Discover Tomonoura's History and Rich Lifestyle: A Full-Day Sea Kayak Guided Tour with Lunch

【STORY】

Embark on a one-day guided kayak tour from Tomonoura, a historic port town that Japan proudly boasts, and savor the feeling of a historical stroll from the sea.

Tomonoura, known as the "Tide-waiting Port," is situated right in the center of the Seto Inland Sea and has long been a town that welcomes and bids farewell to travelers.

The scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea from Tomonoura are said to be "Japan's most beautiful scenic spot" boasting a beautiful landscape that remains unchanged over time. Why not land at spots such as the iconic Abuto Kannon built on the cliffs of the cape, Tomo's townscape viewed from the sea, or the Tashima Fishing Port, and explore the history and activities of the people in this area?

After the kayak tour, indulge in a tasting of "Homeishu" a life-saving sake brewed in Tomonoura for around 350 years, known for its fatigue-recovery effects. Relax and reflect on the history of Tomonoura while soothing the weariness of your journey.

◆Sea Kayak Guide: Murakami Yasuhiro
Born in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. A certified guide by the Japan Recreational Canoe Association with over 20 years of guiding experience. "I want you to experience an exciting journey in Tomonoura, touching the history of our predecessors, feeling the atmosphere of the port town, and meeting local people! I look forward to welcoming everyone to the Tide-waiting Port of Tomonoura, where the charm of the Edo period lingers!"

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Enjoy a unique sea kayak tour from the sea, exploring the historic port town of Tomonoura.
• Glide through the waters on a sea kayak, transporting yourself to a feeling reminiscent of the Edo period.
• Discover the local allure as guided by the seasoned local guide, Mr. Murakami, and meet the charming locals.
• Experience the breathtaking views from the Abuto Kannon, extending into the sea.
• Immerse yourself in the local culinary culture nurtured by this region, including oysters, nori (seaweed), and Homeishu (sake).
  

【SCHEDULE】

*Choose from two start times, 8:00 or 9:00.
*The following course is just an example. Depending on the sea conditions on the day and the physical condition of the participants, the guide will adjust the course.

[8:00 / 9:00]　Kayaker's CAFE
Complete insurance and other procedures and change into kayaking gear.

[8:30 / 9:30]　Embark on your journey in front of the lighthouse
Learn how to paddle and listen to a safety explanation.

[9:00 / 10:00]　Tomonoura
Floating the sea kayak from the ganki (historic Edo-period stairs leading down to the sea), the journey begins. Viewing the port town of Tomonoura from the sea is a unique experience only possible with sea kayaking. Enjoy the charming scenery of the town.

[10:00 / 11:00]　Land on Tashima Island (Lunch)
Head to Tajima Island and enjoy a nice stroll around the island.
Depending on the season, you can check out the local fishing scene, eat seasonal foods at the market, and interact with the locals to experience the island life here at that time of the year.

[11:30 / 12:30]
Depart from Tashima Island and embark on a journey paddling through the Seto Inland Sea.

[12:30 / 13:30]　Abuto Kannon
Abuto Kannon, standing boldly into the sea, presents a breathtaking spectacle when gazed upon from the water.

[13:30 / 14:30]　Tomonoura
Arrival at Tomonoura Port

[15:00 / 16:00]　Visit Tomo Sake Brewery
Taste Homeishu, which has been brewed in Tomonoura for about 350 years and is effective in relieving fatigue.

[16:00 / 17:00]　Kayaker's CAFE
End of tour
The beautiful Tomonomachi at sunset will heal your pleasant fatigue after the experience.

【EXPERIENCE SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION】

■Lunch
You can enjoy a menu tailored to the season. (Please notify us in advance if you have any allergies.)

If you wish to have the special sea bream rice, a Tomonoura specialty, for lunch, an additional fee will be charged.
*The regular lunch fee is included in the tour cost.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：8 hours
• Meeting point：Kayaker's Cafe [MAP]
  849, Tomocho-tomo, Fukuyama-shi, Hiroshima 720-0201
• Access：
  From Hiroshima station with the shinkansen and bus: 1 hour 15 min.
  From 'Fukuyama station' on JR Lines: take the Tomotetsu bus (to Tomo, 37 min) and get off at Tomo-kou. Walk for 3 minutes.
  Walk for 180 meters in a southwestward direction near the Prefectural Highway 22 along the seashore and turn left at the intersection. On your left side, you will find the Kayaker's Cafe.
  *Approximately 5,000 yen by taxi from Fukuyama Station.
• Language support：Japanese, English (The guide's English is not fluent.)
• Included：
  ・Experience fee
  ・Guide fee
  ・Rental fee of all kayak equipment
  ・Lunch fee
  
• Excluded：
  ・Souvenir costs (Depending on the stopping points, you may have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs such as seaweed.)
  
• Items to bring：
  ・Drinks
  ・Spare clothes（Change of clothes）
  ・Towel
  ・Sunscreen
  ・Waterproofing measures for smartphones
  
• Clothes：
  *We offer kayak shoes for rental; please provide your shoe size when making a reservation.
  
  Clothing Suggestions:
  ●Swimming Season (June to October):
  Attire that can get wet (it is recommended to wear swimwear underneath), hat, sunglasses.
  
  ●For Spring and Fall (November, and around April to May):
  Quick-drying T-shirts, nylon outerwear, comfortable pants, hat, sunglasses.
  *Paddle jackets are available for rental.
  
  ●Winter Season (December to March):
  While on the Kayak:
  Quick-drying T-shirts, fleece or other mid-layer clothing, nylon outerwear, warm and flexible pants, knit cap, nylon gloves.
  Upon Landing:
  Down jackets or other garments to retain warmth.
  
• Participation requirements：
  ・Over 3 years old
  ・Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
  ・Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
  ・Not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
  
• Free Wi-Fi：No
• Toilet：Yes（Western Style）
• Other things to note:
  ・There is a possibility that the tour may be combined with other customers.
  ・The tour may be canceled depending on the weather on the day. In such cases, the assigned guide will contact customers by 6:00 PM on the previous day. A full refund will only be provided if the organizer determines a cancellation in advance (the tour will proceed in light rain).
  ・Even if a decision to proceed with the tour has been made, sudden weather changes on the day may lead to a safety-first decision to cancel.
  ・Please take care of waterproof measures for your smartphone on your own.
  ・Please be aware that the natural conditions such as weather, sea conditions, tides on the day of the event, and the level and health of participants may lead to changes in the course.
  ・The end time may vary depending on the situation.
  ・In the case of a jointly held tour with other participants, if you are late due to your circumstances, there is a possibility of departure without waiting. In such cases, please note that a 100% cancellation fee will be applied as a same-day cancellation. (Please contact us in advance if you anticipate being late.)

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%