FIND SHIKOKU
Megijima is an island 4 km off the coast of Takamatsu city. It takes only 20 minutes to get to Megijima by ferry from Takamatsu Port, making it a favorite destination via the city. The island is also known as Onigashima, or Island of Oni. Oni are typical Japanese folklore villains, often translated as demons, devils or ogres. It is said that long ago, Megijima harbored demons. The island was made famous by the legend of Momotaro, or the "peach boy" from popular Japanese folklore. You will find number of charming oni welcoming you to Megijima and on the island.
At the peak of the island is the Cavern of Onigashima, after which the island was named. This cavern is believed to have been a stronghold of ancient pirates who once dominated the Inland Sea and the exhibit inside the cave tells the story of the pirates by likening it to the Momotaro legend.
Megijima is one of the venues of the Setouchi Triennale and is dotted with a number of art pieces, making it another perfect place for taking relaxing strolls.
Megijima is one of the venues of the Setouchi Triennale and is dotted with a number of art pieces, making it another perfect place for taking relaxing strolls.
［NOT TO MISS］
CAVERN OF ONIGASHIMA
This huge cavern, 400 meters in length and an area of 4000 square meters, is believed to have been carved by hand in 100 BC. The air inside the cave is cool even during summer and here, too, oni will welcome you. The cavern is roughly a 30 minute walk from the harbor; follow the signpost decorated with oni through the promenade. The promenade is filled with cherry blossoms in spring and colored leaves in fall.
via © Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association
WASHIGAMINE TENBODAI, VIEWING PLATFORM
There is a viewing platform roughly 10 minutes' walk from the cavern, which is famous for the 500 cherry blossom trees planted around it. The best time for cherry blossom viewing is usually from the end of March to the beginning of April. During all seasons, superb 360 degree panoramic views of the Inland Sea will welcome you.
via © Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association
OHTE, OR TALL STONE WALLS
Strong winds known as otoshi blow through Megijima during autumn and winter. To protect the houses from this wind, tall stone walls called ohte have been built around the village. Ohte are tall enough to reach past the roofs of houses! This creates the extremely unique village scenery unique to this island and provides visitors with a glimpse of life on the island.
via © Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association
ONIGASHIMA'S BEACH & BEACH HOUSE
Yumigahama is a beach with beautiful white sand. It has been designated one of the “100 best swimming beaches in Japan” by the Ministry of the Environment. During the school summer vacation period (20 July to 31 August), beach houses open to cater to visitors. The Onigashima Matsubara camping site is also close by.
via © Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association
MOAI-LIKE FIGURE
A huge moai figure stands on the beach, as if looking over the entire island village. This moai replica was built for Tadano, a local crane manufacturer, for research purposes as the result of a restoration project involving the moais on Easter Island, the aim of which was to get them standing upright once again. The replica was presented to the Municipal Government of Takamatsu city after the project had been completed and was installed permanently on Megijima.
via © Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association
INFORMATION - MEGIJIMA
Area: 2.67 square kilometers / perimeter 7.8km
[ACCESS]
20 minutes via ferry from Takamatsu Port
[TRANSPORTATION ON THE ISLAND]
Rental bikes or a public bus to the cavern
Rental Bikes - Available at the Onigashima Oni-no-Yakata, at the harbor.
*The roads on the island have many slopes and steps, so be careful not to bike too fast. Observe the traffic rules when cycling.
Bus - The bus leaves the harbor as the ferry arrives.
*Note: no busses operate on Tuesdays or from December to February
[ACCESS]
20 minutes via ferry from Takamatsu Port
[TRANSPORTATION ON THE ISLAND]
Rental bikes or a public bus to the cavern
Rental Bikes - Available at the Onigashima Oni-no-Yakata, at the harbor.
*The roads on the island have many slopes and steps, so be careful not to bike too fast. Observe the traffic rules when cycling.
Bus - The bus leaves the harbor as the ferry arrives.
*Note: no busses operate on Tuesdays or from December to February
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