Welcome.

The ropeway you’re riding is your ticket to a distant universe, and your vehicle to delve into the greatness of nature.

We’ll reach our destination in about five minutes. Our destination is the summit of Kankakei Gorge, where you can see Mt. Hoshigajo nearby. There you can witness a spiritual and starry sky like no other.

Shodoshima is an island between Honshu and Shikoku. Since there’s no light pollution you can enjoy the best starry sky view in the area.

Monks have been training at Kankakei for a long time, worshiping the gods and praying to the Buddha. They carried out their frugal lifestyle and rigorous ascetic practices all day and night. Just imagine -- a group of monks gazing at the night sky lit up with stars as they chanted their sutras. We’re heading to see the same starry sky that these monks looked at hundreds of years ago.

Kōbō Daishi, known as Kūkai during his life, was a renowned Buddhist monk. He wrote about his experience of becoming one with the universe when the morning star Venus entered his body. After all, to attain enlightenment, you not only have to understand the universe, but you must connect with it.

And then there’s the North Star, the essence of the night sky since ancient times. The North Star was not only worshiped but was also an indispensable landmark for sailors navigating the seas. It acts as a guide, much like our hearts telling us which direction to go in life.

We’re about to enter the distant world of the stars. Feel the glow with your whole body -- the light shining down exactly how it was ages ago.

Perhaps one of them will become your star of destiny.

We're almost at the top of the mountain. Once we’ve arrived, please watch your step as you exit the ropeway.