Tomo-no-ura prelude

Ota Residence; photo taken in the courtyard

Tomo-no-ura is a hidden gem. Though many travel agents and tourists already discovered Tomo, they often leave without knowing its entire significance. 

Tourists should all find Tomo quite interesting, taking a walk around the old port from the Edo period, visiting the former temple guest house where the Korean friendship missions dispatched during the Edo period (1603-1868) stayed (one misson said the scenery from the guest house was the best along the route from Korea to Edo), given a guided tour at the grand merchant house built some 200 years ago, and seeing aged but characteristic wooden houses where people of Tomo live.

These are already very interesting for you to spend a few hours. But you can easily spend another few by becoming explorers. In fact, instead of some hours, staying in Tomo for two nights is not bad at all. In that case, don’t forget to rent a bike and visit Abuto Kan-non. Or if it’s too much to go up the slope, take a taxi for ten minutes or maybe just walk. It’s only five kilometers and you won’t regret the walk. The view is remarkable and refreshing.

The Ota Residence and the Taichoro Guest House must be two major destinations in Tomo. This time, just to start up, let me show you only a portion of the Ota Residence. After the house tour, try walking in the alley behind the residence. The black tiles with white dots protecting and adorning the walls; wooden boards joined by quality nails covering the lower part of the walls (they were originally part of a ship and the nails are rust free). They will quietly talk to you once you are away from the crowd.

Photo taken from Abuto Kan-non Hall