There’s a theory that says Ogijima got its name because the fan that was shot during the Genpei War washed ashore here. “Ōgi” is the Japanese word for “folding fan,” hence “Ogijima.”

Ogijima is seven kilometers around. Its steep inclines make houses appear stacked on each other propped up on their stone walls.
This charming town is Ogishima’s main symbol.
Climb their stairs and lose yourself in the mazelike narrow streets – you might spot a feline local out of nowhere!

At the northern tip of the island stands Ogijima Lighthouse.
Built from unpainted granite, it is one of just a few such lighthouses in Japan.
Over a century since its completion during the Meiji Period, it continues to watch over ships across these waters.

Deep in the mountains you will find the “Jii-no-ana” cave.
It is where the ogre chief escaped in the legend of Momotaro, and is said to contain the fountain of youth.

And nowadays, Ogijima is known for hosting the Setouchi Trienniale.
The town itself transforms into an art museum, with installations that utilize the narrow mazelike streets and empty houses. Nearly 1,000 tourists came out for its first ever exhibition – enough for some to think the island might sink!

A fresh new wind blows on this small island.
But people’s livelihoods are the foundation of it, stacking stones and living in communion with the sea.

From the ferry’s window, the houses of Ogijima seem to be cozily embraced by the sea.
Myth, history, and most recently art – they fold in on each other in this small island. A reflection of the Seto Inland Sea’s diversity.