[Ehime | Island trip] Super deep! Mysterious manga and art island in Kamijima Town

Takai Kamijima | A must-see island for manga lovers, dotted with murals depicting popular manga

As of July 2023, there are 7 islanders living on Takai Kamijima. As part of the island's revitalization efforts, the island commissioned famous manga artists to draw manga illustrations on the walls of residences on the island, which led to it becoming known as the ``Manga Art Island.'' It's a rare spot in Japan that passionate manga fans want to see at least once.

When I consulted with Dr. Takatoshi Yamada, the author of "Dr. Koto Clinic," about revitalizing the island of Takai Kamishima, he graciously gave me a newly drawn illustration, and now I have created nearly 20 pieces of manga art. are painted on buildings on the island.

It seems that he plans to increase the number of works in the future.

You can also stay at Minshuku Nataore no Ki.

There are also guesthouses on the island that have been renovated from vacant houses, so you can stay overnight there. 3,500 yen per night for adults, 1,500 yen for children (advance reservation required).

The residents of the island are concentrated in one corner of the island, and there is a possibility of encountering wild boars if you enter the mountain paths, so please be careful when visiting the island.

Toyoshima | An uninhabited island art museum open for a limited time

The only way to get to Teshima, which is currently an uninhabited island, is by boat, which departs twice a day, in the morning and in the evening (the last boat departs at 5:57 p.m.). There is a museum on this island that every art lover should visit at least once.

A large box-like building that stands quietly in a bamboo forest. Inside this building, ``14 Glasses/Teshima'' by famous German artist Gerhard Richter is on display.

“14 Glasses/Teshima” by Gerhard Richter

14 pieces of glass continue to create images under the light on Teshima, where no one lives. Mr. Richter seems to have put the idea of ​​"forever" into this work.

The works inside can only be viewed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays in September (8:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

Many people come from all over the world to see the works that are only available for a limited time.

Access to Takai Kamijima/Teshima

●New Uoshima (about 60 minutes from Habu Port/Central Pier to Uoshima Port)

Habu Port/Central Pier (Innoshima) ⇒ Yuge Port ⇒ Toshima Port ⇒ Takaijin Port ⇒ Uoshima Port

Check timetable

*Only 4 flights per day

*Only 2 flights to Teshima

*Passenger cars are not allowed on board.

Source: Town Information Matsuyama August 2023 issue “Kamijima Town Special Feature”