Kankakei Gorge Shodoshima
A dramatic ravine on Shodoshima Island, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, especially during autumn, offering spectacular views via ropeway or ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peak autumn colors
Kankakei Gorge Shodoshima
Best Time
Peak autumn colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic ravine on Shodoshima Island, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, especially during autumn, offering spectacular views via ropeway or hiking.
"The ropeway ride offers stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and the Seto Inland Sea."
🚗 Drive or Ferry?
Access Shodoshima by ferry, then consider renting a car or using local buses. Free shuttle buses often run from ports to the ropeway.
🥾 Hike for Views
Skip the ropeway fare and hike a 2km trail for stunning views and a closer look at nature.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kankakei Ropeway
Connecting the lower and upper stations of the gorge
Glide above dramatic cliffs and lush foliage for unparalleled views of the gorge, sea, and sky.
Autumn Foliage
Throughout the gorge
Witness a breathtaking spectacle of vibrant red and yellow maple leaves, especially in late November.
Gorge Hiking Trails
Various trails within the gorge
Explore the natural beauty up close on scenic hiking paths, offering a more intimate connection with the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Autumn Colors
Ropeway vs. Hiking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive or Ferry?
Access Shodoshima by ferry, then consider renting a car or using local buses. Free shuttle buses often run from ports to the ropeway.
🥾 Hike for Views
Skip the ropeway fare and hike a 2km trail for stunning views and a closer look at nature.
📸 Clear Day is Best
For the most spectacular panoramic views of the gorge, sea, and sky, aim for a clear, sunny day.
🍁 Autumn Spectacle
Late November is prime time for fiery autumn leaves, making the gorge exceptionally beautiful. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive or Ferry?
Access Shodoshima by ferry, then consider renting a car or using local buses. Free shuttle buses often run from ports to the ropeway.
🥾 Hike for Views
Skip the ropeway fare and hike a 2km trail for stunning views and a closer look at nature.
📸 Clear Day is Best
For the most spectacular panoramic views of the gorge, sea, and sky, aim for a clear, sunny day.
🍁 Autumn Spectacle
Late November is prime time for fiery autumn leaves, making the gorge exceptionally beautiful.
💰 Ropeway Cost
The ropeway can be pricey. Consider if the views are worth the expense for your budget.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kankakei Gorge for its breathtaking natural beauty, especially the stunning views from the ropeway and the vibrant autumn foliage. The unique perspective of seeing the sky, sea, and gorge simultaneously is a major highlight. However, some find the ropeway to be quite expensive for the short ride, and the gorge might be perceived as similar to other scenic spots in Japan by some.
"An absolutely breathtaking experience. The ropeway ride offers stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and the Seto Inland Sea. From the top, the scenery is spectacular and perfect for photos, especially on a clear day.
The ride is smooth and comfortable, and it’s one of the highlights of visiting Shodoshima. A must-do if you want to enjoy nature from above and capture unforgettable landscapes. 🌿🚡✨"
EryArt 360
"Great experience, especially in the late November with the autumn leaves 🍁
The views were really beautiful and you really get to see the mountains up close.
There were a lot of visitors, but the wait time wasn't that bad, because the ropeway goes up pretty frequently."
Karri Hakomäki
"I took a couple of cable cars going up the mountains in Shikoku during my visit. This is one of them that I think it’s not quite worth it. The cable car was expensive and there isn’t much to see. 🫣🫣🫣 I think you could also drive up there since I saw a car park there. Amazing view but you can see these views in many places in Japan. I think we stayed around 15-20mins and then took the cable car back down. I would say it’s a place for locals to hike. If you have time you can hike since they have a trail for hiking but for tourists like us we didn’t have time to enjoy the hike."
shelley luk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Shodoshima Island by ferry from Takamatsu. Once on the island, consider renting a car or using local buses. Free shuttle buses are often available from ferry ports to the Kankakei Ropeway lower station.
Yes, there is a car park available near the ropeway station, suggesting that driving is an option for accessing the gorge.
