Kankakei Ropeway, Aerial tramway in Shōdoshima, Japan
The Kankakei Ropeway carries visitors across a 917-meter span above the gorge, climbing 312 meters in elevation while revealing views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands. Two cabins, each holding up to 40 passengers, make the five-minute journey throughout the day.
The ropeway opened in 1963 and connected the lower regions of the island to the higher areas of the gorge for the first time. This link transformed how people accessed and experienced the upper landscape.
The ropeway attracts visitors seeking moments of quiet reflection, especially during seasons when the foliage transforms the gorge into a changing canvas. People pause at both stations to take in the shift from one season to the next.
Visit on clearer days when visibility of the sea and islands is best and the ride feels more open and pleasant. Weather can change quickly, so it helps to plan your visit when forecasts show stable conditions.
The route passes through rock formations shaped by geological forces over millions of years, revealing layers and patterns that tell the story of how the gorge was carved. From the cable, these stone walls appear in full detail, showing the natural artistry of erosion and time.
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