Fukuyama offers a handful of exceptional tours that combine nature and tradition in this often-overlooked Japanese city. The standout experience is the Tomonoura Nostalgic Port Town tour – a well-organized journey through one of Japan’s best-preserved historic ports, complete with transportation and a local lunch stop. I love how this tour captures the essence of old Japan without feeling touristy.
The evening sea kayaking tour in Tomonoura is another winner, where you’ll paddle among natural sea fireflies – a magical experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in Japan. For flexibility, the private guided tours (offered in half or full-day options) allow you to set your own pace while exploring the city’s landmarks with knowledgeable local experts.
Check out these top-rated tours that showcase the best of Fukuyama:
Key Points
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The Full-Day Private Tour with a licensed guide offers the most comprehensive Fukuyama experience, covering 3-4 customizable sites.
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Sea Kayak Tours to Tomonoura provide unique water-based exploration of Fukuyama’s historic port, suitable for beginners and families.
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Night Kayak Tours featuring sea fireflies offer an exclusive evening experience with perfect ratings from previous travelers.
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Half-day private tours allow flexible exploration of 2-3 sites with professional guides, ideal for travelers with limited time.
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The Tomonoura Nostalgic Port Town tour includes transportation, lunch, and photo documentation while exploring the historic harbor area.
Sea Kayak Tour to the History of Tomonoura in the Seto Inland Sea
Priced from $91.99, this beginner-friendly experience includes equipment and lunch.
Participants must be over 3 years old and maintain moderate fitness. Tours accommodate up to 20 travelers but may cancel for severe weather.
Guests should bring essentials like spare clothes, sunscreen, and drinks.
The meeting point is accessible via Tomotetsu bus from Fukuyama station.
Read our full review: Sea Kayak Tour to the History of Tomonoura in the Seto Inland Sea Review
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Night Kayak Tour Relax Under the Natural Glow of Sea Fireflies
While daytime kayaking offers scenic views of Tomonoura, the nighttime sea firefly tour presents a magical aquatic experience at a lower price point of $72.30 per person.
The tour starts at 5:30 PM from Kayakers CAFE 849, easily accessible from both Hiroshima and Fukuyama stations. It’s suitable for ages 3 and up, accommodating beginner to intermediate skill levels with a maximum group size of 10 travelers.
The package includes guide services, kayaking equipment, and a meal box. Travelers should bring their own drinks. Those with severe medical conditions should skip this tour.
The experience has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from three reviewers.
Read our full review: Night Kayak Tour Relax Under the Natural Glow of Sea Fireflies Review
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Fukuyama/Tomonoura Half-Day Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide
This expertly guided private tour of Fukuyama and Tomonoura offers flexible half-day exploration starting at $101.83 per person.
Led by a licensed English-speaking guide, visitors can customize their walking tour by selecting 2-3 sites from available options.
While the tour includes guide fees, travelers need Japanese Yen for public transportation or taxi costs between locations.
The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with most attractions near public transit. Private vehicle arrangements require 5-day advance notice.
Groups can modify their tour date up to 2 days before, with free cancellation available within 24 hours of the experience.
Service animals are welcome.
Read our full review: Fukuyama/Tomonoura Half-Day Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide Review
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Fukuyama/Tomonoura Full-Day Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide
Featuring a licensed English-speaking guide, the full-day private tour of Fukuyama and Tomonoura lets visitors explore 3-4 customizable sites for $149.36 per person.
This walking tour accommodates up to 7 people and uses public transportation or local taxis between locations.
While transportation and entrance fees aren’t included, guests can arrange private vehicles with 5 days’ notice.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with service animals allowed.
Visitors can book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
The Japan Guide Agency maintains a 5.0 rating based on customer reviews of this flexible, personalized experience.
Read our full review: Fukuyama/Tomonoura Full-Day Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide Review
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Hiroshima: Tomonoura Nostalgic Port Town Private Tour With Local
Located in Fukuyama, the Tomonoura Nostalgic Port Town Private Tour offers visitors an intimate look at this historic harbor town for $135.78 per person.
Local GemTour Japan manages this wheelchair-accessible experience, which includes round-trip bus transportation, entry tickets, lunch, and photo documentation.
Tours begin at Fukuyama Station, where guides meet participants with name boards outside the ticket gate.
The package allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and welcomes service animals.
While tips aren’t included, the tour’s flexible format lets travelers customize their experience with advance notice, making it suitable for most visitors.
Read our full review: Hiroshima: Tomonoura Nostalgic Port Town Private Tour With Local Review
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Sum Up
Fukuyama’s top tours offer diverse experiences from sea kayaking in Tomonoura to guided cultural excursions. Visitors can paddle through historic waters during daytime adventures or witness bioluminescent sea fireflies on night tours. Whether it’s a half-day exploration or full-day immersion with licensed guides, travelers won’t miss the area’s rich heritage. Local guides provide authentic insights into the nostalgic port town’s unique charm and maritime history.