Saki Otani (30)
While continuing to work as a cabin attendant for ANA, she became the first female operator of the ropeway at Kankakei in Kagawa Prefecture.
In the operator’s room at the mountain-top station, she sounds the departure buzzer and turns on the drive. She monitors the safety of the five-minute “sky journey,” checking whether the gondola is being swayed by the wind and whether it is moving at the appropriate speed.
During busy times, departures can occur just one minute after arrival. When she feels like rushing, she stops her hands by reciting the same phrase used inside an airplane: “STOP LOOK.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when work decreased for cabin attendants…
Kankakei
Kankakei is a renowned gorge located on Shodoshima Island in Japan, celebrated for its stunning granite cliffs and seasonal beauty, particularly the vibrant autumn foliage. Its unique landscape was formed over millions of years by volcanic activity and erosion, and it has been a protected part of the Setonaikai National Park since 1934. Historically, the area has also been linked to the cultivation of olives, introduced to Shodoshima in the early 20th century, adding a distinctive cultural layer to its natural splendor.
Kankakei
Kankakei is a famous gorge located on Shodoshima Island in Japan, known for its stunning granite cliffs and vibrant seasonal foliage, particularly in autumn. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the area has been a celebrated scenic spot since the Edo period and is now part of the Setonaikai National Park. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views via a ropeway or hiking trails, experiencing a landscape that has inspired Japanese art and poetry for centuries.
Setonaikai National Park
Setonaikai National Park is Japan’s first national park, established in 1934, encompassing the scenic Seto Inland Sea and thousands of islands. It is renowned for its calm waters, picturesque landscapes, and cultural landmarks, including historic shrines and the art-filled island of Naoshima. The park’s history reflects centuries of maritime trade and cultural exchange, with many islands once serving as strategic ports and pilgrimage sites.
Shodoshima Island
Shodoshima Island, located in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, is best known for its picturesque olive groves, which were first cultivated there in the early 20th century, making it the birthplace of olive farming in Japan. The island also features a rich cultural heritage, including the historic 88-temple pilgrimage route that mirrors the famous Shikoku Henro, as well as stunning natural landmarks like the Angel Road sandbar. Its blend of Mediterranean-like scenery and traditional Japanese culture has made it a popular destination for both relaxation and spiritual exploration.
Kankakei
Kankakei is a renowned gorge located on Shodoshima Island in Japan, celebrated for its stunning granite cliffs and vibrant seasonal foliage, particularly in autumn. Its unique landscape was formed over millions of years by volcanic activity and erosion, and it has been a revered natural site for centuries, often compared to the famous scenery of the Chinese Lushan Mountains. Today, Kankakei is a protected part of the Setonaikai National Park, offering visitors scenic hiking trails and a ropeway for panoramic views.
Setonaikai National Park
Setonaikai National Park is Japan’s first national park, established in 1934, encompassing the scenic Inland Sea and thousands of islands between Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The area has been a vital maritime route and cultural crossroads for centuries, known for its calm waters, picturesque landscapes, and traditional fishing villages. Today, it is celebrated for its natural beauty, historic sites like the Itsukushima Shrine, and outdoor activities such as cycling on the Shimanami Kaido.
Shodoshima Island
Shodoshima Island, located in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, is renowned for its scenic olive groves, which were first cultivated there in the early 20th century, making it the birthplace of olive farming in Japan. The island also features the dramatic Angel Road, a sandbar that appears during low tide, and the historic Kankakei Gorge, a stunning valley shaped by volcanic activity and erosion. Additionally, Shodoshima has a rich cultural history tied to salt production and the 88-temple pilgrimage, a smaller version of Shikoku’s famous Buddhist circuit.
