“Irohamaru” was a steamship which sank off the coast of Tomonoura, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima in the late Edo era. Ryoma Sakamoto who greatly changed Japan, was involved in this steamship.

A replicate of the Irohamaru, the “Heisei Irohamaru”, is currently being operated as a connecting ferryboat between Tomonoura and Sensuijima Island. This article will introduce the charm of this wonderful steamship, as well as details with regards to pricing and access.

Iroha Maru Exhibition Hall: Reproducing the Original Charm of the Time

Ryoma Sakamoto was born into the Tosa Clan (today’s Kochi Prefecture). He is an famous person in Japanese history who was greatly involved in the events during the Meiji Restoration, an era which largely changed the course of Japan.

A collision accident occurred in 1867, end of the Edo era, off the coast of the Seto Inland Sea facing Fukuyama City. The ships involved where Ryoma Sakamoto’s Irohamaru, and the “Meikomaru”, a ship which belonged to the Kishu Clan whom ruled over the Kii Province and the southern Ise Province (today’s Wakayama Prefecture and southern Mie Prefecture).

Ryoma Sakamoto’s great movements changed the course of history in Japan. 400 guns, firearms, and gold bars were said to be loaded on-board the Irohamaru. A large amount of this was said to have been paid to the Kishu Clan by means of compensation.

However, when the steamships were excavated and examined by the Tomo Resident Association in 2006, not a single piece of firearms were ever found on-board. This surely does reflect just how great Ryoma Sakamoto was! What is the truth…?!

Reproducing the Cargo and the Excavation!

A wide rangea of cargo is exhibited at the Irohamaru Exhibition Hall, such as tableware,etc.
Ryoma’s belongings such as guns and ABC books(English letters & words learning book published by Kaientai Group) are also exhibited.

Reusing the Warehouse Built in the Edo Period

The building of the Irohamaru Exhibition Hall is actually a warehouse originally built in the the Edo era (1603-1868). Its sturdy appearance clearly displays amazing building technology of the time.

The 2nd floor of the exhibition is home to a replication of “Ryoma and the Hidden Room”, a secret room Ryoma was said to have stayed.

There is also an area where visitors can try on the “Hangi and Hakama”(Japanese traditional wear as shown above the picture) . With replicate guns and swords, why not take a photograph in true Ryoma Sakamoto style?

Actually Board the Heisei Irohamaru!

Actually riding the Heisei Irohamaru is very reasonably priced -only ￥240 for adults, and ￥120 for children.

Although the Irohamaru sunks in 1867, visitors can board its replicate, the Heisei era Irohamaru! Board the replicate ship from Fukuyama Municipal Ferry Pier, right next to the Irohamaru Exhibiton Hall. The 5 minutes trip from Tomonoura to Sensuijima Island full of hotels and leisure facilities. Don’t hesitate in making the trip over!

Facility Information

 

Iroha Maru Exhibition Hall
Address	843-1, Tomo, Tomo-cho, Fukuyama-shi, Hiroshima (map)
Closest Station	10mins walk from Tomo Port bus stop
Open	10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Last entry at 4:30 pm)
Closed	Beginning and end of the year (December 28th – January 1st)
Website	Official Website (Japanese)
Entrance Fee	Elementary school students or older :￥200

How to Access from Hiroshima City to Tomonoura

Bullet Train

Price:￥4,970      Time: 1h-1.5h      Changes: 1 time

Hiroshima Sta. ↓ Fukuyama Sta.	JR Shinkansen Nozomi (25mins)	￥4,420
↓ Tomo Port	Tomotetsu Bus (35mins)	￥550
↓ Iroha Maru Exhibition Hall	Walk (10mins)	–

Train

Price:￥2,490      Time: 2.5hour-3h      Changes: 1 time

Hiroshima Sta. ↓ Itosaki Sta.	JR Sanyo-line (1h18mins)	￥1,940
↓ Fukuyama Sta.	JR Sanyo-line (30mins)
↓ Tomo Port	Tomotetsu Bus (35mins)	￥550
↓ Iroha Maru Exhibition Hall	Walk (10mins)	–

Bus

Price:￥2,900      Time: 2h-2.5h      Changes: 1 time

Hiroshima Bus Center (Downtown Hiroshima) ↓ Fukuyama Sta.	Highway Bus (1h45mins)	￥2,350
↓ Tomo Port	Tomotetsu Bus (35mins)	￥550
↓ Iroha Maru Exhibition Hall	Walk (10mins)	–