Right now, a place garnering great attention as an art spot is "Ogijima (Takamatsu City)." It's located about 40 minutes away and easily accessible from Takamatsu Port. Would you like to visit the charming remote island of Ogijima (Takamatsu City), where the village is built in steps and the houses are arranged in a scale-like formation, creating a unique landscape? This island is perfect for strolling, and we will introduce recommended spots that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons.
Information listed is current as of January 2020.
What Is Ogijima? An art island to explore on Foot / Cat Island
Ogijima is a small remote island about 5 km around, floating off the coast of Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture. Even among locals in Kagawa, many know the name but have never visited. Recently, it has started gaining popularity as a travel destination thanks to being a venue for the Setouchi Triennale and becoming known as a cat island.
The most notable feature of Ogijima is the extremely limited flat land! Other than the port area, most of the land is made up of gentle slopes. Because of the hilly terrain, private cars are not allowed in the village, and there are no buses.
Since the main mode of transportation is walking, it's the perfect tourist spot for slow, scenic strolls. Let’s walk around and discover the island’s many charms.
Even the town’s facilities are artistic! Sculptures that color the island
When you arrive on Ogijima by ferry, the first thing that catches your eye is a roof designed with a blend of white alphabets. This is an art piece called “Ogijima’s Soul” by Spanish contemporary artist Jaume Plensa. It is integrated with the Ogijima Exchange Center building, which functions as a ferry ticket office and cafeteria. You’ll likely stop by once, so be sure to enjoy the artwork too.
Created for the “Setouchi Triennale 2010,” the shop inside is manned in turns by the island’s local women. You’ll also find charming and stylish goods like badges and tenugui (Japanese hand towels) available for purchase—definitely worth checking out.
Other impressive works that will make you stop and stare include “SEA VINE” installed in a private home in the center of the island, and “Walking Ark” located at the Ogijima Fishing Port.
All of these works allow for experiences that feel integrated with the island’s nature or harmonized with daily life. They showcase the island’s unique connection with art born from its beautiful environment.
Name: Ogijima Exchange Center
Address: 1986 Ogicho, Takamatsu City, 760-0091
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/kurashi/kurashi/shimin_katsudo/shimindandai/sonota/ogi/index.html
Art lovers must check out the “Setouchi Triennale”
Summer in Setouchi means art festivals! Widely recognized both domestically and internationally, the “Setouchi Triennale” is known to many. Held every three years on a grand scale, this art event takes place on various islands across the Seto Inland Sea and is beloved for letting visitors enjoy art harmonized with nature and everyday life in a stunning environment.
Ogijima was also one of the venues, drawing many visitors who fully enjoyed the art. Thanks to that, even when the festival isn’t being held, sculptures can still be enjoyed throughout the island.
The Triennale venues are largely divided into eastern and western island areas, with Ogijima and Megijima falling under the eastern area. Traveling from island to island by boat while enjoying art makes for the ultimate trip. Whether you’re an art lover or not, be sure to visit Ogijima and other Setouchi islands during the next festival period.
Be healed by the friendly cats of Ogijima
As you stroll around the island, you might encounter more cats than people—cats live leisurely lives on Ogijima. In recent years, the island has also become famous as a cat island in the Seto Inland Sea.
While you're walking and viewing the art, cats will appear as if out of nowhere. Their friendliness is truly soothing. It’s not uncommon to see groups of cats gathering at shrines and other spots, making this island a perfect destination for cat lovers. Playing innocently with the cats can become one of your favorite travel memories.
Take a break at stylish cafés and restaurants
Ogijima has many charming cafés and dining spots.
The Dream Café, which was introduced earlier as an art object, is also one of the island's representative cafés. Though it only opens during the Setouchi Triennale, it has many repeat visitors and is loved for its relaxed atmosphere in a renovated old house. Popular food items such as the "Meon Burger," made from minced local Seto Inland Sea fish with a special sauce, and the visually delightful "Sanuki Dream Parfait" are must-tries at least once.
If you're walking a course from the port over the mountain to the lighthouse, you’ll find "Jouko Café" along the mountain path. Jouko Café is a lovely spot offering food and drinks made from local vegetables, wild herbs, and seaweed—ingredients that are kind to the body. It typically opens only on weekends but will open on other days by reservation, showing their thoughtful approach to service.
Besides these, there are also bistros and cafés run by couples who relocated to the island, so be sure to explore and discover your own favorite spots.
Name: Dream Café
Address: 1934 Ogicho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture 760-0091
Official/Related Website URL: https://piccadilly-ya.com/dream-cafe.html
Name: Jouko Café
Address: 1352 Ogicho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture 760-0091
Official/Related Website URL: https://trip-setouchi.com/ogijima/cafe/jyouko.html
Access to Ogijima is by ferry from Takamatsu
Ogijima is accessible by ferry from Takamatsu Port.
From JR Takamatsu Station, it's about a five-minute walk—just proceed past the plaza in front of the station and you'll quickly see the ferry terminal. Look for the sign that says “For Ogijima” and head that way. From the First Pier, board the “Meon” ferry operated by Shionoejima Kaiun. Since ferries depart about once every two hours, be mindful of time, including ticket purchase arrangements.
The ferry goes via Megijima and reaches Ogijima in about 40 minutes. Enjoy a brief boat journey while taking in the stunning scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
Ogijima in Winter—Daffodils in full bloom
We’ve shared many of Ogijima’s attractions, but here’s one more tip. On the northern side of the island, near the lighthouse, daffodils are cultivated across a vast area. From January to February each year, the striking contrast of yellow and white flowers creates a breathtaking sight. Walking paths are well-maintained, making it a great place for a scenic walk. If you visit Ogijima in winter, immerse yourself in the sweet fragrance and get an early taste of spring.