Ochi

Ochi lies on the northern coast of Iyo, facing the islands and channels of the Inland Sea. In 1602 Tōdō Takatora began building Imabari Castle on the shore. Its broad moats were filled with seawater, and a basin within the castle accommodated ships, making it a stronghold designed for a maritime setting. Offshore, the Geiyo Islands had long been the home of the Murakami maritime families, who navigated the difficult currents between Shikoku and Honshu.