• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Us & Contacts
    • About Us – RamonaDepares.com
    • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Cookie Policies
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
  • Affiliate & Advertising Disclosure
    • Affiliate Disclosure/Advertising Disclosure
    • Our Reviewing Process
    • Disclaimer Page
  • FAQs
  • Terms and Conditions

  • Home
  • THEATRE REVIEWS
  • DEEP DIVES
  • BOOKS
  • LIFESTYLE
    • MUSIC
    • FASHION
    • FOOD
    • NEWS
  • Published Works
    • BELTIN: STEJJER MINN NIES MINSIJA
You are here: Home / NEWS / Tomonoura: Finding all the Locations that Inspired Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo

Tomonoura: Finding all the Locations that Inspired Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo

April 22, 2025 by Ramona Depares

Sosuke-Ponyo-House-Tomonoura

Ponyo-Tomonoura connection – the anime versus the real-life version of Susuke’s house.

Table of Contents

  • Ponyo real life locations Google map
  • About Studio Ghibli, Ponyo & Tomonoura – All You Need to Know
  • Step-by-step Guide to finding all Ponyo locations in Tomonoura
  • Top Tip to Help you find all Ponyo Locations
  • Getting to Tomonoura
  • So is a day-trip to Tomonoura Worth It?
  • Tomonoura-Ponyo FAQs
    • Where is Ponyo set in real life?
    • How to get to Tomonoura, the setting of Ponyo?
    • What is there to see in Tomonoura?
    • Can you visit the real-life locations from Ponyo?
    • How do I get to Tomonoura from Hiroshima or Osaka?
    • Is it easy to reach Tomonoura, the setting of Ponyo?
    • What are the must-visit locations near Hiroshima for Ghibli fans?
  • Affiliate/Advertising Disclaimer

Ponyo real life locations Google map

Ponyo is my all-time favourite Studio Ghibli/Hiyao Miyazaki film. Controversial, I know. Most adults tend to prefer Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away, but there is something about the pure innocence of Ponyo that gets me everytime. So today I’m taking a short break from my usual theatre reviews to focus on a travel feature, instead.

When I had a short stopover in Hiroshima, Japan I knew that I had to visit nearby Tomonoura, the tiny harbour town that inspired many of the scenes and locations in Ponyo. The town is a short Shinkansen trip and bus-ride away from Hiroshima Station, so I set off at 10am after a good breakfast and found myself pulling into Tomonoura about 1 hour and 20 minutes later.

I’m not gonna lie – I was not sure what to expect. This was not the same as visiting a filming location, where the route is immediately recognisable, and typically clearly marked. After all, Studio Ghibli films are a masterpiece of imagination, rather than strict reality. So, Tomonoura inspired scenes from Ponyo, but obviously the animation is not a carbon copy. Miyazaki’s genius has done a lot of work. So, my question was whether I would actually be able to recognize any of the spots or whether the relationship between Tomonoura and Ponyo is a distant one that requires a hefty dose of creative thinking.

The good news is that the locations that inspired Ponyo are obvious and most are easy to find, located within the heart of Tomonoura. I had no issues identifying any of them.

That said, Tomonoura is a stunning location in its own right, hailing back to the Edo period. It does not need the Ponyo connection to make it worth visiting. I found myself wandering off to enjoy other, unrelated aspects of town. This day trip was 100% a win-win all round.

Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to help you find all the Ponyo locations, but first some facts about Ponyo the movie itself.

About Studio Ghibli, Ponyo & Tomonoura – All You Need to Know

NamePonyo on the Cliff by the Sea
ProducerStudio Ghibli
Director Hiyao Miyazaki
Year of release2008
Streaming onNetflix, Prime Video

Released in 2008, Ponyo is rarely cited as a favourite by fans of Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki. I’ve always felt that this was doing a disservice to the film. The plot line can be best described as a more innocent and wondrous The Little Mermaid, with a tinge of climate awareness.

Young Sosuke is playing in a cove in his hometown when, one find day, a little fish with the face of a human girl swims up to shore. She seems to be in trouble, so Sosuke rescues her and takes her back home in a small bucket. At one point, the little fish licks some blood off a cut on Sosuke’s finger, and her transformation into human-form begins. From there, it’s a whirlwind of adventure, as the old folk tales about what causes tsunamis in this little town collide with Sosuke’s burgeoning friendship with the little fish-turned-girl, whom he names Ponyo.

