Thank you for joining our tour today.

To begin, let’s talk about Kankakei Gorge. Kankakei Gorge is said to be one of the three most beautiful gorges in Japan because of the distinct and magnificent scenery during each season.

The observatory Shihou-zashi is on the west side of the gorge, at 777 meters in altitude. Just a bit to the east is Mt. Hoshigajo, the tallest mountain in the Seto Inland Sea, towering at 817 meters. Since long ago the entire mountain has been considered a holy place of worship, and today we invite you to feel its healing powers as we delve into the nature of Kankakei.

We’ve arrived at our starting point: “Kouuntei.” At night, it becomes a space station that takes you to the world of the unknown. As we prepare to depart on the next leg of our journey, notice the ground you’re standing on now. It was once the crater of an active volcano that caused the largest eruption in the Seto Inland Sea 13 million years ago.

The geological features of Kankakei Gorge haven’t changed much since the time the continents were formed, and it continues to emanate its original earthly energy. If you listen carefully, you can hear the earth tremor as the tectonic plates shift and new life is born into the earth. A long time has passed since the island’s creation, undergoing many changes due to repeated erosion and weathering for tens of thousands of years. Now it has become a beautiful valley.

From the sacred volcanic crater, you’ll soar through the night sky to the top of the mountain, gradually leaving behind your normal life and returning to your origins -- returning to nature.

Please hold your ticket as you go through the gate and watch your step as you keep to the right and go up a slope. We’ll be right back, so keep your earphones on.

(approx 3:10) 〜BGM for about 30 seconds

Our story continues here as you go through the ticket gate.

It’s from this same spot at the foot of the mountain that Emperor Ojin ascended and prayed for peace and prosperity in Japan as he gazed at the night sky.

It’s from this sacred place of worship that’s been visited throughout the area since ancient times that you, too, will ascend to the summit.

As you depart from Kouuntei Station and ascend towards the unknown, surrender yourself to the darkness as you feel a reawakening on the horizon. The story that connects the dark void, Kankakei, and now you too, begins here and now.

Please watch your step as you board the ropeway. Get ready to start the next guide when the departure bell rings.