God spilled the color palette!! The hidden maple-viewing gem of Japan’s Shikoku, Kankakei Gorge, is bursting with vibrant colors

Text & Photos /Purple Smile
The most unforgettable sights in travel are often the unexpected ones!! This time, Kankakei Gorge in Japan’s Shikoku region was such a breathtaking sight that will stay with you for a lifetime!! Better late than never—we just happened to catch the maple-viewing season, and later we heard that these were actually the peak days for the fiery foliage. What incredible luck.
 

Japan’s hidden maple-viewing gem—Kankakei Gorge—is located on Shōdoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea of the Shikoku region. Generally speaking, few Taiwanese tourists visit the Shikoku area, let alone come here specifically for the maple leaves. This time, we visited the art exhibits of the Seto Inland Sea together with media groups from several countries. Originally, this spot wasn’t on our itinerary, but by a twist of fate, we ended up here and witnessed this slice of paradise. As soon as we arrived and looked up, we were greeted by mountainsides covered in flaming red maples—an absolutely stunning view that was truly intoxicating.

This place is different from typical maple-viewing spots because you need to take a ropeway—the best views are inside this valley.

The ride takes about 5 minutes.

Even from the boarding platform, you can see several fully bloomed maple trees—so beautiful!!

It was a bit over 3 p.m., and the weather wasn’t great—it was cloudy. It’s a bit odd here—you’re supposed to buy a round-trip ticket, haha. Later I found out that you can actually drive up here even in a tour bus.

But once you buy a round-trip ticket, you must keep it intact—you’re not allowed to tear it apart!!

The schedule shows that the ropeway runs almost every few minutes.

We’re on board!!! As the ropeway climbs upward, the scenery along the way keeps changing. It’s so beautiful here—it really feels like God spilled the color palette!!!

Everyone was admiring the views through the windows while furiously snapping photos through the observation glass!!!

And such beauty is fleeting—you don’t have the luxury to set up a tripod, adjust lighting, compose the shot, and take your time.

The scenery changes every second—bursting with shifting colors, vibrant and diverse!!

Looking out the ropeway windows, you’re treated to one breathtaking natural scene after another that takes your breath away.

Haha, because your eyes are glued to the stunning scenery outside, and you’re frantically pressing the shutter, sometimes you’re not even sure what you’re capturing.

These scenes are all completely natural, without any artificial touches!!

Five minutes later, we reached the mountaintop!!

Turns out the mountaintop is quite lively—there are small shops and food stalls. If you’re tired from walking or feeling the chill in the air, there are places to sit and enjoy a warm drink.

Gaze at the captivating seascape of the Seto Inland Sea!!

Too bad it was raining, and the view was a bit hazy.

Haha, among this group, nine out of ten are probably seniors!!

On an even higher hill, there’s also a shrine you can visit.

Yay!! In Taiwanese!! If there were a tour group activity, this would definitely be a must-visit spot too.

Just five short minutes, but it’ll move you for a lifetime.

On the return trip, standing at the front of the ropeway gives you a whole different view.

Haha, everyone crowded around the tiny windows, but actually, all four windows of the ropeway offer these kinds of amazing views.

Kankakei Gorge
Location: Shōdoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea of Shikoku
Transportation: Not convenient!! Haha
You need to take a ferry from Takamatsu Port in Kagawa Prefecture to Shōdoshima Island, and then figure out how to rent a car to get here

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