Onigashima Cave (鬼ヶ島大洞窟), located on Megijima Island (女木島) in Kagawa Prefecture, is said to be the model for the “Ogre Island” in the classic Japanese folktale of Momotaro. Since the inside of the cave stays cool year-round, it’s a great spot to visit even in the middle of summer.
How much does admission cost? What are the opening hours and holidays? Is it okay to bring young kids? This guide covers everything you need to know about Onigashima Cave’s opening hours, admission fees, and discounts, plus tips on what to wear and advice for families traveling with children — so you can plan your trip and budget with confidence.
Opening Hours & Holidays
Onigashima Cave’s opening hours are as follows:
| Item | Time |
|---|---|
| Opens | 8:35 AM |
| Last admission | 4:40 PM |
| Closes | 4:55 PM |
Since no one is admitted after the last-admission cutoff, it’s a good idea to arrive by around 4:00 PM if you want to take your time exploring the cave.
The cave is open every day of the year with no regular closures, so you can visit freely even during long holiday weekends, Obon, or New Year’s.
Admission Fees
Admission prices vary depending on age and certain conditions. Here are the details:
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (high school age and up) | ¥600 |
| Child (elementary/junior high school) | ¥300 |
| Age 65 and over | ¥500 |
| Adult with a disability certificate | ¥300 |
| Child with a disability certificate | Free |
Preschool-age children are admitted free of charge when visiting individually.
Group Discounts
Groups of 15 people or more qualify for a group discount:
| Category | Group price (15+ people) |
|---|---|
| Adult | ¥500 |
| Child | ¥200 |
| Preschooler | ¥150 per person |
Note that while preschoolers are admitted free individually, a fee of ¥150 per child applies when visiting as part of a group of 15 or more. If you’re traveling with a school trip or a large tour group, be sure to check this discount in advance, as it can help reduce overall costs.
What to Wear: Sneakers Recommended
While the inside of Onigashima Cave is well maintained for visitors, it was originally carved out by hand rather than being a naturally formed cave, so the ground underfoot isn’t perfectly even in places.
For this reason, heels or sandals aren’t recommended. Wear sneakers or other comfortable, non-slip footwear when visiting.
Is It Scary for Kids? Visiting with Children
The inside of the cave is lit but still fairly dim, so some children may find it a little scary. That said, even small children are often able to walk through and enjoy the cave without any trouble, so families with kids can visit with peace of mind.
If you’re worried, it can help to prepare your child beforehand by saying something like, “It’s a bit dark inside, but there are fun ogre statues to see!” — a little heads-up can make the experience much less intimidating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where can I buy tickets? A. Tickets are sold at the ticket counter near the entrance to Onigashima Cave on the day of your visit. No advance reservation is needed.
Q. How do I get the disability discount? A. Simply show your disability certificate at the ticket counter when purchasing your ticket.
Q. Can I pay by credit card or electronic payment? A. Accepted payment methods may change, so it’s a good idea to check official information or ask at the counter on-site before your visit.
Q. How long does a visit take? A. The cave isn’t very large, so 20–30 minutes is usually enough time to see everything.
Q. How do I get from Megijima Port to Onigashima Cave? A. There are three main options: a round-trip bus, a rental bicycle, or walking. For detailed access information and bus timetables, see our full guide: “Complete Access Guide to Onigashima Cave on Megijima Island.”
Summary
Onigashima Cave is open from 8:35 AM to 4:55 PM (last admission 4:40 PM) every day of the year, making it easy to visit even during busy holiday periods.
Admission is ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children, with discounts available for visitors aged 65 and over, those with a disability certificate, and groups of 15 or more — so it’s worth checking in advance if you qualify.
Since parts of the cave floor can be uneven, sneakers or other comfortable walking shoes are recommended. While it’s a bit dark inside, even young children can enjoy the visit without issue, so don’t hesitate to bring the whole family and experience the world of the Momotaro legend for yourself.
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