Explore the Nature that Inspired Ghibli Movies by Kayak (Half Day)
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 10 minutes
Mobile ticket
Explore the history-rich port town of Tomonoura, a source of pride for Japan, on a 3-hour guided kayak tour from the sea, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of a historical stroll from the water.
In this tour, your guide will lead you through either the Abuto Kannon or Sensui Island course, according to your preference. Abuto Kannon is a structure perched on cliffs that extend into the sea, believed to have inspired characters in Studio Ghibli films.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Experience the historic port town of Tomonoura from the sea on a unique sea kayak tour.
Explore locations associated with Studio Ghibli and Hollywood movies on an adventurous sea kayak journey.
Join veteran local guide Mr. Murakami to meet charming locals and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Marvel at the breathtaking views from Abuto Kannon, a structure extending into the sea.
Enjoy the changing natural landscapes with each season on the stunning Sensui Island, known as "Japan's most beautiful scenic spot"
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The guide's English is not fluent.
Items to bring：Drinks, Spare clothes（Change of clothes）, Towel, Sunscreen, and Waterproofing measures for smartphones
We offer kayak shoes for rental; please provide your shoe size when making a reservation.
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
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
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Guide fee
Experience fee
Rental fee of all kayak equipment
What To Expect
*Choose from two start times, 9:00 or 13:30. *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. [9:00 / 13:30] Kayaker's CAFE Complete insurance and other procedures and change into kayaking gear. Learn how to paddle and listen to a safety explanation.
Tomo no Ura
[10:00 / 14:30] 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.
Options
Kayak
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful!
Discover65566588817,
Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a beautiful tour! Our guide was so kind and patiently instructed us and explained all the sights during the tour. There was also a break during which we were offered drinks and snacks from the Happy Box ♡ Also so many photos were taken of us, so we now also have a nice memory of the tour. For beginners I would recommend the smaller tour, because it is very strenuous.
Summer half day tour.
daveandwendya,
Jul 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience! So beautiful. Yasu explained everything since we are beginners. We did half day and just right for us beginners. Highly recommend! Yasu took pictures the whole time so we got some great memories to look back on.
Wonderful experience!
susanb0yd,
Apr 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yasuhiro Murakami, is a wonderful guide. His knowledge, equipment and English are very good. We saw the beautiful Bandai-ji Temple. Had a meal together afterwards. Delicious!
Thank you very much!
C2748SMpaulf,
Aug 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The course was beautiful. The extremely friendly Guide. We had a great time. The Guide is very educational even for beginners! Thank you for this adventure!
Great guide and lovely experience for a day trip
B111ULsvens,
Sep 3, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yasu was an incredible guide and very interesting conversation partner. Despite the bad weather on the day we still were able to kayak up to the shrine and back. We then had lunch in a traditional restaurant he recommended. Later in the day after some torrential showers he was nice enough to give me a ride to Fukuyama. Tomonoura is a special little town with a lot to offer. Recommend you visit the shops and streets as well as the old house where they used to produce homeishu! I can only imagine how amazing it may be with better weather!
We will do this again in the future
783verenam,
May 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience! If you want an active holiday, I warmly recommend this trip. You can choose the length of your trip, and the guide is a local person that has lots of interesting things to tell you. He also picked us up from Fukuyama station and drove us to Tomonoura, where he has a Kayak Cafe. You can leave your stuff at his place and he will send you pictures of the trip afterwards.
Perfectly off the beaten path.
bathgat745,
Apr 2, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great time and a highlight of our trip. Saw some great things and laughed a ton. Nice to get away from the bigger cities.
Outstanding Kayak Tour
laceyg856,
Sep 1, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was my first time sea kayaking, but it was a lot of fun!! My guide was a great teacher and was very patient with my slow pace! He took me to a gorgeous shrine and taught me a lot about the town and the sea. The scenery was so beautiful! I highly recommend this trip!
Fantastic half day kayaking
richardR1013DC,
Jun 9, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I had a really fantastic 1/2 days canoeing. We paddled south down the coast past small islands to the Bandai-ji temple seeing nesting sea birds and sea life on the way. The guide was terrifically friendly and gave us tea and biscuits on the beach next to the temple. We had arranged a half day trip but the guide spent 6 hours with us including a pick up from Fukuyama station. We had a really great half day.
Outstanding Experience with Amazing Guide
Beth W,
May 23, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide/owner/barista took us (two 60+ year old women without much kayak experience) past beautiful islands to a beach for our afternoon "tea." When he pulled out the propane burner to heat the water for out cafe ole, we knew we had "arrived." He catered to our old hips and knees, helping us in and out of the kayak. He took care of us! We had a lovely afternoon and would do it again. The village of Tomonoura is picturesque and brought Japan alive to us.
From ¥8,200
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