Miyazaki’s tale is superb, drawing from folk tales, horror, mythology and a ream of other source-material to create a completely original love story that defies the norms of gods and humans alike.

Step-by-step Guide to finding all Ponyo locations in Tomonoura

Step 1: You will reach Tomonoura by bus. Get off at the Tomonoura bus stop – don’t make the same mistake I did and wait until Tomo Port or you’ll just have to walk back to the tourist information centre just to pick up a free map. The map comes with two walking tour options depending on your energy levels, and adds a nice story-telling element explaining the different landmarks.

Back to the Tomonoura Ponyo locations. Leave the tourist centre behind you and walk in the direction of town. The 10 minute stroll gives you the opportunity to feast your eyes on the tapestry of islands dotting the inlet. Beyond that, a flotilla of stationery ships mark the horizon, exactly the same way they do in Ponyo.

Step 2: By now you’re at the mouth of the harbour. It’s very easy to let yourself be carried away by its sheer beauty and to start snapping photos haphazardly. But bear with me – instead, take a left away from the town centre.

Soak in the quaint fishing boats and the smiley old-timers going about their business. Then, keep walking past the breakwater and the large garage that’s right on the seafront, until you reach the steps at the back. At first I was worried this was a private area, but instead it took me to a gorgeous miniature shrine, complete with vermillion Tori gate leading to a small, sandy cove.

Inset: The sandy cove in Tomonoura that inspired the scene where Sosuke first meets Ponyo.

It doesn’t require a massive leap of imagination to make the connection- this is the cove that inspired Miyazaki’s drawings where Sosuke meets Ponyo for the first time, and the resemblance is pretty spot on.

Step 3: After you’ve had your fill, time to retrace your steps back to the mechanic’s. Take a detour through the narrow alley way to the left and keep walking until you reach the steps leading to Enpukuji Temple. Although smaller in scale, it is reminiscent of the old people’s home where Sosuke’s mother works. I could just picture the old ladies seated on their chairs overlooking the sea on the back terrace.

Step 4: Time to make your way back to the town centre. You’ll want to take your time here, enjoying the landscape without any stress. Maybe stop at Narutodo for a Tomonoura mochi – its bright blue hue symbolizes the sea, compounded by a hint of sea salt and the most luscious custard filling.

Step 5: From your vantage point sitting on the harbour steps enjoying your mochi, look up to the right towards the brightly painted houses that make up the town skyline. The deep blue of the thatched roofs make a pretty contrast to the bold vermillion – but one house in particular stands out more than the rest. Part of a cluster that is slightly higher up than the rest, its roof is painted a brighter red, the facade yellow, with a curiously-shaped window adorning the front. In truth, more of a port hole than a window.

This is the very house that inspired Sosuke’s home in Ponyo. In reality is is much smaller than it is in the film, and it’s not isolated at all, but again – the inspiration is unmistakable. You can get to it by following the narrow streets into town, but bear in mind that this is private property so it’s always good to take care not to disturb the residents.

Step 6: Keep following the promenade until you make it to the lighthouse. Here, you can bask in the Ponyo spirit while enjoying coffee and a snack. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, contrary to what I had been led to believe, the vast majority of shops accepted card payments.

Adjacent to the lighthouse there are plenty of souvenir shops to get a memento of the day. Again, I was surprised by how well the town has managed to preserve its authenticity. The shops are focused on regional specialties – such as Homeishu, a drink that’s reputed to have medicinal properties. No modern tat, here, thankfully.

Step 7: Once you’ve walked the length of the ‘shopping’ area you’ll notice that most tourists will have petered off. Continue walking along the seafront all the way into the residential zone. You’ll notice the road winding along the sandy coves and recognize it from this scene below.

The bayside road in Tomonoura where Sosuke’s mum is shown driving in Ponyo.

Do stop for a spot of seashell hunting. The beach is a treasure trove of fossilized shells and – for some strange reason – broken porcelain. There’s good potential to transform your finds into a souvenir necklace.

Step 8: Keep walking along the one main road until the houses start becoming more sparse. At a certain point you will come across a large Ponyo mural, with a playground right behind it. This is the school that inspired the school in the movie.

The real-life school in Tomonoura on which Sosuke’s school is based.

