SHODOSHIMA: KANKAKEI GORGE, ONE OF THE BEST GORGES IN JAPAN

Kankakei Gorge is located in the center of Shodoshima, at the heart of the Setouchi National Park. It is a valley between Mt. Hoshigajo (the highest peak on the island）and Shihozashi. The view with the strange-shaped rocks is a product of nature: rocks such as andesite and agglomerate were formed by volcanic activities about 13 million years ago, and were transformed slowly into theirpresent shapes by erosion and crustal deformation.

The gorge, which is full of variety, is counted among the three most beautiful in Japan, and is one of the most scenic areas of Shodoshima. It shows different faces and colors as the season changes – fresh green in the early summer, deeper green in the height of summer, and scarlet as the autumn deepens into a more monotonous winter. From the peak of the mountain, you can see the Seto Inland Sea through the valley – a view unlike anything else on earth. You can reach the peak by car, take a ropeway, or walk along the hiking route from the last bus stop.

This is the only ropeway in Japan where you can see the sky, the sea, and the valley below, all at the same time. The deep valley is full of the color of each season, with strange-shaped rocks in the near distance.

[Address] 1607 Yasuda-Ko Shodoshima-cho Shozu-gun, Kagawa
[Fare] Adult 1,350 yen Child 680 yen
[Hours] 8:30 - 17:00 (October 21 - November 30 from 8:00, December 21 - March 20 till 16:30)

The whole gorge can be surveyed from the two viewing platforms near the ropeway stations. On sunny days, you can see Uchinomi Bay and the Inland Sea, as well as the mountains of Shikoku beyond them.

There are three hiking routes around Kankakei: a moderate route that connects “omote 12 kei (12 significant views),” another route that connects “ura 8 kei,”(8 significant views) and a climbing route to the top of Mt. Hoshigajo. The routes are about 2 km one way, and walking them is a good way to observe the rocks and wild plants around them.

[Address] 168 Kankakedori Shodoshima-cho Shozu-gun, Kagawa
[Access] Fifteen minutes by bus from Kusakabe Port towards Kountei (紅雲亭): get off at the last stop (60 minutes by bus from Tonosho Port; change buses at Kusakabe port).