Megijima Island
Small island near Takamatsu featuring caves and beaches
A short ferry from Takamatsu, Megijima serves day-trippers seeking coastal walks, sea views and caves tied to local folklore. Small shops and seafood stalls cater to visitors exploring the island's shoreline.
Megijima at a Glance#
Address: Megijima, Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
Hours: Island open year-round; ferry timetables vary by season
Admission: Ferry ~¥360 one-way (approx.)
About Megijima#
Megijima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, administratively part of Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
The island features coastal scenery, sandy beaches and paths that lead up to a modest summit with views across the Inland Sea; it is a popular short-trip destination from nearby Takamatsu. Megijima is culturally known in Japan as one of the islands associated with the Momotaro folktale and carries the local name Onigashima in that context.
Tourism on the island centers on day visits, short hikes, cave features and seaside recreation, with facilities clustered near the ferry landing.
Megijima lies off the coast of Shikoku in the Seto Inland Sea, within easy ferry distance of Takamatsu and other ports in Kagawa Prefecture.
- Ferry access: Accessible by regular ferries from Takamatsu and nearby ports, with short crossings commonly used by day-trippers and local visitors.
- Cultural association: Associated with the Momotaro folk tale and locally known as Onigashima, offering cultural interest in addition to beaches and short hikes to viewpoints.
How to Get to Megijima#
From Takamatsu Port (Takamatsu Station is on JR Shikoku), regular passenger ferries sail to Megijima in roughly 15-25 minutes; timetables change seasonally and advance booking is recommended on festival days. The port is a 10-15 minute walk from JR Takamatsu Station.
Tips for Visiting Megijima#
- Arrive at Takamatsu Port early - the small car ferries and passenger boats can fill up on weekend mornings.
- Bring water and sun protection; Megijima's trails offer little shade in summer.
- Walk the rim trail clockwise to hit the caves and highest viewpoints before the midday heat.
Best Time to Visit Megijima#
Best visited outside the hottest, mosquito-prone summer months - ferries run year-round but frequency drops in winter.
Weather & Climate near Megijima#
Temperate climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1443 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 2° - 9° | 2° | 38 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.0h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 8° | 2° | 54 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 5° | 88 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 142 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.9h |
| May | Good | 14° - 21° | 17° | 148 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.4 m/s | 1.5 very high | 13.8h |
| June | Good | 18° - 24° | 21° | 225 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 14.3h |
| July | Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 185 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.1h |
| August | Excellent | 23° - 30° | 27° | 111 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 5.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.3h |
| September | Very Good | 21° - 26° | 23° | 229 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 15° - 21° | 18° | 116 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.2h |
| November | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 75 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.4 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.2h |
| December | Good | 4° - 12° | 6° | 32 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.7h |
