Toragahana Beach, Imabari, Ehime
- Eiko Kawabe Brown
- 4 days ago
- 1 min read
After three decades away, the view of the archipelago islands scattered across the Inland Sea feels like a rediscovered treasure. Returning to Imabari, the place of my childhood, I’ve found that the landscape holds a depth I couldn't appreciate as a young child. Watching the sunrise over Saijo city, with the light spilling over the peaks of Mt. Ishizuchi to hit the water, serves as a daily reminder that settling back here after 30+ years is privilege.
There is the quiet, haunting remains of Ishiburo on our daily route. Once a bustling, popular destination for its traditional stone baths, it now sits abandoned—a weathered monument to a different era of the coastline. Walking past its silent structures, I felt the nostalgic feeling contrast between the vibrant energy of the past and the peaceful, reclaimed stillness of the present. It is very sad that we can no loner enjoy the wonderful steam bath from this historical place.
Walking with Sky along the coast and seeing the familiar silhouette of the islands makes the transition feel just right. I’m happy that I’m just a local again, re-learning the city and landscape.
A just 5 mins walk towards Saijo, there is a beautiful resort overlooks the Seto-Naikai.
