Setouchi Triennale - Megijima Island

Megijima - "A Whisper of Art and Daily Life, a Reconstruction of Architecture and Memory"

Located 4 kilometers offshore from Takamatsu, Megijima covers an area of 2.62 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 100. Together with Ogijima, it's known as "Meojima" (Mei-o-jima). It's also one of the venues for the Setouchi Triennale 🎨. It's a convenient 20-minute boat ride from Takamatsu Port.

🏝️Island Introduction:
The island boasts a 4-meter-high stone wall called "Ote." Built primarily to protect homes from strong winter winds, it has become a unique feature of the island! Spring is a great place for cherry blossom viewing 🌸, while summer is a great place to cool off and enjoy the water 👍

📗Legend:
In 1914, a large cave was discovered on the island. It is believed to be the home of various ghosts👹 from the story "Momotaro," hence the name "Onigima Great Cave." This is why "Megijima" is also known as "Onigima." The Onigima Great Cave is located at the highest point of the island. In conjunction with the "Setouchi Triennale," the cave features many ghost-themed murals.

✨Must-Visit Spot:
~Onigima Great Cave~
Sentaro Hashimoto, a local historian who taught on Ogijima, discovered the large cave and declared Megijima to be the Onigima Island from the "Momotaro" legend. This place has become a popular tourist attraction due to the legend of the island. The caves are partially excavated and feature many artworks related to ghosts and spirits. For those with limited mobility, it's recommended to purchase a bus ticket at the port. The bus takes about 10 minutes to reach the island.

~Top of Tobimine Mountain⛰️~
Offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea, you can even gaze out across to Takamatsu and Yashima on the other side. In spring, the view from the observation deck is truly breathtaking, adorned with thousands of cherry blossoms.

~Onigashima Beach🏖️~
Listed as one of the "100 Best Fast Bathing Beaches," its clear waters are perfect for summer fun, attracting many visitors every summer to cool off!

🎨Setouchi Triennale Highlights:
~The Stones Remember, and I Listen~
Inspired by stone walls, these paintings, sculptures, and video works explore a longing for and sense of belonging to islands. ❗️If you haven't purchased a Setouchi Triennale Passport, the artwork costs 500 yen to view.

~Colour Reading and Contexture~
Collecting unused rectangular objects from Megijima, they created a small city of color and structure.
❗️If you haven't purchased a Setouchi Triennale Passport, the artwork costs 500 yen to view.

~Little Shops on the Island~
Exhibiting works that explore new perspectives at the border between reality and virtuality, the exhibition will also function as a café during the festival!

~Women's Roots~
Themed around the vitality and "roots" of the island, the artwork spans the entire exhibition space, including large buoys, tree roots, and tropical plants inside and outside the exhibition space.

🚴Transportation:
Takamatsu Chikuri Port: Take the Meojima Kaikan (Shiojima Kaikan) for approximately 20 minutes.

🎟️Average Cost:
If you haven't purchased the Setouchi Triennale Passport, many artworks may require additional fees. We recommend purchasing a passport beforehand, available in both electronic and paper formats. 😍

🕰️Opening Hours:
Most artworks close at 4:30 PM, but each opening time varies, so enjoy your own exploration!

🗓️Itinerary:
Takamatsu Chikuri Port - Ogijima - Megijima
🔔 On Megijima, we recommend taking a bus to the Onijima Great Caverns first, then strolling down the mountain to explore other artworks. 🖼️!

💞Recommendation:
1. The art festival only happens every three years, so it would be a shame not to visit!
2. Travelers interested in art or studying related subjects.
3. The art festival allows you to discover rarely visited islands and experience the purest and most tranquil island life.
4. Cat petting! Cat petting! Just like on Ogijima, you can pet cats on this island!!!

#Seto Inland Sea
#Shikoku Travel
#Setouchi Triennale
#Megijima
#Megijima-Onijima Great Cave
#Ote Wall #Momotaro