■Introduction
Hello! I’m Jun, from Singapore, a country located in the heart of Southeast Asia. Since coming to study in Japan, I’ve been traveling around Shikoku and have fallen in love with the untouched, grand beauty of Shikoku’s nature. I wanted to share this beauty with my friends back home, so I invited them from Singapore to Shodoshima in Kagawa Prefecture. While there, I discovered “Kankakei,” one of Japan’s top three scenic spots, and it was truly magnificent. This time, I’d like to introduce everyone to the wonders of Kankakei.
■A Brief Introduction to Kankakei
What is Kankakei? Kankakei is a gorge formed over 13 million years ago by volcanic activity.
・1934年：Seto Inland Sea National Park was established (Japan’s first national park)
・1963年：Kankakei Ropeway opened
・2014年：Kankakei was awarded a one-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide
※For more details on Kankakei, please visit the official website:Kankakei Official Site
■Differences Between Nature in Singapore and Japan
Before diving into the appeal of Kankakei, I’d like to talk a bit about the differences between nature-rich tourist spots in Singapore and Japan. Singapore, my home, has a land area slightly larger than Tokyo’s 23 wards (622 km²) at 734.3 km². Since 2013, the government has promoted the concept of a “City in a Garden,” striving for a sustainable urban environment that harmonizes with nature. Today, a third of Singapore’s land is lush and green. However, this green landscape didn’t originally exist; it’s the result of a long-standing greening policy initiated at Singapore’s founding. So, while Singapore’s nature reserves and parks are well-maintained, safe, and clean, most of them are artificially created.
On the other hand, Japan’s natural landscapes are often preserved in their untouched state, with many beautiful areas that have existed for over 2,600 years. Just a short trip from major cities, you can find places overflowing with life and mystery, like Kankakei in Shikoku, Hachijo Island near Tokyo, and Yakushima in Kagoshima.
While both Singapore and Japan are rich in natural beauty, Singapore doesn’t have places quite like Kankakei with its rugged cliffs and raw, unspoiled nature. Japan’s natural landscapes, with their mysterious and enchanting atmospheres, are deeply captivating and unique.
■The Beauty of Kankakei: A Natural Wonder Untouched by Time
The most captivating spot I visited in Shodoshima, Kagawa, was Japan’s first national park, Kankakei. From the Kankakei Ropeway, you can get a close-up view of the majestic rock formations and cliffs formed through volcanic activity 13 million years ago and by the forces of nature over centuries.
As I mentioned, Singapore’s natural beauty is largely man-made. In contrast, Kankakei offers breathtaking views of untouched nature, creating a mystique that feels grand and powerful. My friend and I drove up the steep mountain roads, and it felt like stepping into a scene from Jurassic Park or Indiana Jones!
The ropeway also allowed us to feel the crisp air and cool breeze—a sensation you can’t experience in tropical Singapore. Just feeling that wind made me feel embraced by the vast land.
While there are many breathtaking, untouched landscapes worldwide, few are as easily accessible and well-maintained as Kankakei. If you’re interested in visiting Kankakei, it’s definitely worth the trip!
■Tips for Visiting Kankakei and Using the Ropeway
・Capturing or collecting animals and plants and open flames are prohibited.
・Roads may freeze in winter.
・It gets crowded from late October to late November for the autumn leaves.
・The ropeway operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
・For more information on the ropeway, check theKankakei Official Site.
・Please note that there are no trash cans; take your garbage with you.
■Recommendations for Visiting Kankakei
・To avoid crowds, visit outside the autumn foliage season if you’d like a quieter ropeway experience.
・There’s also a one-hour hiking trail.
・Visiting early in the morning during autumn can help avoid the crowds.
・Two observation decks at the mountain summit provide spectacular views.
・After exploring Kankakei, consider visiting nearby temples.
■Conclusion
How did you enjoy this introduction to one of Japan’s top three scenic wonders, Kankakei? Kankakei offers not only beautiful scenery but also a sense of adventure. This experience is only possible by stepping away from the city, so if you’re looking for a unique, nature-filled adventure, definitely visit Kankakei. Shodoshima also has many other captivating places, so if you’re interested, check out the Shodoshima Tourism Association’s Official Site. Thank you for reading to the end!