Kankakei (Ropeway)

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Kankakei (Ropeway)

Unforgettable views of sky, sea, and the gorge below from way up high! A hiker’s delight!

3.44 12

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Kankakei is a gorge in Kagawa Prefecture’s Shodo Island. It is located in the heart of Setonaikai National Park.
The valley of Kankakei was formed over thousands of years as volcanic andesite and agglomerate were thrust upward via shifting of the earth’s mantle and eroded by rain and wind, creating a spectacular scene of sheer cliffs and rock formations.
It has been recognized as one of the Three Great Valleys of Beauty in Japan, one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan, as well as one of the “100 Natural Heritage Sites in Japan of the 21st Century.”

A ropeway runs across the valley, from which visitors can see the beautiful surrounding scenery, like the Seto Inland Sea, greenery of the surrounding mountains, and autumn leaves. The ropeway grants an amazing view that can encompass the sky, sea, and valley in one sweep.
The ropeway connects Kouun Station and the Summit Station, and runs every 12 minutes. (Boarding time 5 minutes)

There is also a hiking trail that leads up to the Summit Station, so it is recommended to take the ropeway up to the summit and then use the trail to descend. Of course, depending on your stamina and fitness you can also take the ropeway or trail both ways.
There are also restaurants, rest stops, shops, observation decks, and other facilities near the Summit Station.

Highlights

  • It has been recognized as one of the Three Great Valleys of Beauty in Japan, one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan, as well as one of the “100 Natural Heritage Sites in Japan of the 21st Century.”
  • The ropeway grants an amazing view that can encompass the sky, sea, and valley in one sweep.
  • There is also a hiking trail that leads up to the Summit Station.
  • With cherryblossoms in spring, verdant summers, brightly colored autumn and the snowy winter, there are four different ways to enjoy this view all year.
  • At the Summit Station guests are greeted with restaurants and souvenir shops.

Photos

  • View from the observation deck

    View from the observation deck

  • View from the observation deck

    View from the observation deck

  • The ropeway

    The ropeway

  • Observation deck

    Observation deck

  • Observation deck

    Observation deck

  • Matsutake Rock

    Matsutake Rock

Reviews

12

Some reviews are AI-translated.

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    If you come to Shodoshima, the Kankakei Ropeway is definitely worth riding! As the cable car slowly rises, the blue sky, sea, gorge, and forest gradually unfold before you. The view is incredibly expansive, so it’s no wonder this is considered one of Shodoshima’s most iconic sights.

    The shop by the ropeway is also fun to browse, with all kinds of souvenirs and hot food. There are seats nearby where you can sit down and take your time eating. The most relaxing part was meeting an adorable cat leisurely sunbathing, like the little master of the mountain.

    At the ticket counter, I also found a stamp booklet for the “Slowpoke’s Kagawa Journey.” I couldn’t resist picking one up and collecting the special stamps. It suddenly gave me a little mission during the trip, which was surprisingly fun.

    But my favorite place was the Takanashi Observatory at the summit! Even during the changing of the seasons, the Seto Inland Sea was so vast that it instantly lifted my spirits. Feeling the mountain breeze while looking out at the ocean really made me think, “I’m so glad I came.”

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    You can take the ropeway up or drive, and each way has a different feel. But the views from the ropeway are really nice.

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    Kankakei in the fall is absolutely beautiful. Riding the ropeway and taking in the colors of autumn, you really can’t help but admire nature’s incredible craftsmanship. It felt like I was in an art museum created by nature.

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    The ropeway is convenient and fast. You get to enjoy the spectacular cliffs and rock formations along the way. If you visit in autumn, the mountains covered in red leaves must be beautiful.

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    Taking the ropeway gives you stunning views of the mountains, sea, and sky from above. It's really beautiful!

Details

Name in Japanese
寒霞渓
Postal Code
761-4433
Address
327-1 Kankakedori, Shodoshima-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa Prefecture
Tel
0879-82-0904
Business Hours
March 21st through October 20th 8:30 - 17:00. October 21st through November 30th 8:00 - 17:00. December 1st through December 20th 8:30 - 17:00. December 21st through March 20th 8:30 - 16:30.
※Ropeway departs in 12-minute intervals
Closed
No regular closures. Check the official website before visiting.
Ropeway Fee
[ Round Trip ] Adults 2,340 yen, Children 1,170 yen
[ One Way ] Adults 1,300 yen, Children 650 yen
※ Fares May Vary Depending On The Period.
Access
15 minutes by bus from Kusakabe Port towards Kountei (get off at the last stop)
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa