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Located in the heart of Shodoshima in Kagawa Prefecture, Kankakei Gorge is celebrated as one of Japan’s Three Most Beautiful Gorges. Its dramatic cliffs were formed about 13 million years ago through volcanic activity, and its allure lies in the vibrant seasonal colors that transform the scenery throughout the year.
I visited at the end of summer. From spectacular views overlooking the Seto Inland Sea to the brilliant green of the gorge, I enjoyed a striking contrast of landscapes, along with ropeway rides, scenic viewpoints, walking trails, and exclusive gourmet experiences available only here.
This article shares a full day spent exploring Kankakei Gorge, capturing the atmosphere and scenery through words, photos, and videos. I hope it serves as a helpful reference for those planning a visit.
If you want to know more about the highlights of Kankakei Gorge, see below:
Read more about Highlights of Kankakei Gorge
For detailed information on how to access Kankakei Gorge, see below:
Read more about How to Get to Kankakei Gorge
🕛 9:10 am
I arrived at Kōun Station (Kōuntei), the base station of the ropeway.
Climbing the stairs, I headed toward the ropeway boarding area at Kōun Station.
The station building at Kōun Station has a nostalgic, historic charm.
In front of the station is an open square with benches and a smoking area.
I bought the ropeway ticket at the counter.
🕛 9:20 am
With ticket in hand, I proceeded to the boarding area.
Instead of stairs, a sloped walkway leads to the platform.
At the top of the slope was the ticket gate.
By now I had climbed the equivalent of three floors, with the parking lot far below.
Finally, I reached the ropeway platform.
The gondolas are large and spacious inside.
🕛 9:24 am
The departure time came, and the gondola began its ascent toward the summit station.
The views of Kankakei Gorge from the ropeway were beyond what I had imagined.
As we rose deeper into the gorge, sheer rock cliffs and vivid green forests created a stunning landscape.
When I visited in late August, the vibrant green foliage contrasted beautifully with the rock cliffs. In autumn, this would be red and gold leaves; in spring, cherry blossoms—another reason Kankakei remains a favorite spot year-round.
We continued into the gorge, passing through mist. At moments, sunlight broke dramatically through gaps in the clouds.
The summit side is equally sheer and dramatic.
View toward the summit:
From higher up, I could see the Seto Inland Sea and the town around Tonoshō Port to the left.
The sheer scale is overwhelming.
In exactly five minutes, I arrived at the summit station.
You can also enjoy the ropeway ascent in the video below.
At the summit station, you’ll find an information booth, exhibitions, and vending machines.
There were posters from films and TV shows filmed in Kankakei.
Here’s a map of the Kankakei area.
If you take the hiking route, this would be the path. I plan to try it later.
When you step outside the summit station, a main street connects to restaurants, souvenir shops, parking areas, and various viewpoints.
First, let’s head to the First Observatory.
In the center is a guide plate showing the bays, mountains, and islands visible from here.
From the First Observatory, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea and Tonoshō Port area. The open space offers a wonderful panorama.
Being right by the sea makes the sense of openness exceptional.
Next, I headed to the Second Observatory.
From here, you get a full view of Kankakei’s unique rock formations.
On clear days it’s refreshing, but when mist rolls in, the view becomes even more mystical.
At the Second Observatory, you can try kawara tile throwing. While this activity is available at some Japanese tourist spots, the challenge level here is exceptionally high.
The hoop is set precariously on a cliff edge, making it hard to imagine how it was installed. The idea is to throw the tile through the hoop for good luck, but this is probably one of the toughest tile throws I’ve seen.
🕛 10:25 am
There’s a Takatori Observatory along the Kankakei hiking trail, so I decided to visit. The Omote Shinkake Twelve Scenic Points Trail is essentially a mountain path.
The trail isn’t too steep and is enjoyable if you’re not out of shape. It’s unpaved, so sneakers are recommended.
At a fork, I took the left path uphill.
Only 90 meters to go.
Climbing through the fresh greenery felt invigorating.
🕛 10:35 am
I arrived at Takatori Observatory. The space is open with great views.
To the left, I could see the Second Observatory I had just visited.
From here, I could spot the kawara throwing hoop—it’s still amazing how it was installed.
The cliff edge here is steep, so be careful.
🕛 10:39 am
Continuing past Takatori Observatory along the trail, I reached the spectacular art installation called Sora no Tama (Sky Sphere).
🕛 10:41 am
Just 2–3 minutes from Takatori Observatory, I arrived at Sora no Tama.
The setting is mystical, blending perfectly with the artwork.
From inside Sora no Tama, the gorge’s rock formations dominate the view—absolutely spectacular.
You can also enjoy the mountain beauty of Kankakei in this video.
Kankakei has a dining spot called the Ekimae Food Court.
The limited-edition Kankakei menu here includes the “Olive Beef Croquette Burger” and the “Olive Pork Burger.”
A ticket vending machine is located beside the shop—purchase your meal ticket here.
I went for the Olive Pork Burger.
The pork was sweet and flavorful—delicious.
Kankakei also has an eat-in space where you can enjoy your purchase outdoors.
After fully enjoying Kankakei, it was time for souvenirs.
The summit souvenir shop has an extensive selection.
On the second floor of the souvenir shop is Restaurant Kaede. With its scenic views, it’s a great place for a meal.
Next to the summit station is a designated smoking area.
The rights of smokers are well respected here—Kankakei offers a welcoming environment for everyone.
The summit parking lot is very spacious. The station and shops are right in front, making the location excellent.
I spent about two hours at the summit. Including the ropeway ride to and from Kōun Station, my total stay was just under three hours.
There was so much to enjoy, with countless attractions.
If you don’t have that much time, skipping Takatori Observatory and Sora no Tama could shorten your visit to around one hour.
On the way back down, the ropeway offered views different from the ascent—Kankakei is full of scenic surprises.
Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, and snow in winter—
No matter the season, Kankakei impresses with its beauty and grandeur. I highly recommend a visit.
For more on the highlights and details of Kankakei, check out this article:
For bus, car, ropeway, and other access information to Kankakei, see here:
