Stress-Free for First-Timers! How to Get to Kankakei Gorge
Kankakei Gorge, showcasing stunning scenery in every season, is one of the highlights of visiting Shodoshima.
However, figuring out how to get there from the ports and deciding on the best mode of transport can be surprisingly tricky, often leaving first-time visitors unsure.
This guide clearly outlines how to reach Kankakei Gorge from the ports and other key spots, detailing the features and travel times of each option.
Location and Overview of Access to Kankakei Gorge
Kankakei Gorge is located in the central part of Shodoshima. The base and summit are connected by a ropeway, and there are also well-maintained roads and hiking trails.
The main ways to access the gorge are:
- Ropeway: From Kōuntei Station at the base to the summit station—ideal for scenic views.
- Car or Motorbike: Direct access to the summit parking area—great for flexibility.
- On Foot (Hiking): Via hiking trails—more for trekking enthusiasts than general sightseeing.
From Shodoshima’s three main ports, here are the approximate travel times to Kankakei Gorge using public transport and the ropeway:
| Departure Port | Travel Time | Car/Motorbike | On Foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonosho Port | Approx. 60 min (bus 50 min + ropeway 5 min) | Approx. 40 min | - |
| Ikeda Port | Approx. 40 min (bus 30 min + ropeway 5 min) | Approx. 25 min | - |
| Kusakabe Port | Approx. 20 min (bus 15 min + ropeway 5 min) | Approx. 10 min | Approx. 1 hr 30 min |
Scenic Airborne Access: Reaching Kankakei Gorge by Ropeway
The Kankakei Ropeway connects Kōuntei Station at the base to the summit station in about 5 minutes. It offers an up-close experience of the gorge’s seasonal beauty from above.
The ropeway operates every 12 minutes, increasing to every 6 minutes during peak times. Frequent departures mean you don’t have to plan around specific departure times.
| Season | Hours | First Departure | Last Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/21–10/20 | 8:30 am–5:00 pm | 8:36 am | 5:00 pm |
| 10/21–11/30 | 8:00 am–5:00 pm | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
| 12/01–12/20 | 8:30 am–5:00 pm | 8:36 am | 5:00 pm |
| 12/21–03/20 | 8:30 am–4:30 pm | 8:36 am | 4:30 pm |
How to Get to Kōuntei Station
You can reach Kōuntei Station—the ropeway’s departure point—by car, motorbike, bus, or even on foot.
By Car or Motorbike
Kōuntei Station has its own parking area, allowing direct access.
From Tonosho Port, it’s about 30 minutes; from Ikeda Port, about 25 minutes; and from Kusakabe Port, around 10 minutes.
The parking area is next to the station building, so you can head straight to the ropeway boarding area.
By Bus
From Tonosho Port, take the Shodoshima Olive Bus. Transfer at the Kusakabe Port bus stop to the Kankakei Express Line. The Sakate Line and Kankakei Express Line stops are located in nearly the same spot. Ride these two segments in sequence for a smooth trip to Kōuntei Station.
| Section | Route | Travel Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ① Tonosho Port → Kusakabe Port | Sakate Line (bound for Sakate Higashi) | Approx. 32 min | Get off at Kusakabe Port and transfer to Kankakei Express Line |
| ② Kusakabe Port → Kōuntei Station (final stop) | Kankakei Express Line (bound for Kōuntei) | Approx. 15 min | Board the ropeway at Kōuntei Station |
The Kankakei Express Line also stops at Ikeda Port Terminal, Shodoshima Furusato Village, and Olive Park Entrance.
If departing from Olive Park, board at “Olive Park Entrance” for the shortest route.
- Sakate Line (Tonosho Port to Sakate Higashi) Timetable [PDF]
- Kankakei Express Line (Ikeda Port Terminal ⇔ Kōuntei) Timetable [PDF]
On Foot from Kusakabe Port to Kōuntei Station
Walking from Kusakabe Port to Kōuntei Station takes about 1 hour 30 minutes via the Uchinomi Dam route, which has steep uphill sections from the start.
While it’s physically possible, it’s not recommended for sightseeing—it’s a strenuous climb on paved roads rather than hiking trails. If walking, bring plenty of water, take breaks, and plan according to your departure time and the weather.
For Maximum Flexibility: Drive or Ride to the Summit
The summit has a large parking lot, making it accessible directly by car or motorbike.
Travel times: about 30 minutes from Tonosho Port, 40 minutes from Ikeda Port, and 30 minutes from Kusakabe Port.
The biggest advantage is being able to sightsee at your own pace, unaffected by ropeway schedules or weather.
Hiking to Kankakei Gorge
Kankakei has several hiking trails that offer close-up views of seasonal nature and the gorge’s rock formations.
Popular routes include the “Omote 12 Scenic Points Course” connecting the summit to the Kusakabe Port side, and the “Ura 8 Scenic Points Course” leading toward Shihōzashi, each with its own scenery and difficulty level.
Depending on the route, hikes take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Steep and unpaved sections mean you’ll need hiking boots, trekking poles, warm clothing, and water.
For route details, check the official Kankakei website.
Kankakei Highlights | Enjoy Sightseeing, Scenic Views, and Art on Shodoshima via the Ropeway
This is best for travelers whose main goal is hiking. You’ll still need to reach Kōuntei Station by bus or car before starting the climb.
Comparing the Pros and Cons of Each Access Method
Each way of getting to Kankakei Gorge has its own advantages. Choose based on your travel goals and priorities.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ropeway | Spectacular aerial views of the gorge | Dependent on operating hours and weather |
| Car/Motorbike | Freedom to set your own departure time and route | Gorge views limited to those from the summit |
| On Foot/Hiking | Sense of achievement and scenic views along the way | Requires time and physical effort, less suited for general sightseeing |
For example, choose the ropeway if your priority is scenery, a car or motorbike if you value flexibility, and hiking if you want an active, immersive experience.
Recommended Access by Travel Style
The best way to get to Kankakei depends on your goals.
If scenery is your top priority, take the ropeway from Kōuntei Station to the summit. From the ropeway, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the gorge, especially striking during autumn foliage or fresh greenery.
If flexibility matters most, drive or ride directly to the summit parking lot. You won’t be limited by ropeway hours or weather, making it easier to plan your trip.
If renting a car, another popular option is to drive to Kōuntei Station and take the ropeway from there to the summit—combining efficiency and scenery.
If hiking is the goal, choose one of the maintained trails for a rewarding walk through nature’s seasonal changes.
Choosing the Best Route to Kankakei for Your Trip
Kankakei Gorge is a must-visit scenic spot on Shodoshima. Centrally located, it’s accessible by rental car or public transport. The way you travel shapes the views and experiences you’ll have.
Whether it’s the ropeway’s panoramic aerial views, the exhilarating drive to the summit, or the immersive connection to nature on a hike, each approach reveals a different side of Kankakei’s beauty.
Choose the route that matches your goals and the season, and fully enjoy Shodoshima’s grand natural landscapes.
