Kankakei

Located near the center of Shodoshima in Kagawa, Kankakei is a great gorge counted among Japan three most beautiful ravines. Rock thrust up by volcanic activity some 13 million years ago was eroded over long ages by wind and rain to form the steep yet beautiful gorge of today. Vertical cliffs and strange rocks carved out by the elements line the valley, and the scenery that changes with each season deeply soothes those who visit. The ropeway linking the foot of the mountain to the summit is a rare one that lets you take in sky, sea, and gorge all at once. Hiking trails known as the twelve front views and the eight rear views also let you feel the energy of nature with your whole body.

Highlights

• The power of strange rocks shaped over some 13 million years and the vertical cliffs that tower above
• The stunning view from the ropeway, which takes in sky, sea, and gorge at once, a sky walk of about five minutes
• The trail of the twelve front views, walkable in about an hour one way, a refreshing hike through the rocks
• A wealth of striking rock formations, including the power spot Matsutake Rock among the eight rear views
• From the summit a panorama opens over the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and on clear days you can see as far as the mainland of Shikoku

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings fresh green and summer deep green over the gorge, a scene full of vitality. Autumn is the finest season of all here, the time of colored leaves. In November the whole gorge turns red and gold, and the panorama of the leaves and the Seto Inland Sea seen from the ropeway is breathtaking. In winter the strange rocks cloaked in snow take on a dreamlike form, with a quiet charm. In some years the ropeway runs early in the morning at the peak of the leaves, or the gorge is lit up at night.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Shodoshima-cho, Shozu District, Kagawa Prefecture
• The foot and summit are linked by ropeway, a 40-person gondola that crosses above the gorge in about five minutes
• Reach Shodoshima by ferry from ports such as Takamatsu, and get around the island by local bus or rental car
• Walking the trail takes about an hour one way, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing
• The autumn leaf season is very crowded, so an early hour is recommended

Practical Travel Notes

• Ropeway fares are split into round trip and one way. As a guide, adults (junior high and up) pay about 2,340 yen round trip or 1,300 yen one way, and children (elementary school) about 1,170 yen round trip or 650 yen one way (fares can be revised, so check the official site)
• Operating hours are roughly from 8:30 to about 17:00, but they vary by season, such as during the autumn leaves
• Ferries to the island are limited in number, so it is reassuring to fix your round-trip times first and then plan how long to stay at the gorge
• There are parking areas at both the summit and the foot, but they fill easily in the leaf season, so consider using public transport
• The trail takes about an hour one way. A popular combination is to ride the ropeway up and walk down, enjoying the strange rocks up close
• The summit is cooler than the city and can be windy, so a layer you can throw on adds comfort

A Quick Tip

If you have the energy, take the ropeway up and walk the trail down so you can view the strange rocks up close on the descent. The autumn leaves are exceptional but crowded, so aim for a weekday or the morning to enjoy them at leisure. As this is an island trip, plan with special care for the time of the last ferry.

📚 Sources

The fares and operating hours of the Kankakei Ropeway and the Omote Junikei and Ura Hakkei trails can be checked in the official information of the Kankakei Ropeway, Shodoshima Town, and Kagawa Prefecture tourism guidance. Its history as one of Japan's three great gorge landscapes and the highlights of the unusual rock formations are also introduced on the on-site information boards. It is worth checking early-morning operation and illumination information during the autumn foliage season as well. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please confirm the latest details on official sources before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: About one to two hours for the ropeway round trip and a hilltop stroll; allow more if you walk the roughly one-hour trail one way.
• What to bring: For the trail, wear comfortable shoes and clothing. The summit is cooler and windier than town, so a jacket to layer is comfortable.
• Suggested route: Take the ropeway up, enjoy the panorama of the Seto Inland Sea islands, and walk down the Omote Junikei trail to see the rock formations up close, a popular combination.
• Island-trip note: Secure the last ferry time first, then plan how long to stay in the gorge.