Kankakei Ropeway

The Kankakei Ropeway connects the foot and summit of Kankakei Gorge in Shodoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture. Kankakei is one of the Seto Inland Sea National Park’s most representative scenic destinations and is renowned as one of the “Three Great Gorge Scenic Views of Japan.” With its deep valleys, dramatic rock formations, seasonal natural beauty, and spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea, it is known as one of Shodoshima’s premier tourist attractions.

The greatest appeal of the Kankakei Ropeway is that it is the only ropeway in Japan where visitors can enjoy simultaneous views of the sky, sea, and gorge. From the gondola, steep rock faces and deep valleys stretch out below, while the islands of the Seto Inland Sea can be seen in the distance. During the approximately five-minute aerial journey, passengers can experience up close the dynamic scenery shaped by nature over countless years.

## Kankakei: One of Japan’s Three Great Gorge Scenic Views

Kankakei is a gorge located near the center of Shodoshima, stretching between Mount Hoshigajo, the island’s highest peak, and Shihosashi. Andesite and volcanic breccia formed by volcanic activity approximately 13 million years ago gradually developed into the extraordinary rock formations and sheer cliffs seen today through crustal movements, weathering, and erosion over the course of many years.

In recognition of its unique terrain and outstanding scenic beauty, Kankakei was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1923. It was also selected as one of the “100 Landscapes of Japan” and is counted as one of Japan’s “Three Great Extraordinary Landscapes,” making it widely known as one of Shodoshima’s most representative scenic destinations. In 1934, it was designated as one of the representative scenic sites of Setonaikai National Park, one of Japan’s first national parks.

## Spectacular Views from the Ropeway

The Kankakei Ropeway connects Kountei Station at the foot of the gorge with the summit station. The ride takes approximately five minutes, offering a varied and spectacular panorama despite its short duration.

Through the gondola’s large windows, passengers can enjoy sweeping views of unusual rock formations and cliffs rising from the deep gorge, trees displaying the beauty of each season, and the Seto Inland Sea stretching into the distance. Particularly when looking down into the gorge, the scenery is truly breathtaking, creating the sensation of taking an aerial walk through the great outdoors.

## Seasonal Beauty

Kankakei reveals a different beautiful character in each season.

In spring, cherry blossoms and fresh greenery color the gorge, creating a striking contrast between the soft green foliage and the rugged rock surfaces. In summer, lush trees flourish, offering vibrant scenery full of vitality. In autumn, the entire mountain is transformed by brilliant shades of red and yellow, attracting many visitors as one of Shodoshima’s most famous autumn foliage destinations. In winter, the bare trees reveal the unusual rock formations and cliffs more clearly, allowing visitors to appreciate the gorge’s mystical beauty wrapped in quietness.

The autumn foliage season is especially popular throughout Japan. The vivid colors viewed from the ropeway together with the spectacular scenery of the Seto Inland Sea are highlights unique to Kankakei.

## Highlights at the Summit

The area around the summit station, reached by ropeway, is equipped with observation decks, restaurants, shops, and other facilities, making it a convenient base for sightseeing.

From the observation decks, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the islands scattered across the Seto Inland Sea and the mountain ranges of Shodoshima. On clear days, it may even be possible to see as far as Shikoku and Honshu in the distance.

There are also numerous excellent photo spots around the summit, where visitors can enjoy Kankakei’s magnificent scenery from angles different from those seen aboard the ropeway. The area is popular as an ideal place to capture memorable photographs of the trip.

## Hiking Opportunities

Kankakei has well-maintained mountain trails and walking paths leading to the summit. Visitors can choose from a variety of ways to enjoy the area according to their fitness level and schedule, such as taking the ropeway up and hiking back down, or hiking up from the foot of the gorge and taking the ropeway on the return journey.

Along the trails, visitors can enjoy exploring nature while observing unusual rock formations and plants up close—features that cannot be seen from the ropeway. Depending on the season, it may also be possible to encounter rare plants and wild birds, making Kankakei popular with nature enthusiasts as well.

## A Scenic Destination with a Long History

In ancient times, Kankakei was known by names such as “Kagikakeyama” and “Kamikakeyama.” The current name, “Kankakei,” is said to have been given in 1878 by the Confucian scholar Fujisawa Nankaku.

Since then, many local residents have helped preserve and pass down the area’s scenic beauty. Today, Kankakei attracts visitors from both Japan and abroad as one of the country’s most celebrated scenic destinations.

## Kankakei Ropeway Today

Today, the Kankakei Ropeway is one of the most popular attractions and an essential part of sightseeing on Shodoshima. Because it offers easy access to the beauty of the gorge and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, it is enjoyed by visitors of all ages, including families, couples, photography enthusiasts, and those who enjoy hiking and nature walks.

With fresh greenery in spring, deep green foliage in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and serene gorge scenery in winter, the Kankakei Ropeway offers a different attraction in every season. It is a spectacular destination that visitors to Shodoshima will definitely want to experience.