Renting a car is recommended for flexibility on Shodoshima, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions. Local buses are also an option.
You'll typically need to travel to Takamatsu on Shikoku first, then take a ferry to Shodoshima.
Travel time can vary depending on your chosen mode of transport and the specific port you arrive at. Allow ample time for transfers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ropeway can be quite expensive, with one-way tickets noted at around 6000 JPY. Check current prices before your visit.
While the gorge itself is a natural park, there is a fee associated with using the Kankakei Ropeway. Hiking trails are generally free to access.
Information on advance ticket purchases is limited, but tickets are typically available for purchase at the ropeway station.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official website or local information for the most up-to-date hours.
While not explicitly stated, round-trip tickets are usually available and may offer a slight saving compared to two one-way tickets.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Many visitors enjoy the scenic ropeway ride for panoramic views, while others prefer hiking the trails for a more intimate experience.
A quick visit might be 15-20 minutes if just taking the ropeway up and down, but hiking and enjoying the views could easily extend your stay to a couple of hours.
Yes, there are hiking trails available, with one popular trail taking about 30-45 minutes to descend.
Expect stunning views of the gorge's steep cliffs, lush foliage, the Seto Inland Sea, and surrounding islands, especially on a clear day.
The ropeway is generally family-friendly, offering easy access to views. Hiking trails might be more challenging for very young children.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints from the ropeway and the upper station offer spectacular panoramic shots. Hiking trails also provide unique angles.
Autumn (late November) is renowned for its vibrant fall foliage, offering incredible colors. Spring also provides lush greenery.
Yes, the ropeway offers unique opportunities to capture photos of the gorge, sea, and sky simultaneously.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details within the gorge.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of other visitors and any posted signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families who enjoy a bit of adventure, the hiking trails offer a chance to explore nature. However, consider the age and stamina of your children when choosing between the ropeway and hiking. The views from the top are spectacular and can be a great educational opportunity about geology and nature. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities might be limited.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
While the ropeway provides access to the upper areas, the trails are where you can truly immerse yourself in the natural environment. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry water, as some sections might be uneven. The trails are a fantastic way to appreciate the scale and beauty of the gorge at your own pace.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the unique rock formations and the interplay of light and shadow within the gorge. The ropeway itself offers a unique vantage point for capturing the scale of the landscape. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast scenery and a telephoto lens for details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Kankakei Ropeway Experience
The ride connects a lower station to an upper station, allowing visitors to ascend the gorge without strenuous hiking. While the views are widely praised, some find the ticket price to be a bit steep for the duration of the ride. Visitors can choose to ride the ropeway one-way and hike down, or opt for a round trip. The stations themselves are functional, often featuring souvenir shops and eateries. The staff are noted for being helpful, even expediting ticket checks for those in a hurry.
For those seeking a more active engagement with the gorge, the ropeway provides access to the starting points of various hiking trails. This allows for a flexible experience, combining the ease of aerial views with the adventure of exploring on foot.
Hiking in Kankakei Gorge
These trails allow you to appreciate the natural rock formations and the dense foliage up close. While the ropeway offers convenience, hiking allows for a slower pace, enabling you to truly soak in the atmosphere of the gorge. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of Shodoshima without the cost of the ropeway.
When hiking, ensure you wear appropriate footwear and carry water, especially during warmer months. The trails can be uneven in places, so sturdy shoes are recommended. The hiking experience complements the ropeway journey, offering a well-rounded exploration of Kankakei Gorge.
Seasonal Beauty of Kankakei Gorge
+1In spring, the gorge bursts with fresh green foliage, offering a refreshing and lively atmosphere. The mild climate of Shodoshima, often referred to as the 'Mediterranean of Japan,' contributes to the lushness of the vegetation.
Even outside of peak seasons, the dramatic rock formations and the panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea provide a stunning backdrop.Whether you visit for the fiery autumn colors, the vibrant spring greens, or the serene beauty of other seasons, Kankakei Gorge promises a memorable experience. Planning your visit around these seasonal highlights can enhance your appreciation of its natural splendor.
+1
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