Step 9: Not strictly a Ponyo location but still worth the stop – Fukuzenji Temple. It’s quite a slog up the steep steps to the top but you will be rewarded with superb views spanning into the Harbour, all the way to Bentenjima and Sensuijima islands islands in the distance. If you wanted your IG reel worthy moment, you’ve got it.

This brought me to the end of my Ponyo trail and after I’d had my fill I made my way back for another matcha latte. There are two Ponyo landmarks that I missed. The first is the tunnel where Ponyo loses her human form. It was located too far for me to make it on foot.

The other is Sensuijima island, which inspires some of the scenes towards the end of the film, after the tsunami, when Ponyo and Sotsume are on the boat. If you have the time, it’s easily reachable by taking a five-minute ferry ride from the port.

I hope you enjoy hunting for the Tomonoura locations that inspired Ponyo as much as I did. As I already said, you don’t need to be a Miyazaki fan to find this town super charming. Having survived the madness of Kyoto a few days earlier, I was very appreciative of the natural beauty that has been allowed to shine in the friendly village.

I left Kyoto – as gorgeous as it is – feeling as though I had been to a theme park. But I left Tomonoura energized and grateful for having been allowed to experience the beauty of this place. Maybe as tourists we do need to make an effort to go beyond the obvious stops.

Top Tip to Help you find all Ponyo Locations

If you’re feeling sociable, let the attendant at the tourist information centre know that you’re on a Ponyo walking trail and they will be super happy to explain exactly how to get to each specific location, adding some heartwarming colour without overdoing it.

On that note, this is one of the things that make Tomonoura Port such a joy to explore – it remains unspoilt by over-tourism .While residents are justifiably proud of the Ponyo connection, they haven’t milked it to a theme park degree. You will find a couple of Ponyo murals and some souvenirs at the tourist centre, but that’s about it. Which means you can enjoy the unadulterated magic of the place.

Getting to Tomonoura

I reached Tomonoura from Hiroshima Station. Here’s what to do:

  1. Book the Shinkansen to Fukuyama Station
  2. Walk out to the bus terminus right outside the station
  3. Wait at Bus Bay No. 5 – buses run every 30 minutes
  4. Get off at a stop before reaching Tomo Port and cross the road to the tourist info station
  5. Get ready to walk!

So is a day-trip to Tomonoura Worth It?

Undoubtedly, yes. You don’t need to be a fan of Miyazaki or Ponyo to enjoy this as the town is gorgeous and you’ll find plenty of excellent food, souvenirs and breathtaking views. It only took me about an hour to reach it from Hiroshima, so you don’t even need to leave your hotel too early. I caught the 10.30 Shinkansen and enjoyed a few hours meandering town before making it back to my hotel in Hiroshima by 5pm.

Tomonoura-Ponyo FAQs

Where is Ponyo set in real life?

The film Ponyo is said to be inspired by Tomonoura, a beautiful fishing village in Japan. Various iconic real-life locations have clearly been used by director Hiyao Miyazaki as the basis for many scenes in the film, including Sosuke’s house, the cover where he first meets Ponyo, the school, and more.

How to get to Tomonoura, the setting of Ponyo?

Reaching Tomonoura is very easy by bullet train from Hiroshima. The half hour trip stops at Fukayama Station. From here, walk outside to the bus bay and take the bus in bay numbner 5. The bus stops at Tomonoura and takes only 40 minutes.

What is there to see in Tomonoura?

Plenty. Stop at the tourist information centre for an easy-to-follow walking guide that includes all the famous scenes that inspired Ponyo as well as beautiful temples, Torii gates, restaurants, the iconic lighthouse, and more. You can also take a 10-minute ferry to the island of Sensujima, which is featured towards the end of the film.

Can you visit the real-life locations from Ponyo?

Absolutely. The film is based on real-life locations in the Japanese village of Tomonoura. The tourist information centre will explain how to find places like Sosuke’s house, the iconic bay and lighthouse, the sandy cove where Sosuke met Ponyo, and more. You can easily reach the village by bus from Fukuyama Station.

How do I get to Tomonoura from Hiroshima or Osaka?

