Breathtaking Aerial View of Kankakei Gorge on Shodoshima, Kagawa

Kankakei Gorge is located on Shodoshima island in Kagawa Prefecture. It is considered one of the 3 most beautiful valleys in Japan. A cable car takes you through the centre of the gorge’s breath-taking landscape. The trip showcases the various charms of this beautifully preserved nature spot at any time of the year.

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Kankakei Gorge - One of the Most Beautiful Gorges in Japan

The Kankakei Gorge is located on Shodoshima, an island off the coast of the Seto Inland Sea in Kagawa Prefecture. Shodoshima island is part of the Setonaikai National Park which covers a vast area stretching over 11 prefectures surrounding the Seto Inland Sea. In the middle of the island lies the Kankakei Gorge between the highest point of the island, Mt. Hoshigajo (817 m) and the Shihozashi Observatory (777 m).

Japan is a land of mountains – 73% of its land mass is taken up by mountains and hills. Given this fact, it is only natural that Japan has over 100 gorges and valleys all throughout the country. Yet, Kankakei Gorge has been recognized as one of the 3 most beautiful gorges in all of Japan. This is due to its unique geological formations, and the wide variety of plants and wildlife, which visitors can discover in the gorge.

The Art of Nature – Cliffs Uniquely Shaped Over 13 Million Years

The Kankakei Gorge is made of rocks formed by volcanic activity that occurred around 13 million years ago. Countless tectonic movements and erosion over the centuries have created the amazing views of uniquely shaped cliffs and rocks we see today. Most of the land that makes up Shodoshima island consists of 3 layers of different types of rocks. The middle layer has softer properties compared to the others, resulting in the bizarre formation of its stratum. kankakei gorge These cliffs and surrounding trees offer contrasting views with every season. From Cherry blossoms adding bright colors in spring, fresh green leaves and the pleasant mountain air in summer, multi colored leaves painting a dazzling picture on the gorge's canvas in autumn, and the aesthetic beauty of monotone in winter. You can discover a different charm to the gorge in each season, giving you the opportunity to visit the gorge multiple times in the year.

Sky, Sea and Gorge All Together in One View

Although you can hike up the mountain on foot, the best and easiest way to enjoy the fantastic landscape of the Kankakei Gorge is to take an aerial trip on the ropeway gondola. Opened in 1963 there is an excellent service offered all year round and with a capacity for 40 people departing every 12 minutes it is a convenient way to reach the summit. One way ticket is 980 yen for adults, 490 yen for children, a return ticket is 1,760 yen for adults and 880 yen for children and the trip takes approximately 5 minutes.

The ropeway gondola departs from the Koun Hillside Station at the foot of Mt. Hoshigajo at 295 m above sea level, and arrives at the Sancho Summit Station at 612 m. This 917 meter aerial journey is full of geological and natural wonders. As the gondola ascends, fantastic views of the gorge appear all around you. kankakei gorge One of the first sights to grab your attention is one of the highlights, a wide cliff face named “Kin-byobu” (folding screen of brocade). It is called so because the cliff looks almost like a standing folding screen. It is exceptionally beautiful in autumn when the changing colors of the foliage decorate the cliff and truly earning its name. One cannot help but be impressed by this spectacular wonder of nature.

While you are on the gondola, turn around to see the amazing panoramic view stretching out behind you. Wide blue sky, sheer cliffs and islands of various sizes almost floating majestically on the Seto Inland Sea –this is the only ropeway gondola service in Japan where you can simultaneously enjoy views of the sky, cliffs and the sea all together at the same time. Every angle you take in this view from is as beautiful as if you were gliding through an art gallery in the sky.

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Little Greece in Japan? Try the Local Olive Products

After soaking up the amazing views from the ropeway gondola, you arrive at the Summit Station. There is an observatory further through the station where you take your time to enjoy the scenery that you could not fully enjoy on the ropeway gondola. Now that you are at the top of the ropeway line, you also only a few steps away from the restaurant located at the island’s highest point. Why not try some local specialties while enjoying the view? The restaurant’s signature dish is “olive ramen”. Locally sourced olives are used in noodles which you can see in the color of the noodles. These olive noodles have a smooth texture and a drizzle of olive oil added to the chicken-based broth increases its flavor. Although you can have ramen noodles anywhere in Japan, this restaurant is probably one of a limited number of places serving this unique type of ramen. kankakei gorge You might be surprised to learn that Shodoshima island was the first olive plantation in Japan. Olive plantation projects started in several prefectures in Japan over 100 years ago, however Shodoshima island was the only place capable of growing olive trees. This was made possible due to the mild climate of the island that is similar to the Mediterranean climate and therefore ideal for olive plantations. Today, Shodoshima island is recognized as Japan’s largest olive producing area. Products using the high-quality olives come in a wide variety; olive oil, olive cider, ramen noodles, sweets and cosmetics – they are all available in the shop at the observatory and would make a great addition to any list of souvenirs from Japan!

Hike Down to Enjoy a Closer View

kankakei gorge Now it is time to descend after having enjoyed the views and food at the Summit Station. It is your choice whether taking the ropeway back or hiking down on foot. It would be a good opportunity, to view the flora and fauna of the mountain up close, of course suitable clothing and shoes need to be worn for safety
There are 2 main routes to descend (or ascend if you did not already take the ropeway gondola), the “Omote trail” (front trail) which is approximately 2 km long or the “Ura trail” (back trail) which is approximately 1.8 km long. Each trail has its own famous scenic spots to take in. The “Omote trail” has 12 of these scenic spots along its course and the “Ura trail” has 8 for you to appreciate as you hike but either route would provide countless breathtaking views all along the route. You may even run into some of the local inhabitants along the way!

How to visit?

From Tokyo to Kagawa It takes approximately 75 minutes from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Takamatsu Airport in Kagawa by an airplane.

From Kagawa to Shodoshima island
Take an hour ferry ride from Takamatsu Port in the mainland to Kusakabe Port in Shodoshima island.

Car: Input the address or phone number below in your car navigation system. It is about 10-minute drive from Kusakabe Port to the Cable Car Koun Hillside Station. There are car rental services available at the port.

Bus: At the Kusakabe Port bus stop, get on a Kankake Line bus
bound for “Kountei” and get off at the last stop “Kountei”. It is about a 15-minute ride. As this local bus line is only in operation in certain times of the year, please make sure to check the availability before making a trip.

Address (Cable Car Koun Hillside Station):
327-1 Otsu, Kankake-dori, Shodoshima-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa-ken 761-4433 Japan
Tel: +81(879)82-0904