Experience Extraordinary Island Trips!

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Seven things to do in Takamatsu
Experience Extraordinary Island Trips!

Experience
Extraordinary
Island Trips!

The islands of Ogijima and Megijima, which lie side by side off the coast of Takamatsu, can be easily reached by ferry from Takamatsu Port. In addition to being the venue for the Setouchi Triennale, a festival of contemporary art, they are popular spots because you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere unique to these remote islands. There’s so much amazing scenery that makes for wonderful photos.

「Sea Gulls Parking Lot」
Takahito Kimura

「Ogijima's Soul」
Jaume Plensa

「Walking Ark」
Keisuke Yamaguchi

7 things you can do in Takamatsu

Traveling
the Seto Inland Sea
by "Meon" Ferry

#01

By ferry, it takes approx. 20 minutes from Takamatsu Port to Megijima Island, and 40 minutes from Takamatsu Port to Ogijima Island via Megijima. The ferry Meon, which travels between Takamatsu Port and the two islands, is a smaller vessel painted with adorable red and white signature colors. Meon sailing to and from Takamatsu Port has become part of the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. There is a passenger cabin on the ferry, but we recommend spending some time on the deck. Forget your everyday life and take a look at the islands while basking in the sea breeze! The sea view will make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

7 things you can do in Takamatsu

Stroll
around Ogijima
and Megijima Islands

#02

Immediately after entering Ogi Port, you will be amazed by the houses clinging to the hillside. The settlements intertwined with alleys and slopes are like a maze. It’s fun to take a walk and find shops and cafes scattered throughout the community. About a 30-minute walk from Ogi Port, there is the Ogishima Lighthouse. (Ogishima is not to be confused with Ogijima.) The lighthouse is made of Aji-Stone, a special type of granite from the Mure and Aji areas of Takamatsu. Its unpainted masonry structure is unique within Japan. You can see ships coming and going guided by this landmark, which is still in use today. The area around Ogishima Lighthouse is also famous for fragrant narcissus, and its approx. 11 million flowers attract many visitors in February.
Megijima lies across the water from Takamatsu Port and is also known as Onigashima, literally “ogre island.” Signs and statues of ogres welcome you everywhere! After checking out the highlights of the island at the Oni-no-Yakata tourist information center at Megi Port, it's a good idea to visit Onigashima Cavern at the summit of Megijima first. This cavern is associated with the Momotaro, or Peach Boy, legend as the name Onigashima suggests. It was most likely a den or stronghold of pirates in the Seto Inland Sea. In spring, 3,000 cherry trees are in full bloom, so visitors can savor the beauty of the cherry blossoms and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea all at once. If you would like to see the beautiful Seto Inland Sea, head to the beach on the east side of the island. The magnificent Mt. Yashima beyond the waves is a must-see.
Despite being close to each other, Ogijima and Megijima Islands have different charms. These two islands are also the sites of the Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival held once every three years. It's fun to stroll through the alleys to explore wonderful artworks! Besides Ogijima and Megijima Islands, you can also take direct ferries to the islands of Naoshima, Teshima, and Shodoshima from Takamatsu Port. Enjoy an island hopping trip!