Step out of Fukuyama Station and the keep of Fukuyama Castle is already in front of you, close enough that you can walk to it before you have worked out which exit you used. That closeness sets the tone for the city: a stop on the Hiroshima to Okayama line where the sights sit within easy reach of each other.
Fukuyama suits travellers breaking a journey between Hiroshima and Okayama, and anyone willing to take a bus south to the coast for a slower day of harbour views, ferries and sea air.
1. Fukuyama Castle (福山城)
The original castle dated back to 1619 and was destroyed in the bombing of Fukuyama in WWII; the current structure was rebuilt in 1966. The grounds are pleasant and the keep looks attractive, and it is literally right outside Fukuyama Station.
That location is convenient if you want a quick stop between Hiroshima and Okayama, though the station's presence stymies a lot of good photo opportunities. Pair it with 史跡 福山城跡 (memorial) while you are in the castle area.
2. Tomonoura (鞆の浦)
Tomonoura is an ancient port town on the Seto Inland Sea with scenic views of outlying islands, reached in about 30 minutes south of JR Fukuyama station by bus. It is famous for Homeishu, a sweet liqueur made in the Tomo area for over a thousand years, and four distilleries offer free tastes.
Tomonoura is also known for its red sea bream fishing display using traditional methods each May. Enjoy a drink or lazy lunch at one of two harbour-side cafes next to the lighthouse.
3. Sensui Jima (仙酔島)
Take a five minute ferry ride (¥240 return) to the island from the ferry port at Tomonoura. This small island features two Japanese style hotels with onsens and a campground for the more adventurous.
A newly refurbished stone walkway along the sea is great for a leisurely 20 to 30 minute stroll; at the end you will find a beach, and for a few hundred yen you can take a soothing foot bath. The island also offers light to moderate hiking that can be completed in an afternoon. If you are not staying at one of the hotels there is not much to eat here, so bring a snack.
4. Myōō-in Temple (明王院)
Myōō-in Temple is among the sights listed for the city. Set aside time for it as a quieter counterpoint to the castle area.
5. Bingo Kokubunji Temple (備後国分寺)
Bingo Kokubunji Temple is another of the city's temples worth working into your route. Combine it with the other temple and museum stops rather than treating it as a standalone trip.
6. Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of History
The Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of History gives context to the region you are travelling through. It pairs naturally with the Human Rights and Peace Museum if you want a museum-focused stretch of the day.
7. Human Rights and Peace Museum (福山市人権平和資料館)
The Human Rights and Peace Museum is one of the city's listed museums. Visit it alongside the Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of History to make the most of a single journey.
8. Fukuyama Municipal Zoo
Fukuyama Municipal Zoo is listed among the city's sights. It is an easy addition if you are travelling with children or want a slower afternoon.
9. 福山自動車時計博物館
This museum is one of the specific attractions in the city. Slot it into a museum day alongside the other collections listed here.
10. 刀剣乱舞ONLINE 刀剣男子 江雪左文字 (artwork)
This artwork is one of the named attractions in the city. Check it if you are following the city's art and museum offerings.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Fukuyama Castle (福山城), which is right outside Fukuyama Station, and take in 史跡 福山城跡 (memorial) in the same area.
Afternoon: Take the bus south to Tomonoura (鞆の浦), about 30 minutes from JR Fukuyama station. Have a lazy lunch at one of the two harbour-side cafes next to the lighthouse, then take the five minute ferry (¥240 return) from the ferry port to Sensui Jima (仙酔島) for the stone walkway stroll and the foot bath at the beach.
Evening: Return to Tomonoura and try the free tastes of Homeishu at one of the four distilleries before heading back to the city.
How do I get to Tomonoura from Fukuyama Station?
It is about 30 minutes south of JR Fukuyama station by bus.
How do I reach Sensui Jima?
Take a five minute ferry ride from the ferry port at Tomonoura; the return fare is ¥240.
Is there anywhere to eat on Sensui Jima?
If you are not staying at one of the island's two Japanese style hotels there is not much to eat here, so bring a snack.
When can I see the red sea bream fishing display?
Tomonoura is known for its red sea bream fishing display using traditional methods each May.
Decide how much of your trip you want to spend at the castle and how much on the coast, then start planning your days around the bus to Tomonoura.