Megijima Island
Megijima (女木島) is a small island a short ferry ride from the port of Takamatsu, less than four kilometers long and one kilometer wide. The island is home to around 150 people and besides two small villages and some fields consists mostly of forested mountains.
Megijima is associated with Onigashima, the Ogre Island from the popular Momotaro legend in which a small boy visited the island in order to fight its resident ogres. Indeed, a cave is found near Megijima's highest peak, which is said to have once served as the ogres' fortress. Visitors to the cave will find a series of interconnected chambers, some of which display large cartoon ogre statues depicting scenes from the Momotaro story.
A few steps from the cave is a mountaintop park with an observation deck, offering a 360 degree view of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding islands. Hundreds of cherry trees turn the park into a pleasant cherry blossom spot each spring, usually around early April.
On the mountain peak opposite the observation deck stands a large statue of Nichiren, the founder of the Nichiren sect of Japanese Buddhism. It is possible to walk up to the statue along a paved trail.
Megijima's atmospheric village of old wooden houses and narrow lanes is located around the ferry terminal and is protected towards the sea by high stone walls. During the summer months, the island attracts urbanites with its sand beach, which is located not far from the ferry port and is lined by multiple minshuku lodgings.
The ferry terminal is one of the more modern buildings on the island and provides tourists with an information desk, bicycle rentals and snacks. The terminal also houses a small exhibition space about the ogres from the Momotaro story.
Megijima is one of the venues of the Setouchi Triennale art festival and features several artwork-turned homes and a few other art pieces on permanent display. Additional artworks are on display during the art festivals. Most of the art pieces are closed on weekdays and during winter outside of the art festival.
Getting there and around
Getting to Megijima Island
A ferry operates every two hours between Takamatsu Port, Megijima and Ogijima. The one way ride between Takamatsu and Megijima takes 20 minutes and costs 370 yen.
How to get to and around Takamatsu
Getting around Megijima Island
Although Megijima is small, some people will find it just a little bit too large and its mountain a little bit too high to be explored on foot. Walking up the mountain takes about 30-45 minutes. For these people, a bus connects the ferry terminal and the cave in about ten minutes and for 500 yen one way or 800 yen for a round trip. Bus departures are timed to the ferry arrivals, but note that the bus does not operate everyday during the off-seasons.
Alternatively, bicycles are an attractive way to get around the island. They can be rented from the ferry port for 600 to 1500 yen. A mountain bike or electric assist bike is recommended for accessing the cave as the road up the mountain is rather steep.
Hours and Fees
Onigashima Cave
Hours
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Takamatsu
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Guest House WakabayaGuest House Wakabaya is situated in Takamatsu, a 5-minute walk away from Hanazono Station of the Kotoden Nagao Line. The Kotoden Nagao Line can be accessed from Takamatsu-Chikko Station. Takamatsu-Chikko Station is a 3-minute walk from both JR Takamatsu Station and Takamatsu Port. A limousine bus is available from Takamatsu Airport, and takes approximately 40-minutes from the airport to Kawaramachi Station. From Kawaramachi Station, guests can take the Kotoden Line to Hanazono Station. Free private parking is available on site. Rooms include a shared bathroom. Extras include slippers and free toiletries. Guest House Wakabaya features free WiFi throughout the property. There is a shared kitchen at the property. The guest house also offers bike hire at a charge. Takamatsu Port and the downtown area are respectively a 25-minute and 10-minute bike ride away.View on Booking.com -
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THE CHELSEA BREATHSet in Takamatsu, 12 km from Sunport Takamatsu, THE CHELSEA BREATH offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a shared lounge and a garden. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. The air-conditioned rooms provide a garden view and come with a desk and free WiFi. At the hotel, every room has a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. The units will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at THE CHELSEA BREATH can enjoy a Japanese breakfast. The accommodation offers 3-star accommodation with a hot spring bath. Liminal Air-core Takamatsu is 12 km from THE CHELSEA BREATH, while Sunport Fountain is 12 km away. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 5 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com -
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Ten to Sen GuesthouseSet within 2 km of Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and 1.8 km of Kitahamaebisu Shrine, Ten to Sen Guesthouse offers rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Takamatsu. 2.1 km from Sunport Fountain and 3.2 km from Takamatsu Heike Monogatari Historical Museum, the property features a terrace and a shared lounge. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and luggage storage space for guests. Featuring a shared bathroom with slippers, units at the guest house also have free WiFi, while some rooms come with a balcony. At the guest house, the units come with bed linen and towels. Asahi Green Park is 4.7 km from the guest house, while Cormorant Shrine is 7.1 km away. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 16 km from Ten to Sen Guesthouse.View on Booking.com -
