Hayao Miyazaki's film (2008) about the little fish who wants to be human and young Sōsuke. Miyazaki spent a long stay in Tomonoura, a historic Seto Inland Sea port, and the town — with its stone lantern, temples and bay — is considered the main inspiration for its landscape, though the studio never declared it the official setting.
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Jōyatō — Tomonoura Harbour Lanternsaid to be a model
model / inspiration · unconfirmed identification
The great 1859 stone lantern, symbol of Tomonoura, overlooks the harbour considered the inspiration for Sōsuke's seaside town: from here you see the bay with its boats and the town on the hillside. Ghibli has never confirmed it; it is linked to the film because Miyazaki spent a long stay here while preparing it.
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Tomonoura Old Townsaid to be a model
model / inspiration · unconfirmed identification
The lanes of wooden houses and storehouses running down to the sea recall the film's town, where the tide rises to the doorsteps. According to the town itself, Miyazaki discovered it on a Ghibli company trip, came back and spent a long stay walking its streets while preparing Ponyo. The studio has never declared it an official setting.
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Onfunayado Iroha — the inn linked to Miyazakilinked to Miyazaki
tribute
This inn and restaurant by the harbour does not appear in the film: it is linked to Miyazaki, who took part in the design of its restoration during his stay in Tomonoura, according to the town. It is one of the usual stops for Ponyo fans.
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