Imi

Imi was an important port in the Edo Period (1603-1868), which is attested to by the impressive Hachiman Shinto shrine in extensive grounds adjacent to a small port. Today, however, it is a sleepy town that momentarily bustles into life each time the ferry, which shuttles between here and the nearby island of Himeshima, arrives at the small dock.

Picturesquely set aside the Seto Inland Sea, Imi is a delightful place to stroll around. Touinryo, an old sake brewery that has been lovingly restored and given a new lease of life as a gallery and cafe, has found itself at the heart of a growing community of artists that have found home and inspiration here.