Tomonoura was a prosperous port town where people stayed to wait for favorable tide in olden days. The traditional townscape, including port facilities and warehouses which were built during the Edo era (1603-1868), are well preserved. During the Edo era, Kitamaebune trading boats made port calls and Korean envoys who came to Japan to pay an honorary visit to the shogun frequently stopped on their way.

Some famous movies were shot here.