Unkai Terrace

Natural wonders

Reviews

Prepare to ascend to a cloud-kissed “Wonder” at Unkai Terrace, where the heavens meet the earth in a breathtaking spectacle.

Name: Unkai Terrace (雲海テラス) – literally “Sea of Clouds Terrace”

Address: Tomamu, Shimukappu-mura, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido 079-2204, Japan
Please note: Unkai Terrace is part of the Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU complex.

How to get there:
Unkai Terrace is located within the expansive Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU in central Hokkaido. Access typically involves a combination of train and then gondola.

  • By Train:
    • The nearest train station is Tomamu Station (トマム駅) on the JR Sekisho Line.
    • From Sapporo, it’s about a 90-minute express train ride (Limited Express Tokachi or Limited Express Ozora) to Tomamu Station.
    • From New Chitose Airport (CTS), it’s about a 70-minute express train ride to Tomamu Station.
  • From Tomamu Station to Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU:
    • Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU provides a free shuttle bus service from Tomamu Station to its various facilities, including the hotels where guests of Unkai Terrace typically stay. The shuttle ride is short, usually less than 10 minutes.
  • From Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU to Unkai Terrace:
    • The primary access to Unkai Terrace is via a gondola (cable car). This gondola departs from near The Tower hotel within the resort. The ride itself offers stunning views as you ascend the mountain.
    • The gondola typically starts operating very early in the morning (e.g., from 4:30 AM or 5:00 AM, depending on the season and sunrise), as the “sea of clouds” phenomenon is best observed at dawn.
    • Important Note: To experience Unkai Terrace, it is highly recommended to stay at Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU, as the gondola operates from the resort, and the early morning timing makes day trips from distant cities challenging.

Landscape and Architecture:
Unkai Terrace is not a garden or a historical site, but rather a unique viewing platform strategically built on a mountaintop to offer unparalleled views of a natural meteorological phenomenon: the unkai, or “sea of clouds.”

  • Elevated Platforms and Decks: The “architecture” of Unkai Terrace consists of various cantilevered decks, observatories, and installations designed to maximize viewing angles and create immersive experiences. These include:
    • Cloud Walk (Cloud Pool): A large, hammock-like net suspended over the void, allowing visitors to “lie in the clouds.”
    • Cloud Cafe: A café offering beverages and snacks, often with cloud-themed items.
    • Cloud Bar: A long counter where you can stand and gaze out at the clouds.
    • Cloud Bed: Reclining chairs shaped like clouds.
    • Cloud Steps: Steps leading up to higher viewing points, designed to resemble clouds.
    • Cloud Harbour: A deck that projects out into the sky, giving the sensation of floating.
  • Dynamic Natural Scenery: The primary “landscape” is the ever-changing, vast expanse of clouds that, on ideal mornings, blanket the valleys below, making the peaks of surrounding mountains appear like islands in a misty ocean. When the unkai is not present, the terrace still offers stunning panoramic views of Hokkaido’s mountains and forests.
  • Surrounding Forests and Mountains: The terrace is situated within a pristine natural environment of forests and mountains, contributing to the fresh air and serene atmosphere.

What makes it famous:
Unkai Terrace has gained significant fame for several compelling reasons:

  • The “Sea of Clouds” Phenomenon (Unkai): This rare and magical natural event, where thick blankets of clouds form below the observation deck, is the primary draw. It’s a breathtaking sight that feels ethereal and otherworldly.
  • Unique Viewing Installations: The creatively designed platforms and “cloud-themed” structures (Cloud Walk, Cloud Pool, Cloud Bar) enhance the experience, allowing visitors to interact with and immerse themselves in the “sea of clouds” in novel ways.
  • Early Morning Magic: The allure of witnessing the sunrise over a sea of clouds, often requiring a very early start, adds to its mystique and memorable nature.
  • Popularity on Social Media: Its highly photogenic scenery has made it a viral sensation on social media platforms, contributing significantly to its global recognition.
  • Part of Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU: Being integrated into a major resort complex makes it accessible and convenient for resort guests, further boosting its popularity.

Differences from some other wonders:

  • Nature’s Whim: Unlike many wonders that are always present (e.g., Mount Fuji, Eiffel Tower), the “sea of clouds” phenomenon at Unkai Terrace is entirely dependent on specific weather conditions (temperature inversions, humidity, etc.). This makes it a highly anticipated and sometimes elusive spectacle, adding to its unique charm and sense of achievement when witnessed.
  • Experiential vs. Static: While many wonders are observed from a distance or on a fixed path, Unkai Terrace is designed for interactive engagement. You can lie in the clouds (Cloud Walk), drink among them (Cloud Bar), and generally feel immersed in the phenomenon rather than just observing it.
  • Modern Infrastructure for Natural Phenomenon: Its fame isn’t tied to ancient history, a specific culture, or a monumental man-made structure (like a pyramid or a bridge). Instead, it’s a modern, purpose-built “wonder” designed to facilitate the viewing and appreciation of a specific natural meteorological event.
  • Seasonal and Time-of-Day Specificity: The terrace is typically only open during late spring to early autumn (roughly May to October) and only in the early mornings when the unkai is most likely to appear. This limited window makes it a special, almost pilgrimage-like experience.
  • High-Altitude Observation Deck: While many places offer scenic views, Unkai Terrace’s sole purpose is to provide a premier high-altitude viewing experience of a cloud phenomenon, making it distinct from general mountain resorts or scenic overlooks.