How to Reach Kankakei Gorge by Public Transportation
Kankakei Gorge is the most spectacular scenic spot on Shodoshima Island. Its majestic and powerful landscapes attract many visitors every year, making it a popular tourist destination.
To access Kankakei Gorge by public transportation, you’ll take a ropeway, but the main method to get there is by bus.
This article introduces how to access the ropeway station using the free shuttle bus and municipal buses.
Basics of Getting to Kankakei by Public Transportation
To reach Kankakei Gorge by public transportation, you need to take a bus to Kusakabe Port, then transfer to another bus heading to the ropeway station.
The free shuttle bus and other services introduced here operate between Kusakabe Port and the ropeway station.
Free Shuttle Bus
Since April 2025, a free shuttle bus has been operating for limited periods from Kusakabe Port to Koun-tei, the base station of Kankakei Ropeway.
While the operating period is limited, the free shuttle bus runs during peak seasons and the Setouchi Triennale art festival when many visitors come.
| Period | Operating Days | Status |
|---|---|---|
| April 1 - May 25 | Daily | Operating |
| May 26 - July 31 | Sat, Sun, Holidays only | Weekend Service |
| August 1 - January 13 | Daily | Operating |
| January 14 - February 6 | Suspended | Suspended |
| February 7 - March 31 | Daily | Operating |
*From December 29 to January 3, the service is operated by Shodoshima Sogo Kaihatsu Co., Ltd. (TEL 0879-82-2151).
Free Shuttle Bus Timetable
The detailed schedule for the free shuttle bus is shown below. There are 1-2 departures per hour for both outbound and return trips.
| Trip | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kusakabe Port Dep. | 9:50 am | 10:30 am | 11:10 am | 12:10 pm | 12:50 pm | 2:10 pm | 2:50 pm | 3:40 pm |
| Koun - tei Arr. | 10:01 am | 10:41 am | 11:21 am | 12:21 pm | 1:01 pm | 2:21 pm | 3:01 pm | 3:51 pm |
| Trip | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koun - tei Dep. | 10:10 am | 10:50 am | 11:30 am | 12:30 pm | 1:10 pm | 2:30 pm | 3:20 pm | 4:00 pm |
| Kusakabe Port Arr. | 10:21 am | 11:01 am | 11:41 am | 12:41 pm | 1:21 pm | 2:41 pm | 3:31 pm | 4:11 pm |
This information is current as of January 2026. For the latest details, please check Route Bus to Kankakei / Shodoshima Town.
No Transfer Needed! Kankakei Express Line in Autumn
From November 21 to November 30 (10 days), the Kankakei Express Line operates.
This route runs from Ikeda Port to the ropeway station. Although it requires a fare, you can travel from Ikeda Port, Furusato Village, or Olive Park directly to the ropeway station without transferring.
| Stop | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ikeda Port Terminal | 8:20 am | 10:00 am | 11:35 am | 2:00 pm |
| Shodoshima Furusato Village | 8:26 am | 10:06 am | 11:41 am | 2:06 pm |
| Olive Park Entrance | 8:33 am | 10:13 am | 11:48 am | 2:13 pm |
| Kusakabe Port | 8:38 am | 10:18 am | 11:53 am | 2:18 pm |
| Kusakabe Honmachi | 8:39 am | 10:19 am | 11:54 am | 2:19 pm |
| Kominkan - mae | 8:40 am | 10:20 am | 11:55 am | 2:20 pm |
| Kankake - dori | 8:42 am | 10:22 am | 11:57 am | 2:22 pm |
| Uchiumi Dam | 8:43 am | 10:23 am | 11:58 am | 2:23 pm |
| Inotani | 8:48 am | 10:28 am | 12:03 pm | 2:28 pm |
| Koun - tei | 8:50 am | 10:30 am | 12:05 pm | 2:30 pm |
| Stop | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koun - tei | 9:10 am | 10:50 am | 1:00 pm | 2:50 pm |
| Inotani | 9:12 am | 10:52 am | 1:02 pm | 2:52 pm |
| Uchiumi Dam | 9:17 am | 10:57 am | 1:07 pm | 2:57 pm |
| Kankake - dori | 9:18 am | 10:58 am | 1:08 pm | 2:58 pm |
| Kominkan - mae | 9:20 am | 11:00 am | 1:10 pm | 3:00 pm |
| Kusakabe Honmachi | 9:21 am | 11:01 am | 1:11 pm | 3:01 pm |
| Kusakabe Port | 9:22 am | 11:02 am | 1:12 pm | 3:02 pm |
| Olive Park Entrance | 9:27 am | 11:07 am | 1:17 pm | 3:07 pm |
| Shodoshima Furusato Village | 9:34 am | 11:14 am | 1:24 pm | 3:14 pm |
| Ikeda Port Terminal | 9:40 am | 11:20 am | 1:30 pm | 3:20 pm |
Bus Access to Kusakabe Port
You can access Kusakabe Port using the Shodoshima Olive Bus. Three routes stop at Kusakabe Port:
- Sakate Line
- Minami-mawari Fukuda Line
- Tanoura Eigamura Line
Check the Shodoshima Olive Bus Official Website for timetables and bus stop information for each route.
Additionally, a free shuttle bus operates from Sakate Port (where Jumbo Ferry arrives) to Kusakabe Port, limited to the ferry arriving at 11:35 am.
Operating period: Around July to November annually (varies by year)
Enjoy the Journey to Kankakei by Public Transportation
Kankakei Gorge on Shodoshima Island has been beloved by many travelers as a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea. While accessible by car, using public transportation allows you to enjoy the stunning scenery from the bus and ropeway as you travel.
From the bus windows on Shodoshima, you can see the island’s rich nature and the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Even the time spent swaying on the bus toward your destination becomes a healing experience—that’s the charm of Shodoshima.
In November during autumn foliage season, you can access Kankakei directly from Ikeda Port via the Kankakei Express Line without transferring, making it even more convenient to enjoy autumn leaf viewing at Kankakei. The free shuttle bus is also recommended for those who want to practice sustainable tourism as an environmentally friendly and economical choice.
Shodoshima’s tourism infrastructure continues to evolve every year. Bus services are updated annually, becoming more and more convenient. Access to Kankakei has also improved with the development of the free shuttle bus and Kankakei Express Line.
Make the most of public transportation for smooth access, and fully enjoy the beautiful nature of Shodoshima and the magnificent scenery of Kankakei Gorge.
