A gorge of strange rock formations in the mountains of Shodoshima, and the island’s best-known spot for autumn leaves. From the ropeway, which takes in sky, sea and gorge all at once, you can see the colored rocky peaks.
Because of the difference in elevation, the colors move from the summit down to the foot of the mountain. Check the Kankakei Ropeway’s autumn leaves updates for the latest conditions
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Because of the difference in elevation at Kankakei, the colors spread from the summit down to the foot of the mountain, so you can enjoy the autumn leaves over a long period. From the ropeway you look down on the rocky gorge and the Seto Inland Sea at the same time.
Links Koun Station and Sancho Station, with views of sky, sea and gorge all at once
A viewpoint overlooking the gorge and the Seto Inland Sea
8:30–17:00 from December 1 to 20
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
March 21–October 31 and December 1–10 (Period A): adults round trip ¥2,340, one way ¥1,300
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
OctoberChugoku & Shikoku ・ Takamatsu, Naoshima & Shodoshima
Every year October 9–11 (mikoshi procession on the night of the 10th, return procession on the night of the 11th)
2026 (Reiwa 8): Oct 9 (Fri) – Oct 11 (Sun); mikoshi procession from 21:00 on the 10th
Botanical gardenChugoku & Shikoku ・ Takamatsu, Naoshima & Shodoshima
A feudal lord's garden in central Takamatsu, designated a national Special Place of Scenic Beauty. With 6 ponds and 13 artificial hills, and Mt. Shiun and its pine forest behind it as borrowed scenery, it offers views that change with every step. It opens early in the morning, making it good for a morning stroll.
AquariumChugoku & Shikoku ・ Utazu, Kagawa
An aquarium that opened in Utazu, Kagawa Prefecture, in 2020. Themed on Shikoku Waterscapes, it recreates the waters surrounding Shikoku, including the Seto Inland Sea, the Pacific Ocean with the Kuroshio Current, and clear rivers such as the Shimanto and Niyodo, in about 70 waterscape exhibits. It's about a 12-minute walk from JR Utazu Station.
Mountain & highland🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge🍁 Typical peak
Gorge
GardenChugoku & Shikoku ・ Izumo & Matsue
🍁 Typical peak: Early Nov – Early Dec
ParkChugoku & Shikoku ・ Iwakuni, Yamaguchi
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov
ParkChugoku & Shikoku ・ Hiroshima & Miyajima
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov
GardenChugoku & Shikoku ・ Okayama & Kurashiki
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Early Dec
GardenChugoku & Shikoku ・ Takamatsu, Naoshima & Shodoshima
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Early Dec
Peak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-05
