Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Unpenji Ropeway: Epic Views Unfurl Below at One of Japan’s Biggest Ropeways!
Unpenji Ropeway is a premier spot for incredible views out over the Seto Inland Sea and beyond. Almost as if gliding through the skies, this sought-after ride offers an ever-changing backdrop of clouds and mountain landscapes.
Once up top the ropeway connects travelers to famed sites like Unpenji, one of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage sites, as well as the buzz-worthy Mount Unpenji Summit Park as seen across social media.
For this and more, here’s a roundup of insider travel tips plus the best of what to see and do around Unpenji Ropeway.
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Unpenji Ropeway: Marvel at Shikoku’s Dynamic Landscape
Located in Kan’onji, Kagawa Prefecture, Unpenji Ropeway is one of the largest of its kind in Japan between its base and summit stations. The Swiss-made gondolas carry up to 101 passengers for a 7-minute ride of speeds near 36 km/h while gliding up the 2,594-meter stretch of 657 meters in elevation. The stretch between the second and third towers spans a jaw-dropping 1,882 meters length that’s logged as the longest in Japan.
There are two gondolas to ride—one red and one yellow—both at a larger-than-life size that’s sure to amaze you.
Step into a capsule of sheer awe and prepare to take in the full speed and thrills as the world below unveils a full panorama of the Seto Inland Sea, Mitoyo Plain, Seto Ohashi Bridge, and the dynamic landscapes of the Chugoku region.
Opt for a round trip for a different look and feel on the climb up versus the way down, noting a different sense of fun even from the same seat.
Clocked at seven minutes, the ride is always quicker than it seems, so be sure to keep an eye out and savor every moment of your sky-high adventure as you go.
Destinations to Reach via the Unpenji Ropeway
Here’s a breakdown of worthwhile spots waiting on the other end of your trip up the Unpenji Ropeway.
Once at the top you’ll find an almost other-worldly view, a fun smattering of picture-perfect spots to snap a photo and a historic temple that are more than worth the visit.
There’s even an intriguing line marked out to straddle the border of Kagawa and Tokushima Prefectures.
Just remember that the final gondola down is at 5:20pm, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time.
Mount Unpenji Summit Park: A Haven of Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots
Located about a 5-minute walk from the Unpenji Ropeway’s summit station, Mount Unpenji Summit Park sits perched at an elevation of approximately 920 meters. The park is popular for its unobstructed panoramic views of the sky, sea, and plains of Shikoku. The park features expansive lawns, along with a variety of photo-friendly playground equipment and installations that are perfect for social media.
Here are the top three spots you won’t want to miss at the park.
Thrills Galore Await at the Sky Swing
The Sky Swing is the iconic “must” that draws many to Mount Unpenji Summit Park.
Settle in for a scoop of open air and sense of limitlessness as you look out over the Seto Inland Sea and the Sanuki Plain.
There’s even a dedicated photo stand just behind the swing to help you capture your moment at the top of the world.
Breathe in the views and fresh vibes
Freeze a moment in time with a picture-perfect backdrop.
Top it all off with a photo on the many cute and colorful benches.
Unpenji Coffee & Park: a Scenic Break and Coffee
Kick back and recharge at Unpenji Coffee & Park, a hit open-air café run from a charming little egg-shaped food truck. Hugged by the open air and gorgeous views around, a cup of joe has never tasted quite so good. Step up for a carefully brewed drip coffee, or try one a unique drink that’s only made here, like the Takase tea latte or sudachi soda.
Unpenji: A Temple Steeped in Cultural Heritage and Seasonal Beauty
Just steps from Mount Unpenji Summit Park sits Unpenji, the Sky-high temple with over 1,200 years of history. Nestled in at an elevation of 927 meters, this temple is nicknamed “Shikoku Koya”, or Shikoku’s high ground from its perch as the highest of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage sites. The temple was founded in 789 by the revered Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai), and its main deity is a statue of Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon).
Unpenji is also home to numerous cultural treasures, including the National Important Cultural Properties of Bishamonten and Fudo Myo-o statues. Make your way over to find and impressive collection of some 500 stone statues across the grounds, making it a fascinating place to search explore.
True to its name, the temple is often enveloped in clouds, giving it an added sense of mystique on days when the coveted phenomenon of clouds billow like a sea below.
The temple gives a different look and flourish with the seasons—hydrangeas in the summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and a snow-covered landscape in winter, all adding to the temple's allure.
