How to Reach Kankakei Gorge by Public Transportation
Kankakei Gorge, one of Shodoshima Island’s most breathtaking scenic spots, draws countless visitors each year with its grandeur and dramatic landscapes.
To reach Kankakei Gorge using public transportation, you’ll need to take the ropeway, but the main way to get there is by bus.
In this article, we’ll explain how to get to the ropeway station via the free shuttle bus and town-operated buses.
Basics of Getting to Kankakei Gorge by Public Transport
If you’re traveling to Kankakei Gorge by public transportation, you’ll first take a bus to Kusakabe Port, then transfer to another bus that goes to the ropeway station.
The free shuttle bus and other services introduced here operate on the section between Kusakabe Port and the ropeway station.
Free Shuttle Bus
Since April 2025, a limited-period free shuttle bus has been running from Kusakabe Port to the Kankakei Ropeway lower station “Kōun-tei.”
Although the service period is limited, the free shuttle bus operates mainly during peak seasons and events like the Setouchi Triennale, covering approximately 230 days a year (out of 365).
| Period | Service Days | Status |
|---|---|---|
| March 20–May 25 | Daily | In Service |
| May 26–July 31 | Sat, Sun & Holidays Only | Weekend Service |
| August 1–August 31 | Daily | In Service |
| September 1–October 31 | Sat, Sun & Holidays Only | Weekend Service |
| November 1–December 1 | Daily | In Service |
| December 2–December 10 | Sat, Sun & Holidays Only | Weekend Service |
| December 11–March 19 | No Service | No Service |
Free Shuttle Bus Timetable
Here is the detailed timetable for the free shuttle bus. There are about 1–2 departures per hour in both directions.
| Trip | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dep. Kusakabe Port | 9:50 am | 10:30 am | 11:10 am | 11:50 am | 12:30 pm | 2:10 pm | 2:50 pm | 3:30 pm |
| Arr. Kōun - tei | 10:01 am | 10:41 am | 11:21 am | 12:01 pm | 12:41 pm | 2:21 pm | 3:01 pm | 3:41 pm |
| Trip | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dep. Kōun - tei | 10:10 am | 10:50 am | 11:30 am | 12:10 pm | 12:50 pm | 2:30 pm | 3:10 pm | 4:00 pm |
| Arr. Kusakabe Port | 10:21 am | 11:01 am | 11:41 am | 12:21 pm | 1:01 pm | 2:41 pm | 3:21 pm | 4:11 pm |
This information is current as of August 2025. For details and the latest updates, please check the Kankakei - bound Route Buses / Shodoshima Town.
No Transfers Needed! Use the Kankakei Express Line in Autumn
From November 21 to November 30, the Kankakei Express Line operates for 10 days.
This paid route runs from Ikeda Port directly to the ropeway station. You can board from Ikeda Port, Furusato Village, or Olive Park without having to transfer.
| Stop | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Community Center | 8:40 am | 10:20 am | 11:55 am | 2:20 pm |
| Kankakei Street | 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 |
| Kōun - tei | 8:50 am | 10:30 am | 12:05 pm | 2:30 pm |
| Stop | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kōun - 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 |
| Kankakei Street | 9:18 am | 10:58 am | 1:08 pm | 2:58 pm |
| Community Center | 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 reach Kusakabe Port via the Shodoshima Olive Bus. The following three routes stop at Kusakabe Port:
- Sakate Line
- South Loop Fukuda Line
- Tanoura Eigamura Line
For timetables and bus stop lists, visit the Shodoshima Olive Bus Official Website.
Also, from Sakate Port—where the Jumbo Ferry arrives—there is a free shuttle bus to Kusakabe Port for passengers arriving on the ferry at 11:35 am only.
Service period: July 1, 2025 – November 30, 2025
- Shodoshima – Kobe | Jumbo Ferry
- [7/1–] Free Connecting Bus from Sakate Terminal Starts | Jumbo Ferry
Enjoy the Journey to Kankakei Gorge by Public Transport
Kankakei Gorge on Shodoshima offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and its islands, making it a beloved spot for travelers. While it’s accessible by car, using public transportation allows you to enjoy the scenic views from the bus and ropeway on your way.
From the bus window, you can see Shodoshima’s rich nature and the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Even the travel time becomes a relaxing experience.
In November, during the autumn foliage season, the Kankakei Express Line offers direct access from Ikeda Port, making it easier to enjoy the autumn leaves. The free shuttle bus, running 230 days a year, is also an eco-friendly and economical choice, ideal for travelers seeking sustainable tourism.
Shodoshima’s tourism infrastructure continues to improve every year. Bus services are updated annually, becoming more and more convenient. With the 2025 updates covered in this article, accessing Kankakei Gorge is now easier than ever.
Make use of public transportation for smooth access, and fully enjoy the stunning natural beauty and majestic scenery of Kankakei Gorge.
