Kankakei Ropeway Ticket – Information & Experience Details

Overview

The Kankakei Ropeway Ticket offers access to a scenic 5-minute ride across Kankakei Gorge, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gorges, located in the heart of Shodoshima Island, Kagawa Prefecture. Priced at ¥2,110 for a round-trip ticket (10% discount, except November) or ¥3,000 for a 1-Day Pass (unlimited rides, April 1–September 30), the ropeway connects Koun Station (295m elevation) to Sancho Station (612m) over 735 meters, offering stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea, lush valleys, and seasonal scenery—cherry blossoms (mid–late April), greenery (late April–early May), and autumn leaves (November). The gondola (40-person capacity) departs every 6–12 minutes. The summit features observation decks, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and hiking trails (2–3 km, 45–60 min). Free for children under 6 (one per paying adult). Operating hours vary seasonally: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (March 21–October 20, December 1–20), 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (October 21–November 30), 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (December 21–March 20). Closed January 14–February 6, 2026, for maintenance. A 15-minute drive from Kusakabe Port or 30-minute bus from Ikeda Port (seasonal), it’s accessible via ferry from Takamatsu or Okayama. Bookable from September 1, 2025 (September 2 for round-trip), with e-ticket QR code redemption at Koun or Sancho Station. Reviews praise the breathtaking views and easy ticket exchange but note limited English instructions and seasonal bus schedules.

Why Visit

• Affordable Options: ¥2,110 round-trip (10% off, except November) or ¥3,000 1-Day Pass for unlimited rides.
• Spectacular Scenery: Panoramic views of Kankakei Gorge, Seto Inland Sea, and seasonal landscapes (cherry blossoms, greenery, autumn leaves).
• Family-Friendly: Free for kids under 6; short ride suitable for all ages.
• Cultural Significance: Part of Setonaikai National Park, showcasing volcanic rock formations from 13 million years ago.
• Convenient Booking: E-ticket with QR code; 10% discount for advance purchase.

Experience Details

• Location: Kankakei Ropeway, Koun Station, 327-1 Kamigake-dori Otsu, Shodoshima-cho, Shodo-gun, Kagawa 761-4433, Japan.
• Capacity: No strict limit, but peak seasons (April, November) see crowds; expect 10–20 min waits during cherry blossom (mid–late April) and autumn (November) seasons. Advance booking recommended.
• Access:
  • Public Transport:
    • Ferry to Shodoshima: From Takamatsu Port (60-min ferry, ¥700, or 35-min high-speed boat, ¥1,200) to Tonosho/Ikeda Port; from Okayama Port (70-min ferry, ¥1,050) to Tonosho; from Himeji Port (100-min ferry, ¥1,600) to Fukuda Port.
    • Bus: Shodoshima Olive Bus, Kankakei Express Line from Ikeda Port (30 min, ¥300, seasonal: mid-May to late July, September–October only weekends/holidays, no service mid-December to mid-March) or Kusakabe Port (15 min, ¥200) to Koun Station. Check https://www.shodoshima-olive-bus.com/.
    • Tram: None available; bus or car required.
  • Driving: 15-min drive from Kusakabe Port, 20-min from Obe Port, 30-min from Fukuda Port, or 40-min from Tonosho Port. Parking at Koun/Sancho Station (¥500/day, limited spaces).
  • Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4XyE4
• Contact: Kankakei Ropeway: +81-879-82-0904; https://www.kankakei.co.jp/
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible at stations with elevators; hiking trails not suitable for wheelchairs. Free entry for disability certificate holders + one companion (present certificate at counter, not online). Contact Jasumo Tickets for assistance.
• Hours:
  • March 21–October 20, December 1–20: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (first gondola 8:36 AM).
  • October 21–November 30: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (first gondola 8:00 AM).
  • December 21–March 20: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (first gondola 8:36 AM).
  • Closed: January 14–February 6, 2026 (equipment renovation).
  • Sales Period: Starts September 1, 2025 (September 2 for round-trip ticket).
  • Validity: Round-trip ticket for one-time use; 1-Day Pass for unlimited rides on selected date (April 1–September 30). No specific boarding time.
• Tickets (tax included):
  • Round-Trip Ticket (10% discount, except November):
    • Adult (Junior High+): ¥2,110; Child (Elementary): ¥1,055; Under 6: Free (one per adult).
  • 1-Day Pass (April 1–September 30):
    • Adult (Junior High+): ¥3,000; Child (Elementary): ¥1,500; Under 6: Free (one per adult).
  • Add-Ons: Bicycle fee (¥100 if folded/bagged, full fare if not).
  • Free for disability certificate holders + one companion (on-site purchase only).
• Note: Click Buy Now on this page for e-ticket (QR code scanned at Koun or Sancho Station). Book 1–7 days in advance for peak seasons (April, November). No priority boarding; expect queues during cherry blossom/autumn. English/Chinese pamphlets provided based on nationality; limited English-speaking staff. Masks recommended indoors. Check weather for fog/closures: https://www.kankakei.co.jp/.

