Setouchi Triennale - Ogijima Island

Ogijima - "The Blue Eyes Beneath the Seto Inland Sea"

Haruki Murakami once said, "The sea surrounding each island is a different color. If I hadn't been to Greece, I wouldn't have known there were so many shades of blue." I highly recommend a visit here. Compared to other islands, Ogijima is lesser-known and perfect for travelers seeking a break from the hustle and bustle!

🏝️About Ogijima: An outlying island in the Takamatsu region, it's also known as "Cat Island" and "Art Island." The islanders make a living by catching octopus. Every three years, the Setouchi Triennale features artworks featuring octopus.

✨Recommended Attractions:
~Ogijima Lighthouse~
This undecorated stone lighthouse is a well-known landmark on the island.❗️

~Toyotamahime Shrine⛩️~
Toyotamahime is not uncommon in Japan. The shrine on Ogijima is located high up, requiring a bit of walking to reach. Legend has it that Toyotama-hime was an elder of Emperor Jimmu, and her deity was either the Dragon God or the Crocodile God. The white catfish was the messenger of Toyotama-hime. If you're visiting, be sure to find out where it is.

~Ogi Port~
This is the island's only port, and it's also home to many of the art festival's artworks. Famous works include "Soul of Ogijima," "Octopus Tank 🐙," and "Walking Ark," all of which can be found here.❗️❗️

~Ogi Library~
In the past, to promote reading, books were placed on carts on the island, allowing people to borrow them. Now, after renovations, the old building now offers cafes☕️ and meals🥘, with a menu that changes daily! Perfect for a relaxing break 💤 and a cuddle~~

🎨Must-see Setouchi International Art Works:
~Soul of Ogijima (Work No. og1)~
This work features text in various languages, a white perforated roof, translucent glass walls, and a water surface that reflects light and shadow. Whether viewed from the front, side, or inside, it's beautiful from every angle. It's currently used as a visitor center👍

~Memory Bottles (Work No. og13)~
The bottles contain small items that represent the memories of island residents, including photos, toys🪀, keys🔑, and other small items. Each bottle tells a story, and hanging from the beams is incredibly fun!🤭
❗️This work requires an additional 300 yen admission fee if you haven't purchased the "Setouchi International Art Passport"~

~Once Upon a Time. Fukutori (work number og6) ~
This is called an "omba" in English. An "omba" is a small vehicle invented by local residents. Due to the island's hilly terrain and numerous stairs, regular cars 🚘 can't operate on the island, so the residents invented "ombas" to transport supplies. Isn't that super cool?❗️❗️
❗️If you don't purchase the "Setouchi International Art Passport," you'll need to pay an additional 300 yen admission fee for this work~

~Akinori Umu (work number og08)~
This is my most interesting and favorite work 💕! ! The artist used wood, bamboo, and other materials to create musical instrument-like sounds. Each small instrument, based on its own sound-generating principles, produces a unique frequency, much like a large symphony orchestra composing a lively song. It's truly delightful to listen to carefully. 😍
❗️This work requires an additional 300 yen admission fee if you haven't purchased the "Setouchi International Art Passport."

~Walking Ark (Work No. og16)~
Designed after Noah's Ark, this ark, formed by four hills, moves toward Takamatsu. From a distance, it resembles a group of people walking in unison. 🚶➡️, making it quite eye-catching. 😻

🚴Transportation:
Takamatsu Chikuri Port: Take the "Shiojima Kaikan" (approximately 40 minutes) to reach the port.

🎟️Average Cost:
If you haven't purchased the "Setouchi International Art Passport," Many works require additional admission fees, so purchasing a passport is recommended for a more economical price. Passports are available in both electronic and paper versions, and one passport is valid throughout the festival.

🕰️Opening Hours:
Opening hours vary by work, but most close at 4:30 PM, so please plan your itinerary accordingly. 👍

🗓️Itinerary:
Takamatsu Chikko Port - Ogijima - Megijima

💞Recommendation:
1. The art festival, held only once every three years, is a truly unique experience, highly recommended for art enthusiasts.
2. The festival allows you to experience islands not normally visited by schools and immerse yourself in the authentic rural life of the islands.
3. If you're a cat lover, you'd be remiss not to visit this place! There are more cats on the island than people, and they're all incredibly friendly. For that reason alone, you absolutely have to come and see it, don't you think?❗️

#Setouchi Triennale
#Takamatsu City
#Ogijima
#Ogijima Library
#Cat Island
#Ogijima Spirit
#Shikoku Travel
#Setouchi Inland Sea