Island Time: Walking, Getting Lost, and Encountering the Ogijima Time! Report to Prepare for Island Travel

Located 40 minutes by ferry from Takamatsu Port, Ogijima, with a population of about 150, is the site of the Setouchi International Art Festival 2025 in all its spring, summer, and fall sessions, and is also home to many contemporary artworks. The island is about 5 km in circumference, and transportation around the island is basically on foot. This is because Ogijima has many steep slopes and narrow streets because the villages are spread out on the slopes. These slopes and the stone walls that support the villages are one of the features of Ogijima landscape. Some of the stone walls have remained since as far back as the Edo period. Although it is sometimes tiring to stroll along the narrow and steep alleys, OgijimaOgijima also characterized by its view of the ocean from all points due to the many hills, and the photographs of the unique stone walls and the blue ocean beyond them are so beautiful that you will want to carry them around with you as a bookmark.
Ogijima also has several lodging facilities and restaurants. However, restaurants are expected to be especially crowded during the Art Festival, so planning ahead is recommended, such as getting there early or making reservations if possible. There are also several vending machines, but the most popular items sell out quickly, so it is recommended that visitors to Ogijima bring snacks and plenty of drinks in case they are unable to get into a restaurant.

Since reservations cannot be made for the ferry between Takamatsu Port and Ogijima, it is recommended to get to the boarding area early during high season. If you Megijima visit both OgijimaMegijima in one day, buy a one-way ticket instead of a round-trip ticket. If you want to visit both Ogijima and Megijima in one day, buy a one-way ticket instead of a round-trip ticket.
In addition, many villages have deep ditches along the sides of the roads. When visiting Ogijima, please wear comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers and watch your step.
Most tourists and residents walk along the narrow streets of Ogijima, but occasionally a small postman's motorcycle may pass by. In such cases, please yield the right of way and be mindful to respect the island's lifelines. It is also important to take home as much garbage as possible to protect the islanders' way of life. The island does not collect garbage very often, so if tourists generate a lot of garbage, it will be a burden on the islanders. There are few shared trash cans, so be sure to take your own trash home with you.

Ogijima is also home to many such friendly and warm people. Especially Ogijima many of the roads are narrow, the custom of saying "hello" to each other as you pass each other on the road may be a natural outgrowth of mutual consideration. For tourists, such casual greetings give them a sense of "acceptance by the islanders," which is a very happy feeling.
On Ogijima it is customary to greet even strangers, you may become friends with islanders you meet by chance on the roadside or at the harbor, and they may tell you many things about life on the island. Such interaction with the islanders is one of the best parts of island travel. However, if you find it difficult to talk to the islanders yourself, try visiting Neko Poke House. Neko Poke House is a place where Toyoji, who was born and raised in Ogijima, opens his home to tourists. Here, you can interact with not only Toyoji, but also foreign tourists, frequent Ogijima from Tokyo, fans of the game "Summer Pokets," and many others.
Ogijima is also known as an island full of cats. Many of the cats are cared for by everyone in the community, and all the cats are so friendly that cat lovers may lose track of time taking pictures and interacting with them. Be careful not to become so absorbed in interacting with the cats that you miss the return boat.