Santora

Top choice in Western Honshū


At this waterfront ryokan, you can laze about in the outdoor saltwater bath while watching boats sail by. The rooms are spacious, the shared indoor bathroom has sea views, and the meals feature local seafood and veggies grown by the friendly owners (no English spoken). There is a range of rooms and plans. It's a 10-minute walk from Honura Port.

For something special, go for one of the hanare (separate) cabins (from ¥16,200 per person for two people with meals, with discounts for more people), which have private bathrooms and huge balconies.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Western Honshū attractions

1. Kairyū-ji

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This temple associated with Buddhist saint Kōbō Daishi includes a path of small shrines pointing you towards a giant hilltop boulder.

2. Sensui-jima

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The island of Sensui-jima is just five minutes across the water from Tomo-no-ura town, though vastly different for its rugged natural beauty, as there are…

3. Taichōrō

11.53 MILES

Adjoining the temple Fukuzenji, near the waterfront in Tomo-no-ura, this reception hall was built in the 1690s.

4. Fukuzenji

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Close to the waterfront, this temple dates back to the 10th century. Adjoining the temple is Taichōrō, a reception hall built in the 1690s. This is where…

6. Jōyatō

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Looking over the harbour area of Tomo-no-ura is this large stone lantern, which used to serve as a lighthouse and has become a symbol of the town.

7. Ōta Residence

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On the corner of a lane leading back from the harbour area, this former Ōta residence is a fine collection of restored buildings from the mid-18th century…

8. Iō-ji

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Up a steep hill on the western side of Tomo-no-ura, Iō-ji was reputedly founded by Kōbō Daishi in the 900s. A path leads from the temple to the top of a…