Megijima
女木島
A ferry ride away — smaller roads, clearer water and a different pace.
What this place is
Megijima (女木島, めぎじま) is an island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, north of the city of Takamatsu, and is part of Kagawa Prefecture.It has an area of 2.66 km2, a coastline of 8.9 km, and a population of about 200.Megijima is a popular destination in summer on account of its public beach and close proximity to Takamatsu City (approx. 4 km).Additionally, with over 2000 cherry blossom trees, Megijima also sees an influx of visitors during the springtime when people congregate for cherry blossom viewing.The island has been linked to the mythical island Onigashima ("island of ogres"), visited by the folktale character Momotarō.The caves at the top of Washigamine Summit, as the home of the ogres from that story, are a popular tourist spot.There is an observation platform at the peak of Washigamine Summit where one can get a 360 degree view of the Seto Inland Sea.
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Why it is worth the trip
- The crossing itself: the approach by sea is half the experience.
- Coastal scenery and viewpoints you can circle in a day on foot, by bike or by local bus.
- A small resident community whose food, festivals and dialect differ from the mainland nearby.
What you can do here
- Rent a bicycle or e-bike at the port and ride the coastal loop.
- Walk to the island's main viewpoint or lighthouse for the wide sea panorama.
- Eat seafood caught that morning at a port-side restaurant.
- Stay overnight if you can — the island empties out after the last ferry and the night sky is excellent.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.
Getting there by public transport
Good to know before you go
- Plan around the ferry timetable first, everything else second; the last boat is unforgiving.
- Ferries are cancelled in high wind or swell — have a backup plan for the day.
- ATMs, konbini and card payment can all be scarce; bring cash and water.
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