Megijima Island (女木島)

Megijima Island, located in Japan's Seto Inland Sea, covers a small area of 2.66 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 200 people. One of the main attractions is the public beach, which becomes a popular spot during the summer. Additionally, the island features a cave near its highest peak. Local folklore suggests this cave once served as a fortress for ogres. Overall, Megijima Island offers a mix of natural landscapes and cultural history, making it a noteworthy destination for visitors.

Quick Facts

• Official website: http://www.onigasima.jp/
• Location: Seto Inland Sea about 2.5 miles (4km) north of Takamatsu
• How to get to Megijima Island: Ferry service is provided by Meoshima Shipping Co., Ltd. (about 20 minutes)

History of Megijima

In 1890, during Japan's Meiji period, the islands of Megijima and Ogijima instituted the town-village system, which led to the creation of the administrative village of Kagawa Prefecture, Kagawa-gun Megishima Village. This reorganization integrated Megijima into this newly formed administrative unit. Fast forward to 1937, the residents of the island erected a statue of Nichiren, a renowned Buddhist monk, atop Mt. Zukkou. In 1956, the Megijima Lighthouse, a beacon for navigation, was switched on and brought into service. That same year marked the incorporation of Megishima Village into Takamatsu City, with Megijima becoming a component of the newly designated Takamatsu City Megiki Town.

By 1960, the island had moved into the electric age, with Shikoku Electric Power beginning to supply power to the residents. In 1976, the installation of a basic water supply system led to the introduction of water transportation via supply ships. This year also marked the introduction of direct dial telephone service to the island.

In 1997, significant developments took place, including the completion of an undersea water pipe that provided a direct water link with the mainland. At the same time, the Washigamine Observation Deck at Megijima Mountain Top Park was completed, offering panoramic views of the area. Further infrastructure improvements were made in 2002 with the construction of breakwaters and retaining walls at Megijima beach. Finally, in 2007, the Megijima Port Visitor Berth was established, facilitating ferry service to and from the island.

Location and Transportation

• Megijima is about 20 minutes away from Takamatsu by Ferry.  
• There is a bus to Onigashima Cave from the port, otherwise you will need to walk
• Coin lockers are available close to the port

Things to do in Megijima

Onigashima Cave

Onigashima Cave is a tunnel renowned for its extensive collection of colorful demons. The cave hosts a diverse array of demon sculptures, varying in materials such as metal, ceramics, and plastic. The demons exhibit striking hues of blue and red, captivating visitors with their vivid presence. The interior of Onigashima Cave resembles a typical cave setting, with an intriguing addition of numerous signs and mannequins portraying the legendary figures of Momotarō and ogres. The cave comprises several distinct rooms, including the "living room" and the "gathering room," each serving a unique purpose.

Washigamine Observatory

At the top of the Washigamine mountain, there is a lookout tower where one can get a 360-degree view of the Seto Inland Sea.

Moai statue on Megijima

The moai of Ahu Tongariki on Easter Island were damanged by tribal conflicts and devastated by a tsunami in 1960. In 1991, Tadano Limited, a Japanese crane manufacturer based in Takamatsu, donated funds and equipment that made it possible to restore the Moai.

This statue is a replica built for lift testing that was later donated to Takamatsu after the reconstruction of the original statues was completed.

Beach

Weathering and erosion of the granite that makes up most of Megijima Island created the sandy beaches that attract scores of visitors during the summer.

Cherry Blossom Trees

Visit the island in the spring and see its 3,000 cherry blossom trees

Megijima Beachfront Hotels

Megijima is a small island and only has a few guesthouses.  You might be able to find a more complete list of places to stay here. There also are a few campsites on the island and it's also possible to say in Takamatsu, which is only 20 minutes away by ferry

Megijima Beach Apartment

Megijima Beach Apartment is Bed and breakfast that is about an 8 minute walk from the port. It has Japanese and Western style rooms with what appears to be shared bathrooms.  There doesn't appear to be any mention of English on their website.

umiyado鬼旬

Umiyado鬼旬 is a guest house that is a 5 minute walk from the port.  Meals can be purchased.  It appears that it has Japanese style rooms with a shared bathroom.  There is no mention of English on their website.

Megijima Island Guesthouse & Cafe Megino

Megijima Island Guesthouse & Cafe Megino is a small guesthouse with 2 rooms and a shared shower. It  is an 8 minute walk from the port, next to Megijima Beach Apartment. Meals are not included in the price, but can be purchased.  The hotel suggests that you reserve your meals in advance.