A must-see spot within the temple grounds is the "Otanominasu," a good luck charm located near the main hall. This eggplant-shaped monument is adorned with votive tablets and charms, and it is believed that if you pass through the stone statues, make a wish while sitting on the monument, your wish's power is doubled. Be sure to take advantage of this lucky spot if you make it here.
What is the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage?
The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage refers to a collection of 88 temples associated with the revered Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) spread across the four prefectures of Shikoku (Kochi, Tokushima, Ehime, and Kagawa). Unpenji is the 66th temple in this sacred journey. Visiting these temples is known as "Ohenro" or "Shikoku Pilgrimage," and those who undertake the pilgrimage are referred to as "Ohenro-san" or "Oshikoku-san."
Those who take up the pilgrimage often aim to cleanse the self of worldly desires while reflecting on their spirit and body. The tradition of the pilgrimage dates back to at least the Edo period (1603–1868), when it was already practiced by common people. Over the centuries, it has transcended religious boundaries, playing a significant role in Japanese culture and spirituality.
The entire pilgrimage covers a distance of approximately 1,400 kilometers on foot and typically takes 40 to 45 days to complete. That being said, there’s no required stip to complete the pilgrimage in a specific order or in a single go. Pilgrims are free to take as long as they need and many opt to use cars or other forms of transportation, adding to the pilgrimage’s flexibility and appeal.
The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage represents a significant aspect of Japanese spiritual culture, highlighting its historical and cultural value. Efforts are currently underway to have the "Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage and its Routes" recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cable Cars and Ropeways for Pilgrimage to the Shikoku 88 Temples
The opening of the Unpenji Ropeway has significantly eased access to Unpenji, one of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage sites. However, Unpenji isn’t the only pilgrimage site in Shikoku that can be accessed by cable car or ropeway. Here’s a look at other destinations visited by pilgrims on the Ohenro and personal travelers alike, made even more available by cable cars and ropeways.
Yakuri Cable Car
Set in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, the Yakuri Cable Car is the only cable car in Shikoku, connecting Yakuri Tozanguchi Station to Yakuriyama Station over a distance of 684 meters. The cable car made its debut in 1964, opened to transport pilgrims to Yakuriji Temple, the 85th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Although the ride takes only about four minutes, it offers stunning views of the nature below, including cherry blossoms and autumn foliage depending on the season.
Founded in 829, many visit Yakuriji Temple for blessings in extra luck, protection from evil and business prosperity. Its close proximity to destinations like the Takamatsu City Stone Folk Museum and the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum make it especially worth the visit.
Tairyuji Ropeway
The Tairyuji Ropeway, spanning an impressive 2,775 meters, is the longest ropeway in Japan. It connects Washi-no-Sato Station to Tairyuji Station in Tokushima Prefecture, providing access to Shashinzan Tairyuji, the 21st temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. This unique route crosses both mountains and rivers, and sits among the listing of Shikoku 88 Scenic Spots for its swooping views.
Tairyuji, often referred to as the "Koyasan of the West," is a site of great historic and cultural significance, that continues to captivate visitors today with its impeccable nature. Around the temple you’ll find access to spots like Ebisu Shrine, known for its native bouran orchids, and the Washizuka Line, a scenic 2-kilometer stream ideal for leisurely exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Unpenji Ropeway
Q
How much time should I allocate for visiting Mount Unpenji Summit Park and Unpenji Temple?
Plan to spend around 1 hour and 30 minutes at Mount Unpenji Summit Park and about 30 minutes at Unpenji Temple.
Q
What are the fares for the Unpenji Ropeway?
The fare for one adult is 2,200yen for a round trip and 1,200yen for a one-way trip.
Q
Is there parking available near the Unpenji Ropeway base station?
Yes, there is a free parking lot at the base station that can accommodate around 400 cars.
Wrap-Up
This wraps up some of the best highlights of what to see and do around Unpenji Ropeway.
More than just a famed home for delicious udon, Kagawa is a prefecture packed with natural beauty and historic landmarks that look picture-perfect across all four seasons of the year.
Keep a pin on the Unpenji Ropeway for some of the most stunning views around and an unforgettable ride to truly top off your travels.
Coupled with Mount Unpenji Summit Park and Unpenji Temple around the summit, your next destination awaits at this sojourn in the skies.