Experience Highlights

• Key Attractions:
  • Kankakei Ropeway: 5-min ride over Kankakei Gorge with views of Seto Inland Sea, volcanic rock formations, and seasonal scenery (cherry blossoms mid–late April, greenery late April–early May, autumn leaves November).
  • Sancho Station (Summit): Observation decks with panoramic views of Shodoshima, Seto Inland Sea, and Mt. Hoshigajo (highest peak). Restaurant (¥800–¥2,000, udon, bento) and souvenir shop (¥500–¥3,000, local crafts).
  • Hiking Trails: Two trails (Western: 2 km, ~1 hr uphill/30–45 min downhill; Eastern: 3 km, steeper) through forest to Koun Station. Not wheelchair-accessible.
• Additional Features:
  • Photo Ops: Ropeway and summit views, especially during cherry blossoms (April) and autumn (November).
  • Seasonal Events: Cherry blossom festival (mid–late April), autumn leaf events (November).
• Duration: 1–2 hours for ropeway and summit; 3–4 hours with hiking. Combine with Olive Park or Choshikei Monkey Park for a full day.
• Features: Reviews highlight stunning views and easy ticket redemption but note Japanese-only onboard announcements and seasonal bus limitations.

Ticket Information

Pricing

• Official Prices (tax incl.):
  • Round-Trip (10% discount, except November):
    • Adult (Junior High+): ¥2,110; Child (Elementary): ¥1,055; Under 6: Free (one per adult).
  • 1-Day Pass (April 1–September 30):
    • Adult (Junior High+): ¥3,000; Child (Elementary): ¥1,500; Under 6: Free (one per adult).
  • Free for disability certificate holders + one companion (on-site only).
• Note: Non-refundable after use. Bicycle fee: ¥100 (folded) or full fare (unfolded). No change for purchases under point value.

Sales Period

• Starts September 1, 2025 (September 2 for round-trip); valid for one-time round-trip or unlimited rides (1-Day Pass, April 1–September 30).
• High demand in April (cherry blossoms) and November (autumn leaves); book 1–7 days in advance.

Purchase Channels

• Official: Click Buy Now on this page for e-ticket (QR code scanned at Koun/Sancho Station). Contact https://jasumotickets.com/contact/ for assistance.
• In-Person: Koun or Sancho Station ticket counter (¥2,350 round-trip, ¥3,300 1-Day Pass, subject to availability; ¥500 same-day fee).
• Need Assistance?: Contact Jasumo Tickets at https://jasumotickets.com/contact/ for bilingual support or group bookings.

Cancellation Policy

• Free cancellation 1 day prior (Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM JST). No refunds post-use or for weather closures (90-day rebooking validity).
• Full refund for facility closures; check https://www.kankakei.co.jp/. Processing: 2–5 business days.
• Non-transferable after activation.

Rules

• Venue: Indoor (gondola)/outdoor (summit/trails); suitable for all ages. Children under 6 need adult supervision.
• Prohibited Items: No food/drinks in gondola; restaurant available at summit. Lockers at Koun Station (¥300–¥500).
• Restrictions: One-time round-trip (¥2,110) or unlimited rides (¥3,000, April 1–September 30); no priority boarding. Bicycles: ¥100 (folded) or full fare (unfolded). No flash photography in gondola.
• Photography: Personal photos encouraged; no commercial photography without permission.
• Wheelchair Users: Stations accessible with elevators; trails not suitable. Free entry for disability certificate holders + companion (on-site purchase). Contact Jasumo Tickets.
• Note: Crowded in April/November; arrive by 8:30 AM (summer) or 8:00 AM (autumn). English/Chinese pamphlets; limited staff English. Masks recommended indoors. Check fog/closure updates: https://www.kankakei.co.jp/.

Note

Tickets (¥2,110–¥3,000) may sell out in April (cherry blossoms) and November (autumn leaves); book early via Buy Now on this page. Plan 1–4 hours; prioritize morning for clearer views or November for autumn colors. Bring passport/QR backup. Dress comfortably (summit 5–10°C cooler); hiking shoes for trails. Combine with Olive Park (20-min drive) or Angel Road (30-min drive). Check https://x.com/kankakei_ropeway for updates.

