Located 4 km off the coast of Takamatsu, Megijima has an area of 2.62 km2, a circumference of 7.8 km, and a population of about 100. Its beach is popular in summer.

About a century ago, a huge cavern discovered on Megijima sparked a tourist boom for its suggested connection to a Japanese folktale called “Momotaro.” The cave is still fun to explore today.

Stone walls 3 or 4 meters high called Ohte shield houses along the shore from fierce winter winds. A scenic beach and cherry-tree lined roads attract many visitors in spring and summer.

In 1913, local historian and school teacher Sentaro Hashimoto discovered a large cavern on Megijima. He proposed that this was the ogres’ den in “Momotaro,” a folktale in which a boy born from a peach defeats a band of marauding ogres. As a result, the island became a popular tourist destination. Located near the top of the mountain in the island’s center, the cave system was partially hewn by human hands. Exhibits inside the cool interior conjure up images of the ogres’ lives.

The Sumiyoshi Shrine Grand Festival takes place in summer every other year. Children beating drums ride a float carried by the village men. At the climax, the men charge into the water with the float, demonstrating the courage of men who make their living from the sea.