Megijima Island
Megijima (ؓ) 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 yen (regular) or 2000 yen (electric). An 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 WakabayaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Guest House Wakabaya in Takamatsu offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and free toiletries. Each room includes a work desk, tatami floors, and free WiFi.Convenient Facilities
The guest house features a lounge, shared kitchen, concierge service, and full-day security. Additional amenities include bicycle parking, bike hire, and luggage storage.Prime Location
Located 2.6 km from Kitahamaebisu Shrine and 17 km from Takamatsu Airport, the property is near attractions such as Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and Yashima-ji Temple.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its friendly host, family-friendly environment, and clean rooms. -
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Kitahama SumiyoshiView on Booking.comSpacious Accommodation
Kitahama Sumiyoshi in Takamatsu offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms. Guests enjoy free WiFi and free off-site private parking.Comfortable Amenities
Each room includes a kitchen, bath, bidet, hairdryer, dining table, and work desk. Additional features include a refrigerator, microwave, and free toiletries.Prime Location
Located 18 km from Takamatsu Airport, the guest house is a short walk from Kitahamaebisu Shrine and Liminal Air-core Takamatsu. Nearby attractions include Sunport Fountain and Asahi Green Park.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for room and bathroom comfort, the host ensures a pleasant stay. -
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Ten to Sen GuesthouseView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Ten to Sen Guesthouse in Takamatsu offers adults-only rooms with air-conditioning, balconies, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, slippers, and a shared bathroom.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can enjoy free bicycles, a terrace, bar, and lounge. Additional amenities include a shared kitchen, luggage storage, and parquet floors.Convenient Location
Located 16 km from Takamatsu Airport, the guest house is near Kitahamaebisu Shrine (1.8 km) and Liminal Air-core Takamatsu (2 km). Activities include pub crawls and film nights.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its attentive staff, clean rooms, and convenient location. -
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Sunny Day HostelView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Sunny Day Hostel in Takamatsu offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and soundproofing. Each room includes a work desk, refrigerator, and wardrobe.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a sun terrace, and a coffee shop. Additional amenities include a washing machine, hairdryer, and electric kettle.Convenient Location
Located 17 km from Takamatsu Airport, the hostel is a short walk from Kitahamaebisu Shrine and Liminal Air-core Takamatsu. Nearby attractions include Asahi Green Park and Yashima-ji Temple.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its friendly host, attentive staff, and excellent breakfast. -
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SetonejuanView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Setonejuan in Takamatsu offers family rooms with air-conditioning, free WiFi, and amenities such as a lounge, TV, and wardrobe. Each room includes a refrigerator, microwave, and free toiletries.Outdoor Spaces
Guests can enjoy a garden, patio, and inner courtyard views. The property provides free bicycles for exploring the surrounding area, including hiking and cycling opportunities.Dining Experience
A breakfast buffet featuring Asian cuisine is served daily. Special diet menus are available, and the lounge offers a relaxing space.Convenient Location
Located 30 km from Takamatsu Airport, Setonejuan is near attractions such as Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum (5 km) and Yashima-ji Temple (12 km). Free WiFi is available in public areas. -
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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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Yunaginoyu Hotel HanajyukaiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yunaginoyu Hotel Hanajyukai in Takamatsu offers 4-star ryokan rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and free toiletries.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, and free WiFi. Additional facilities include a public bath, lounge, and 24-hour front desk. Free on-site private parking is available.Prime Location
Located 16 km from Takamatsu Airport, the ryokan is near attractions such as Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and Sunport Fountain, both 3.7 km away. Guests appreciate the scenic views and excellent service. -
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JR Hotel Clement TakamatsuJR Hotel Clement Takamatsu features 7 dining options, free WiFi while certain rooms feature panoramic sea and city views, a 1-minute stroll from JR Takamatsu Station. It offers massages and a hairdresser, and it boasts a fresh bakery. Located next to Kagawa International Conference Hall, the Clement Takamatsu JR Hotel is also in front of a ferry terminal that brings you to Shikoku or Shodoshima Island. Takamatsu Castle is a 10-minute walk. Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea (Seto Naikai), Western and Japanese rooms are all air-conditioned and soundproof, each fitted with a flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle. They have a seating area and a bathroom including a bathtub and toiletries. Facilities at the Takamatsu Clement include a souvenir shop. Dry cleaning service and luggage storage are available. Bar Astro offers original and popular cocktails, as well as snacks, with panoramic views from the 21st floor. Caf? & Restaurant Vent offers a buffet with a variety of Western and Japanese meals, for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while other restaurants offer Western-style, Japanese or authentic Cantonese cuisine.View on Booking.com -
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Comfort Hotel TakamatsuView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Comfort Hotel Takamatsu in Takamatsu offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and soundproofing for a pleasant stay.Convenient Facilities
Guests enjoy free use of bicycles, a lift, and a 24-hour front desk. Additional services include daily housekeeping, express check-in and check-out, and luggage storage.Dining Options
A buffet breakfast is served each morning, highly appreciated by guests. The child-friendly buffet caters to families with young children.Prime Location
Located 2 km from Kitahamaebisu Shrine and 16 km from Takamatsu Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and Yashima-ji Temple. -
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fav TAKAMATSUView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
fav TAKAMATSU in Takamatsu offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Guests enjoy amenities such as a terrace, work desk, and free toiletries.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a lift, family rooms, full-day security, and bicycle parking. Additional amenities include a kitchenette, washing machine, and tatami floors.Prime Location
Located 16 km from Takamatsu Airport, the hotel is a 15-minute walk from Kitahamaebisu Shrine. Nearby attractions include Liminal Air-core Takamatsu and Sunport Fountain, each 2.4 km away.Guest Satisfaction
Guests highly rate the kitchen, room comfort, and room size, ensuring a pleasant stay.
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