Inquiries

• Contact: Jasumo Tickets: https://jasumotickets.com/contact/
• Venue: Kankakei Ropeway: +81-879-82-0904; https://www.kankakei.co.jp/
• Support: Jasumo Tickets or ticket counter for bookings/accessibility.

Precautions

• Arrival: Arrive by 8:30 AM (summer) or 8:00 AM (autumn); scan QR code at Koun/Sancho Station.
• Accessibility: Stations wheelchair-friendly; trails not accessible. Contact Jasumo Tickets.
• Weather: Fog or wind may obscure views or close ropeway; check https://www.kankakei.co.jp/. Bring umbrella.
• Bring Passport/QR Backup: Required for ticket redemption.
• Luggage: Use lockers (¥300–¥500); travel light.
• Crowds: Avoid weekends/April/November; expect 10–20 min waits for gondola.
• Temperature: Summit chilly (5–10°C cooler); wear layers.

Additional Information

• Background: Kankakei Gorge, formed 13 million years ago by volcanic activity, is a highlight of Setonaikai National Park, attracting ~150,000 visitors annually.
• Experience: Scenic ropeway ride with seasonal views; hiking trails for adventurers. English/Chinese pamphlets provided.
• Travel Tips:
  • Transportation: Ferry from Takamatsu (¥700–¥1,200, 35–60 min) or Okayama (¥1,050, 70 min). Shodoshima Olive Bus to Koun Station (¥200–¥300, seasonal). https://www.shodoshima-olive-bus.com/
  • Accommodation: Shodoshima hotels (¥10,000–¥25,000, e.g., Bay Resort Hotel Shodoshima) or guesthouses (¥5,000–¥10,000).
  • Dining: Sancho Station restaurant (¥800–¥2,000); nearby Olive Park cafés (¥800–¥1,500, Mediterranean).
  • Etiquette: Queue politely; no eating in gondola.
  • Weather: Spring (15–20°C, cherry blossoms), summer (25–30°C, greenery), autumn (15–20°C, leaves), winter (5–10°C). Fog may obscure views.
• Merchandise: Souvenirs like olive-themed crafts (¥500–¥3,000) at summit shop.
• Health/Safety: Masks recommended; follow guidelines. First aid at stations.

Disclaimer

Jasumo Tickets provides a facilitation service specifically designed for foreign tourists and non-Japanese residents visiting Japan, assisting them in securing tickets for attractions such as the Kankakei Ropeway. Our role is to guide international visitors through the official booking process, ensuring a seamless and accessible experience without directly selling or reselling tickets. As a Japan-based service with bilingual staff, we understand the unique challenges faced by non-Japanese visitors and work to overcome these obstacles, including:

• Language Barriers: Many ticketing systems in Japan are primarily in Japanese, which can be difficult for international visitors to navigate. Jasumo Tickets offers bilingual support in English and other languages to simplify the booking process and ensure clear communication.
• Access to Japanese Platforms: Some attraction ticketing platforms may require local knowledge or access methods unfamiliar to international visitors. We provide expert guidance to help users navigate these systems and secure their tickets through official channels.
• Limited Availability and Complex Booking Processes: The Kankakei Ropeway is highly popular, particularly during peak seasons such as April (cherry blossoms) and November (autumn leaves), when demand for tickets spikes. Understanding the timing, restrictions, and requirements for securing tickets can be challenging. Jasumo Tickets assists by providing clear instructions and timely support to maximize your chances of obtaining entry.
• Due to the high popularity of the Kankakei Ropeway, particularly during peak seasons, ticket availability is not guaranteed.
• Refunds will only be issued in cases where tickets cannot be secured through official channels or if the ropeway cancels operations (e.g., due to maintenance or severe weather). No refunds are provided for weather-related view obstructions (e.g., fog) or unused tickets. To ensure your visit, we strongly recommend booking early by clicking Buy Now on this page to secure your Kankakei Ropeway Ticket at the official prices (¥2,110–¥3,000). Our team is committed to making your experience in Shodoshima enjoyable and hassle-free, providing support for any questions or special requirements you may have.

Booking with Jasumo Tickets

• How: Click Buy Now on this page for e-ticket; redeem at Koun or Sancho Station. Contact https://jasumotickets.com/contact/ for assistance.
• Benefits: Bilingual support, group bookings, peak season assistance.
• Note: Book early for April/November. Prices: ¥2,110 (round-trip), ¥3,000 (1-Day Pass).

Our Partners

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Reviews

• “Very convenient… promotional introduction in my language… scenery is very beautiful, round-trip ticket worthwhile.”
• “Convenient and fast to buy… show voucher at counter to exchange for ticket.”
• “Instructions on the ship are in Japanese, but the views are worth it.”