Island Travel Tips

You should bring drinks and snacks, as well as "what-if" items such as band-aids and medicines.
Convenience stores and supermarkets, which can be found everywhere in town, are very rare on the small islands across the sea. NaoshimaShodoshimaNaoshima have convenience stores. Some islands have no stores or vending machines. This is why the islands are filled with a peaceful atmosphere away from everyday life. Also, during the busy Setogei period, restaurants may be full and you may find yourself saying, "I can't get lunch! There are times when you may not be able to find lunch because the restaurants are full. It is a good idea to bring drinks and snacks with you. Especially during the hot summer season, take plenty of water with you. If you have a shoe rash and need to buy a bandage, be prepared to save your own life!

The roads on the island have many ups and downs, and it is not recommended to travel only by foot or bicycle. In addition, the national highway, the only one on the island, is inevitably congested during the warmer months. Please allow plenty of time for your activities, and use various means of transportation such as rental cars, buses, cabs, and electric shared bicycles in a good combination according to your objectives.

There are a variety of restaurants such as cafes, Japanese-style pubs, and yakiniku restaurants, but be sure to check the latest information in advance, as some are closed on many days, close early, or are only open during the daytime. In particular, there are few restaurants open at night, so it is a good idea to make reservations. If you are staying in accommodations with a kitchen, we recommend that you buy local foods at a supermarket and prepare your own meals.

During the on-season (warmer months), ferries to and from the islands are crowded. If you are taking your own car on the ferry, however, you may not be able to board the scheduled ferry due to limited space. If you plan to load your car on the ferry, please make a reservation in advance.

The main means of transportation for tourists is bicycle rental or buses. Advance reservations are recommended for bicycle rentals. Buses cost 100 yen, and extra buses may be available during busy periods such as during the Setouchi International Art Festival, but their capacity is limited. Walking should also be combined with other means depending on the time and occasion (for example, it takes about 30 minutes to walk from the busy main area to the Miyanoura area).

Running out into the roadway to take a picture, running down a hill on a rental bicycle at a high rate of speed, or braking suddenly and falling over...... such dangerous behavior is not acceptable. If you are injured, you will not be able to go to the hospital immediately. There are surprisingly many cars in the area, so please be mindful of traffic manners while strolling around.

Teshima is about 20 km in circumference, with tourist attractions and stores scattered throughout the area, and the undulating roads make it difficult to visit all of them on foot. Bicycle rental and car rental offices are located mainly around Ieura Port, but due to their popularity, they are sometimes all booked out. If you want to be sure of getting the best deal, head to the office as soon as you get off the ship, or make reservations in advance where available. Buses are also available between ports and tourist spots, making it easy to get around during the hot season. However, during busy periods, such as during the Setouchi International Art Festival, the buses may be over capacity. Be sure to allow plenty of time for your trip.

Running out into the roadway to take a picture, running down a hill on a rental bicycle at a high rate of speed, or braking suddenly and falling over...... such dangerous behavior is not acceptable. If you are injured, you will not be able to go to the hospital immediately. There are surprisingly many cars in the area, so please be mindful of traffic manners while strolling around.

One of Ogijima main attractions is its sloping streets, which are often steep, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. In addition, due to the nature of the paths, there are several deep ditches of 1 to 2 meters on either side, so please be especially careful with small children to prevent them from accidentally falling down the ditches. Please note that there are no bicycles available for rent. You can take your car on the ferry, but be aware that the roads on the island are limited and narrow, making it difficult to pass each other.

Basically, there are no hospitals or pharmacies on the island. There is a clinic for island residents, but its opening days are limited. In case of an emergency, it takes time to receive medical care at sea, as emergency boats instead of ambulances are used to transport patients. People with pre-existing medical conditions are advised to bring more of their regular medication.

There are no supermarkets or convenience stores. There is one store on the island, but its opening hours and selection are limited. There are only a few vending machines for beverages, and they are often sold out during the hot season, so be sure to bring plenty of water.

All Ogijima cats were spayed or neutered in 2016. The local cats, called "Sakura Cats" that have undergone surgery, are cared for by the islanders. Some places on the island sell cat food, but please do not leave trash or uneaten food behind. Also, cat lovers should be careful not to miss the ferry, as the cats are often seen pampering the tourists as they leave.

The number of restaurants where you can eat and drink is limited, so it is recommended that you make reservations in advance. Since the island is relatively close to Takamatsu Station, it is recommended to take out some gourmet food from the station area and bring it with you to the island. You can enjoy a picnic with a view of the sea and the island breeze.

If you wish to enjoy both MegijimaOgijima in one day, please purchase a ticket for each section instead of a round-trip ticket. Also, since there may not be many seats left on the return boat from Megijima to Takamatsu due to passengers Ogijima, you should buy your ticket early and get in line to board the boat.

Megijima is about 8 km in circumference, with art spots, restaurants, and accommodations clustered around Megijiko Port, where the ferry arrives and departs, and the beach, so you can visit various places on foot. Since the "Onigashima Great Cave" and the "Washigamine Observatory" are located on the mountain, consider renting a bicycle or taking the bus, depending on your schedule and physical strength. (Please note that both are on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Before visiting Awashima, there is a free parking lot at Suda Port in Mitoyo City but we recommend that you come with plenty of time to spare if you plan to drive there, as the lot is full at times during the busy season. Of course, you can also get to the port by means other than car (there is a city bus that connects JR Takuma Station and Suda Port).

Boat tickets are only sold one way; it is recommended that you buy your return ticket as soon as you can afford to do so once you arrive in Awashima. The peak time for afternoon return trips is around 2:00 p.m., followed by 5:00 p.m. (extra trips may be available during peak season). If you are so inclined, please return at 5:00 p.m. to feel the slow island time. Many art spots close for viewing at 4:00 p.m., but we recommend that you spend the time waiting for the boat to return to the natural spots around the harbor and the spots where the islanders are hospitable, relaxing and feeling the island memories.

Getting around Awashima can be done on foot, by renting a bicycle, or by green slow-mobility (a transportation service utilizing electric vehicles that can travel on public roads at speeds of less than 20 km/h). Most spots are concentrated around Awashima harbor, so walking is fine. However, if you want to go to the quieter eastern side of the island, we recommend renting a motorized bicycle or taking a shared ride with Greenslow Mobility (check the timetable). Please note that the number of rental bikes is limited.

Awashima Artists' Village" and "Drifting Post Office" are basically open every Saturday, even outside of the Setouchi Triennale period. If you are short on time and wish you had more time to see the artworks...please take your time to visit again.

There are no convenience stores on the island, so bring drinks, snacks, and "what-if" items such as band-aids and regular medicine. Vending machines are available, but they may be sold out during periods when many tourists are using them. Take more water with you, especially during the hot summer months.

Ibukijima is characterized by steep slopes, and access to the island is basically on foot, so wear comfortable walking shoes. There are few shade spots or rest areas on the island, and climbing up the slopes under the sun can feel strenuous. It is a good idea to bring a hat or other sunshade, a towel, and some refreshments.

Toilets are provided at several locations on the island, including Maura Port, where liner boats arrive and depart, the "Toilet House" artwork in the old elementary school, and Kitaura Port. There are also toilets on the ferry between IbukijimaKanonji Port, and at Kanonji Port. It is recommended that you complete your visit when you see them.