Tomonoura | Unwind & get inspired in this unique accommodation
What makes this stay special?
The standout feature of this accommodation in charming Tomonoura is its cosy study, where you can sit at the very table that the renowned Hayao Miyazaki used while creating Ponyo!
Spacious yet affordable, the house tastefully blends modern comforts with traditional touches and even offers a serene sea view.
It’s the perfect retreat to unwind, recharge, and perhaps find inspiration. Scroll on to see why I loved my stay!
A convenient retreat nestled in charming Tomounara
Be prepared for some stairs leading up to the house, and a chance encounter or two with a neighbourhood cat!
Modern comforts and traditional touches
The clean and tidy bathroom area seemed freshly renovated, with one historical relic retained: a metal, pot-shaped ofuru that’s traditionally heated by a wood-burning stove (not pictured).
An expansive & calming bay view
The nearly wall-length windows showcase an expansive and calming view of the bay and nearby islands, and allow sunlight to stream in.
A little closer! Waking up to this serene and uplifting backdrop was the perfect way to start the day.
Sit where Hayao Miyazaki once sat while creating Ponyo
How amazing is it that this humble table and chair set was used by Hayao Miyazaki while creating Ponyo?! Our lovely host shared that the famous filmmaker gifted them to the apartment owner in gratitude for her care during his stay in Tomonoura.
Just imagining him at work there sparked a creative electricity in us as we sat in the study, daydreaming of having a mere fraction of his brilliance.
Be sure to flip through the guestbook; it’s filled with impressive drawings of cats and Ponyo (like the one above!) along with messages that show we weren’t the only ones who found our stay special!
Whip up a simple meal and feel right at home
The homely kitchen has everything we needed to whip up a simple meal, plus peeks at the adorable cats in the rescue shelter next door.
On that note, you’re in for a treat if you’re a cat person—there are plenty of cat-themed items throughout the house.
We jumped at the chance to buy quality wagyu from the local butcher for a home-cooked meal, which was a fun experience in itself (thanks in part to the friendly staff at Proud Foods!).
Paired with sides and sake from FamilyMart, the excellent wagyu made for a delicious and budget-friendly dinner in the comfort of our unique accommodation—a lovely finale to a wonderful stay!
Essential details
What is the accomodation’s name?
鞆猫庵 Tomo Nyahn.How much was it? We booked via booking.com for ~¥19,000 (~A$190) for one night in Summer 2024.
How do I get there? It is a short walk (~5 mins) from the Tomonoura Port bus stop. Google Maps might be a bit unclear but fret not—you’ll get instructions when checking in at Onfunayado Iroha. Be aware that there are steps along the way, so heavy luggage could be tricky.
How do I find out more? Visit Tomo Nyahn’s informative website (in Japanese), and check out my previous post for the top things to do in Tomonoura and unmissable tips!
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