Most visitors to Megijima Island head straight for the Onigashima Great Cave and the port-side art installations — but a short walk beyond the cave leads to one of the island’s best-kept secrets: Washigamine Observatory, a 188-meter-high lookout with a full 360° view of the Seto Inland Sea. Here’s how to get there and what to expect.
About Washigamine Observatory
Washigamine Observatory sits about a 5-minute walk beyond the Onigashima Great Cave, at an elevation of 188 meters. From here you can take in the whole island as well as a sweeping panorama of the Seto Inland Sea. It’s also a well-known cherry blossom spot in spring, with around 3,000 cherry trees planted along the path from Megi Port, an ongoing project by a local volunteer group.
- Name: Washigamine Observatory
- Elevation: 188 meters
- Highlights: 360° panorama of the Seto Inland Sea, roughly 3,000 cherry trees in spring
- Distance from Onigashima Great Cave: about a 5-minute walk
How to Get There
Take the ferry from Takamatsu Port to Megi Port on Megijima (about 20 minutes). From there, the easiest way up is the island shuttle bus, which departs from “Oni no Yakata” visitor center right by the port and heads to the Onigashima Great Cave. Given the steep uphill road, the bus is a much easier option than walking or cycling.
Washigamine Observatory is a little further up from the cave itself, so after visiting the cave, take the short flight of stairs up to the observatory before heading back down to the bus stop.
Island Shuttle Bus Fares
| Fare type | Round trip | One way |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | ¥800 | ¥500 |
| Child | ¥400 | ¥300 |
The outbound bus stop is at “Oni no Yakata,” and the return stop is at “Onigashima Great Cave.” Buses are timed to match ferry arrivals, so connections are usually smooth.
The View from the Top
From Washigamine Observatory, you can see the whole of Megijima Island as well as the surrounding islands of the Seto Inland Sea and even the Takamatsu skyline in the distance. It’s an easy, hike-like detour that delivers one of the best panoramic views on the island.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Washigamine Observatory is further up the hill than the Onigashima Great Cave — don’t head straight back to the bus stop after the cave, or you’ll miss it.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as there are slopes and stairs along the way.
- The island bus may not run on weekdays during certain seasons, so it’s worth checking the schedule in advance.
FAQ
How long does it take to reach the observatory? About a 5-minute walk beyond the Onigashima Great Cave, making it easy to combine with a cave visit.
Is there an admission fee for the observatory? The observatory itself is free to visit. Note that the Onigashima Great Cave has a separate entrance fee.
Can I get there without the bus? Yes, on foot or by rental bicycle, but you’ll need to climb up to 188 meters of elevation on a steep road, so the round-trip bus is recommended unless you’re up for the climb.
When are the cherry blossoms in bloom? The cherry-lined path from Megi Port up to Washigamine Observatory is typically at its best from late March to April.
Final Thoughts
Washigamine Observatory pairs perfectly with a visit to the Onigashima Great Cave, offering one of Megijima’s finest views for just a few extra minutes of walking. A full 360° panorama of the Seto Inland Sea is well worth the detour — just remember to head up to the observatory before returning to the bus stop.
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