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SetonejuanSituated in a quiet neighbourhood, Setonejuan is located in Setonaikai Kokuritsuk?en. This guest house is a 35-minute drive from Takamatsu Station. Takamatsu castle is 35 minutes by car, while Takamatsu Ferry Terminal is a 40-minute drive away. Featuring free WiFi, Setonejuan offers pet-friendly accommodation. Some units have views of the sea or garden. You will find a shared lounge at the property. A selection of activities are offered in the area, such as cycling, fishing and hiking. The guest house also offers free use of bicycles. Naoshima Ferry Terminal is a 90-minute ferry ride away, while Shodoshima Olive Park is 2 hours via ferry. Takamatsu Airport is 22 km away.View on Booking.com -
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fav TAKAMATSULocated 1.3 km from Kitahamaebisu Shrine, fav TAKAMATSU offers 4-star accommodation in Takamatsu and features a terrace. The property is set 2.3 km from Takamatsu Heike Monogatari Historical Museum, 2.4 km from Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and 2.4 km from Sunport Fountain. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At fav TAKAMATSU each room includes bed linen and towels. Asahi Green Park is 3.8 km from the accommodation, while Cormorant Shrine is 6.2 km away. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 16 km from fav TAKAMATSU.View on Booking.com -
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Konyamachi Guest House KukuLocated in Takamatsu, 1.3 km from Liminal Air-core Takamatsu, Konyamachi Guest House Kuku provides accommodation with a terrace, free WiFi, private check-in and check-out, and bicycle parking. The property is set 1.3 km from Kitahamaebisu Shrine, 1.3 km from Sunport Fountain and 2.4 km from Takamatsu Heike Monogatari Historical Museum. The guest house features family rooms. The units are equipped with air conditioning, a microwave, a toaster, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a desk. There is also a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen equipped with a fridge, a stovetop, and kitchenware. All units include a private bathroom, a hair dryer and bed linen. Asahi Green Park is 4 km from the guest house, while Cormorant Shrine is 6.3 km away. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 17 km from Konyamachi Guest House Kuku.View on Booking.com -
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Sunny Day HostelSunny Day Hostel is set in Takamatsu, within 3.4 km of Asahi Green Park and 5.8 km of Cormorant Shrine. With a bar, the 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is situated 600 metres from Kitahamaebisu Shrine. The rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. The hostel offers a sun terrace. Popular points of interest near Sunny Day Hostel include Liminal Air-core Takamatsu, Sunport Fountain and Takamatsu Heike Monogatari Historical Museum. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 17 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Comfort Hotel TakamatsuSituated within 2.1 km of Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and 2 km of Kitahamaebisu Shrine, Comfort Hotel Takamatsu features rooms in Takamatsu. Featuring free bikes, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a seating area, a TV and a safety deposit box. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at Comfort Hotel Takamatsu. Languages spoken at the 24-hour front desk include English and Japanese. Sunport Fountain is 2.2 km from the accommodation, while Takamatsu Heike Monogatari Historical Museum is 3.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 16 km from Comfort Hotel Takamatsu.View on Booking.com -
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Royal Park Hotel TakamatsuOffering modern rooms with a Simmons bed, a flat-screen satellite TV and free wired internet, Royal Park Hotel is a 5-minute drive from JR Takamatsu Train Station. Massages and bicycles are available. Each air-conditioned room at Royal Park Hotel Takamatsu includes a fridge and an electric kettle with roasted green tea. You can watch pay TV programmes or unwind with a hot bath. Toiletries are provided. Tamamo Park is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Ritsurin Park is 1.5 km away, and Takamatsu Airport is about a 30-minute drive. There is the 24-hour front desk, which offers luggage storage. Free-use internet stations are on site. Staying guests have access to the property's Club Lounge. Services include tea and some snacks between 15:00 - 18:00,alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and some snacks between 18:00 - 20:00, and from 20:00 - 22:00, the lounge will operate as a bar, serving alcoholic beverages and some snacks.View on Booking.com -
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Traditional Apartment Takamatsu GuesthouseOffering garden views, Traditional Apartment Takamatsu Guesthouse is an accommodation situated in Takamatsu, 1.4 km from Kitahamaebisu Shrine and 2.4 km from Liminal Air-core Takamatsu. Among the facilities at this property are luggage storage space and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can book themselves in for fitness classes or yoga classes. All units are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a microwave, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a desk. There is also a well-fitted kitchen in some of the units equipped with a toaster, a stovetop, and kitchenware. At the guest house, units include bed linen and towels. There is a coffee shop and bar. Sightseeing tours are available in the vicinity of the property. A car rental service is available at the guest house, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby. Takamatsu Heike Monogatari Historical Museum is 2.4 km from Traditional Apartment Takamatsu Guesthouse, while Sunport Fountain is 2.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Takamatsu Airport, 16 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
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