The trip to Tomonoura from these two major cities is easy. If you’re in Hiroshima take a 30 minutes Shinkansen (bullet train) to Fukuyama Station. From here, take the bus in bay number 5, which will stop at Tomonoura bay itself. From Osaka, you can also take a direct bullet train to Fukuyama station, and then follow the same route. The trip from Osaka takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Is it easy to reach Tomonoura, the setting of Ponyo?

It’s very easy to visit Tomonoura. Take a bullet train from Osaka or Hiroshima straight to Fukuyama station. From there, take the bus in bay number 5 right outside the station. A 30 minute trip takes you straight to Tomonoura.

What are the must-visit locations near Hiroshima for Ghibli fans?

The number one must visit stop is Tomonoura, which provided the real-life locations that inspired Ponyo. You can reach Tomonoura by train from Hiroshima to Fukuyama, and then catch the bus in bay number 5 outside Fukuyama station. The bus takes you to Tomonoura in 30 minutes.

Affiliate/Advertising Disclaimer

I received no payment for this travel feature and the opinions expressed here are purely my own. There are no affiliate links contained within this page.To learn more about my policies and my reviewing process, visit my Affiliate/Advertising disclosure page.

Are you enjoying my content? I usually publish culture-related content such as this theatre review of Blanket Ban, and this Teatru Malta 1881 review. You will also find lifestyle, fashion, and restaurants on this site.

Ramona Depares

Former Head of News at Times of Malta, turned freelance journalist and creative writer. Three books published, 2 journalism awards, 1 Arts Council Malta award, work published locally & internationally.

Filed Under: NEWS Tagged With: Japan, Miyazaki, Ponyo, Ponyo on the cliffedge by the sea, Tomonoura, Travel

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Theatre Highlights

boċċi-il-musical

1.5 hours dedicated to a niche game, with wildly entertaining results.

FameHungry

Pure entertainment that also inspires critical thought.

into-the-woods-teatru-manoel

A superb cast and crew successfully rose to the lofty heights expected of a Sondheim work.

Food Highlights

Zest is still leading the charge in Asian fusion on the local front.

the-bastion-pool-and-restaurant

A stunning oasis on the outskirts of the capital.

cantine-pellegrino-wines

Cantine Pellegrino boasts a long-wine heritage that started in Marsala back in 1880.

Fashion Highlights

a-curious-beauty-palazzo-falson

Delightful curatorial choices make this exhibition special.

handle-with-care-charles-and-ron

From statement pieces to survivalist chic, Handle With Care captivates our attention.

pink-fashion-party

An eclectic list of guests and designers celebrated fashion

Books Highlights

book-teatru-tal-miskin

A fascinating look at how the production came about.

filli-ma-tcun-xejn-filli-titħol-fl-esistenza

A morose, yet hauntingly beautiful, journey.

A turning point for Maltese theatre.

DEEP DIVES

disability-in-theatre-malta

How can we make the shift towards an inclusive theatre scene? I spoke with actors, practitioners, and stakeholders in Malta and abroad to try and figure out some answers.

Arts Highlights

kane-cali-i-dont-have-a-theory

A journey that sees the artist letting go of structure

it-teatru-tal-miskin

Excels on all fronts, a real game-changer

les-nuits-barbares-miaf

A fusion of Mediterranean cultures on stage

News Highlights

Is this the start of a revolution in Children’ Theatre?

Even the bread was a conversation starter.

Gorgeous experience at The Harbour Club.

Footer

  • Home
  • About Us & Contacts
    • About Us – RamonaDepares.com
    • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Cookie Policies
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
  • Affiliate & Advertising Disclosure
    • Affiliate Disclosure/Advertising Disclosure
    • Our Reviewing Process
    • Disclaimer Page
  • FAQs
  • Terms and Conditions

Copyright Ramona Depares © 2025

Manage Cookie Consent
We use cookies to optimize our website and our service.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}
  • Home
  • About Us & Contacts
    • About Us – RamonaDepares.com
    • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Cookie Policies
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
  • Affiliate & Advertising Disclosure
    • Affiliate Disclosure/Advertising Disclosure
    • Our Reviewing Process
    • Disclaimer Page
  • FAQs
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Home
  • THEATRE REVIEWS
  • DEEP DIVES
  • BOOKS
  • LIFESTYLE
    • MUSIC
    • FASHION
    • FOOD
    • NEWS
  • Published Works
    • BELTIN: STEJJER MINN NIES MINSIJA