Kankakei Gorge Autumn Leaves 2026
Last updated: July 28, 2026. Typical viewing times and details below are compiled from official park, temple, city and tourism-association websites (linked at the end of this page). The dates of annual night light-ups are set each year — check the official site before you travel.
One of Japan's three great gorges, Kankakei's carved cliffs are coloured by over 50 kinds of trees, best seen from the ropeway that is the only one in Japan to overlook sky, sea and gorge at once.
Key Facts
| Typical peak | Early to late November |
|---|---|
| Best months | November |
| Location | Shodoshima, Kagawa |
| Nearest station | No rail service; nearest ferry gateway is Ikeda Port on Shodoshima (about 25 minutes by car to the ropeway base station) |
| Admission | The ropeway is paid: in the November peak (Period B) a round trip is 2,700 yen for adults and 1,350 yen for children, with cheaper fares in other seasons; the summit can alternatively be reached by road. |
| Night light-up | No autumn night light-up |
| Official site | https://www.kankakei.co.jp/ |
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Highlights
- A 5-minute ropeway ride over cliffs blazing with red and gold foliage
- Views taking in the gorge, the Seto Inland Sea and the sky at the same time
- A long viewing window as colour descends from the summit to the foot of the gorge
Where to See the Autumn Leaves
Kankakei Ropeway (Paid)
A 40-person gondola that climbs the gorge in about 5 minutes over the most vivid autumn cliffs, running at roughly 12-minute intervals.
Board at Kountei base station, about 25 minutes by car from Ikeda Port on Shodoshima; a round trip in November costs 2,700 yen for adults.
Summit lookout (Shihoushi / Daikanpo area) (Free)
Viewpoints at the top of the gorge overlooking the colours, the Seto Inland Sea and, at Shihoushi Daikanpo, a 777 m summit panorama.
At the ropeway summit station, also reachable by car via the mountain skyline road.
Getting There
Reach Shodoshima by ferry (for example to Ikeda Port), then it is about 25 minutes by car or bus from Ikeda Port to the Kountei base station of the Kankakei Ropeway; the summit is also accessible by car via the skyline roads (about 40 minutes from island ports).
Crowd & Timing Tips
- Because of the elevation difference, colour lasts a long time from the summit downward, so timing is flexible across November.
- The November peak brings the highest ropeway fares and extra 6-minute-interval service for crowds, so allow time for queues at the base station.
About Kankakei Gorge
Kankakei is a symbol of the Setonaikai National Park and is counted among Japan's three most beautiful gorges.
See more autumn-leaf spots: Shikoku Autumn Leaves 2026 · Japan Autumn Leaves Guide 2026