritual of Bow, so that you can easily get a sense of the history of Tomonoura.

The museum also boasts exhibitions related to “forging”, “fishing”, “festivals” and “shops”, which are all equally unique. Each section is bursting with trinkets that represent the unique history and culture of the town such as the dike from a sea bream fishing net, models that represent old fashioned Houmei-shu  shops and a Chousai that appears in the fall festival. With such a vast knowledge of the old port town Tomonoura, you’re sure to find strolling around the old town far more enjoyable.

If that wasn’t enough, the museum also organizes special exhibitions dedicated to the history, culture and folklore of Tomonoura as a hub, as well as to the Setouchi on an irregular basis. During “Tomonoura Hina Doll Festival”, they display the luxurious seven-tiered ornament that was inherited by the merchant’s house. Don’t miss the events which include a chance to view the unique Koto music performances.

What you should not miss is the view from Tomo castle ruins. From the entrance area of ​​the museum, visitors can admire the cityscape as well as the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

Located near the center of the town and easily accessible from the main tourist spots, let’s start our journey by gathering some information that is sure to open our eyes!

Fukuyama-City Tomonoura Museum History and Folkore
Address/ 536-1 Ushiroji, Tomo-cho, Fukuyama-cshi, Hiroshima
Tel/ +81-84-982-1121
Open/ 9:00〜17:00(final entry by 16:30)
Addmission fee/ general (more than university student) 150 yen
Regular holiday/ Monday (except for National Holidays on Monday, in which case the museum is open on the holiday and closed the following Tuesday instead)
http://www.tomo-rekimin.org