Unkai Terrace - a magical place above the clouds

Located in Japan's Tomamu Resort on the island of Hokkaido, Unkai Terrace is a unique scenic spot high on top of a mountain and often above the clouds, providing tourists with breathtaking views of the white, fluffy sea of clouds. below them.

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1. The Unkai Phenomenon (Unkai means "sea of clouds" in Japanese) has been attracting tourists to the resort in the town of Tomamu for many years.

2. The area's natural hot springs and differences in temperature over the hours that night turns into day determine the formation of a flawless white blanket of clouds over the mountainous region, but the opportunity to see this unique effect from above was previously given only to a few, until the system was introduced gondolas.

2. In order to enjoy the view, tourists climb the mountain at the earliest hour, go to the Unkai terrace and rise above the sea of clouds, where they can admire the dawn, photograph the peaks of Hidaka and Tokachi mountains piercing the fluffy fog, and also have a cup of coffee or enjoy a bowl of soup.

4. Although the gondola ride is not cheap (about $20), the view from Unkai Terrace is worth every cent.

5. The terrace is open to tourists during the summer months until the end of September, but even during this short period, the sea of clouds can only be observed about 40 percent of the time.

6. On foggy days, the entire scenic spot is shrouded in thick fog, however, you can enjoy walking along the winding slopes of the mountains, and the gondola owners will definitely give you a postcard with a view of what the view from Unkai Terrace would be like if the weather conditions were right. .

7. But even on clear days, you have to get up very early to see the sea of clouds in all its glory.

8. Gondolas start transporting visitors from 4 am to 8:30 am, so if you plan to look at the clouds from above, do not forget to set an alarm.

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