Shodoshima Island is the second largest outlying islands in Seitouchi (Seito Inland Sea) and is one of the most popular one for tourists. It is the first place in Japan where olive trees are successfully grown due to the mediterranean climate it enjoys. That's why you will see everything olive on the island: Olive cider, olive beef, olive oil, olive skin lotion, even the mascots are olive inspired characters. 

In autumn, olive green is no not the only color you'll see on the island. The colorful fall foliage at the Kankakei gorge (寒霞渓) is one of the most popular maple leaves observing places in Shikoku. 

Taking in the best view of Kankakei Gorge

There are different ways to go up to the top of the Kankakei Gorge where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Seitouch. You may drive, hike or take the cable car to go to view points of of Kankakei gorge. There are two trails on either side of the ropeway. One is 2.3km long and the other is 1.6km. There are parking lots at the ropeway station  こううん駅（紅雲亭）and the hill top station. 

Taking the ropeway is probably the best way to go up because you will be taking in the best view of the gorge when the cable car travels right in the middle of the gorge. You will see patches of yellow, orange and red with some rugged rocks standing up. 

At the Top of Kankakei Station

Once at the top of the station, there are different view points where you can take in the view of the Seito Inland Sea. There is a heart shape tree which is an IG spot at the back of the parking lots. There are maple trees at View Point No. 1 during autumn. Take your time to enjoy the area where you can get some food and drinks, and buy souvenirs.  

Hiking in the Kankakei forest

There is a big map at the station which shows you various view points and two hiking trails. The same map is located near the bottom of ropeway station. So you may choose to hike up or down on either side. I chose to take the longer route which is 2.3km long to walk down the hill, passing through 12 Omote Kankake viewing spots. 

Easy and Well-paved paths 

Most of the hiking trails in Japan are well marked and maintained. The path that I took started off with a few more observation platforms.

Tips about Kankakei

I have been to Kankakei in the summer and autumn. It's lush in the summer. The biggest IG spot is the heart shape tree and the open view from the summit. Autumn is the best season to visit Kankankei. It is indeed a beautiful gorge with various shades of yellow, orange and red. Riding on the ropeway is the best way to go up to the summit. You may take in the spectacular view of the fall foliage and the Seito Inland see in the air. There is a kiosk/restaurant where you can get some food and drink to sit outside. 

Time management is key particularly if you are taking buses. There could be a lot of people queuing up for the infrequent buses. So plan ahead, get the bus and ferry schedules, and perhaps a phone number to call taxi just in case.