Megijima
Island linked to the ogre island of Momotarō folklore.
Megijima, a small island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, sits just north of Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture. Covering 2.66 square kilometers with an 8.9-kilometer coastline, it is home to roughly 200 residents. Thanks to its public beach and a short 4-kilometer hop from Takamatsu, the island draws crowds in summer. Spring also brings visitors, as more than 2,000 cherry blossom trees turn the landscape into a popular spot for hanami.
The island is tied to the folk tale of Momotarō, being linked to the mythical Onigashima (“ogre island”). Caves near the top of Washigamine Summit are said to have been the ogres’ lair, making them a key tourist attraction. From an observation platform at the summit, you can take in a full 360-degree view of the Seto Inland Sea.
Megijima also serves as a venue for the Setouchi Triennale art festival. During the event, both temporary and permanent art installations pop up across the island. Some of its landmarks, including the cave and beach, appear in the Key visual novel *Summer Pockets*.
- area
- 2.66 km²
- coastline
- 8.9 km
- population
- about 200
- location
- Seto Inland Sea, north of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
- known_for
- linked to the mythical island Onigashima from the folktale Momotarō; host site of the Setouchi Triennale
Lore & Background
Megijima has been linked to the mythical island Onigashima, visited by the folktale character Momotarō. The caves at the top of Washigamine Summit are considered the home of the ogres from that story and are a popular tourist spot. An observation platform at the peak offers a 360-degree view of the Seto Inland Sea.
Reader's Guide
Megijima is significant as a cultural and tourist destination in the Seto Inland Sea. Its association with the Momotarō folktale, particularly the caves at Washigamine Summit, draws visitors interested in Japanese mythology. The island also serves as a host site for the Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival that installs temporary and permanent exhibitions across the island. Additionally, the island's cave and beach are featured in the Key visual novel Summer Pockets, extending its cultural reach. Its proximity to Takamatsu City and seasonal attractions—summer beach and spring cherry blossoms—make it a recurring destination for both locals and tourists. The island's small population of about 200 maintains a quiet, traditional character while accommodating these seasonal influxes.
Did You Know?
- Megijima has an area of 2.66 km² and a coastline of 8.9 km.
- The island is linked to the mythical island Onigashima from the Momotarō folktale.
- Megijima is one of the host sites of the Setouchi Triennale art festival.
- The cave and beach on Megijima are featured in the Key visual novel Summer Pockets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Megijima in oni folklore?
In the Momotarō legend, Megijima is the real-world island traditionally identified as Onigashima, the ogre stronghold where the mischievous oni hoard stolen treasures. It serves as the narrative destination for the hero's quest against the demons.
What role does Megijima play in the Momotarō story?
The island functions as the oni chief's fortress, the place Momotarō sails to after recruiting his animal companions. Upon arrival, he battles the ogres and reclaims the gold and jewels they had plundered from the village.
How does Megijima's story end?
In the folktale, Momotarō defeats the oni leader on the island and returns home with the recovered treasures, putting an end to the demons' raids on the surrounding communities.
Where is Megijima actually located?
The real island sits in the Seto Inland Sea roughly four kilometres north of Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture, spanning about 2.66 square kilometres with a small resident population of around 200 people.
Why is Megijima important to oni mythology?
It grounds the Onigashima legend in a specific, visitable stretch of Japanese coastline, giving the Momotarō tale a tangible geographic anchor rather than leaving it as a purely abstract fantasy setting.
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