Cherry blossoms are in full bloom in this area in spring, and you can play in the large river that flows in front of the house in summer. “Ima-chan no Ie" is a place where you can enjoy the four seasons.
The Imate couple had returned to Shimane prefecture after living in Tokyo for some time. In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, this place is completely integrated with a peaceful rural way of life that is based on the principle of self-sufficiency, and where time seems to slow down every day.
"I'm not so good at making a difference in the city or staying put there," says program affiliate Mr. Imate with a smile. From "Tenku no Eki" where you have to climb 116 steps to reach the platform, to the famous winter illuminations in the area, Mr. Imate will show you around various interesting spots. There is also a stunning place in the vicinity known as "the nearest village to Heaven" where peach blossoms bloom across the entire face of the mountain.
Behind the house are rice fields which are a 3-minute walk away, where you can harvest various crops depending on the season. Mr. Imate is also good at cooking, and his specialties include ume plums wrapped in perilla leaves, yuzu miso, tempura, and Chinese onions. In summer, you will be served "welcome juice" made from white bitter gourd, banana, watermelon, milk, and calpis, in the spirit of hospitality.
Ima-chan no Ie is also a favorite spot for monkeys from the mountains sometimes. Dishes made using local ingredients and local information about the area are featured on the blog "Hasumi no Hyakusho (The farmers of Hasumi)," into which the Imate couple is putting a lot of effort alongside other local residents to make a success.