Stunning Views from Japan's Scenic Terraces! Enjoy Sea of Clouds, Ocean Views, Mount Fuji, and more!

Unkai Terrace was created from the desire of the summer gondola staff to share the beautiful unkai or sea of clouds they see with visitors. It was renovated and reopened in August 2021, and the observation deck now extends further forward, allowing you to view the sea of clouds even more closely.

In addition to the spectacular views from the terrace, unique observation spots are also a major draw. You can enjoy the scenery in various ways, such as Cloud Walk, the cloud-shaped walkway, the giant cloud-shaped hammock Cloud Pool, and the Cloud Bar, which is designed to resemble a bar counter. Be sure to check out Cloud Cafe, where you can savor cloud-themed drinks and sweets!

Located within Izu Panorama Park, this observation deck sits approximately 452 meters (1,483 feet) above sea level. From this mountaintop setting, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay, along with the expansive atmosphere unique to a summit. For a truly special experience, consider relaxing at The Water Lounge, where you can savor the scenery from a sofa overlooking a reflecting pool (30-minute limit with one drink minimum), or a private daybed at the Private Gazebo (reservations required).

The park also features a foot bath area, a boardwalk, and various photo spots, including the Minamoto no Yoritomo Bronze Statue and the Bell of Happiness. At Izu Panorama Park, you can even bring your dog along for a ride on the ropeway* and enjoy walks at the summit.

*Small dogs are permitted on the ropeway if they are in a bag, cage, or carrier that completely conceals them. Medium to large dogs are permitted if they are in a cage within a width of 60cm (24 inches), depth of 90cm (35 inches), height of 80cm (31 inches). (Cages are also available for rent.)

Komuroyama Ridge Walk MISORA is a scenic spot where you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views, awarded the Grand Prize at the 2022 Shizuoka Prefecture Landscape Awards. It is located at the summit of Komuroyama Park, where seasonal flowers bloom throughout the year, including approximately 100,000 azaleas of about 40 varieties. You can reach it by lift or by hiking.

The view from the wooden promenade that encircles the summit is truly spectacular! You can experience a sense of openness, as if you are one with the sea and sky. After enjoying the magnificent nature, head to the adjacent cafe, which offers ocean and sky views from every seat. The scenery viewed while sipping on photogenic original drinks or Izu craft beer is also exceptional.

This observation facility is located on Nihondaira, a hilly area approximately 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level. Designed by Kengo Kuma, one of Japan's leading architects, the building is a landmark that harmonizes with the natural landscape, featuring abundant wood sourced from Shizuoka Prefecture.

The first floor features an exhibition space where you can learn about the history and culture of Nihondaira. The second floor is a lounge space where you can enjoy drinks and sweets while admiring the view. The third floor is an open observation deck. The view from the third floor, offering a 360-degree panoramic vista, is highly recommended. From here, you can enjoy beautiful views of Mount Fuji, with its base clearly visible, along with Shimizu Port, the Izu Peninsula, and the Southern Alps.

Due to the impact of a typhoon in 2022, services are currently suspended indefinitely.

Nestled in the mountainous area of Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, within the Ryogochi area where tea fields stretch across steep slopes at an elevation of approximately 350 meters (1,148 feet), you'll discover Tenku no Chanoma (Sky Tea Room), a private, reservation-only tea terrace. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay over the beautiful tea fields. In the early mornings, you might even witness a stunning sea of clouds stretching out below you.

The terrace, which can be reserved for private use for 90-minute sessions, serves Japanese tea meticulously cultivated by Houkouen, the owner of the tea plantation. You are also welcome to bring your own light meals and snacks. Embrace the spectacular scenery and spend a special time away from your daily routine.

The FUJIYAMA Twin Terrace opened in 2021 on Shindo Pass, a popular spot for viewing Mount Fuji. As its name suggests, it consists of two observation decks, both offering panoramic views of the majestic Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, and Lake Yamanaka. Located in the mountains at an elevation of approximately 1,600 meters (5,249 feet), there are no obstructions, allowing visitors to clearly see all the way to the base of Mount Fuji.

A shuttle bus operates from the city, and it's about a five-minute walk from the bus stop to the Second Terrace. From there, the First Terrace is located approximately 80 meters (262 feet) further. Please note that private vehicles are prohibited beyond the Suzuran Gunseichi bus stop, which is located one stop before the FUJIYAMA Twin Terrace. Therefore, visitors arriving by car should be aware of this restriction.

Kiyosato Terrace is located at a summit approximately 1,900 meters (6,234 feet) above sea level, reachable by a panoramic lift ride of about ten minutes that allows you to enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. Enveloped by the refreshing air of the highlands and magnificent nature, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the "Yatsugatake Blue" sky, Nobeyama Highlands, and even Mount Fuji.

Relax on a sofa where you can stretch out your legs and soak in the views, creating a truly extraordinary moment. There is also a cafe within the area, where you can enjoy the scenery with an original parfait loaded with fruit or a refreshing drink in hand.

Hakuba Mountain Harbor is located in Hakuba Village, Nagano, nestled on Mount Iwatake at an elevation of approximately 1,289 meters (4,229 feet) above sea level. It is a popular spot where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Northern Alps throughout the year.

With Hakuba Sanzan (Three Peaks of Hakuba) directly in front of you, you can fully enjoy the scenery created by an elevation difference of approximately 2,200 meters (7,218 feet). Especially breathtaking is the Sandan Koyo (three-tiered autumn foliage) that can be seen around October each year. Another highlight is being able to view the Karamatsusawa Glacier, which was certified as a glacier in 2019, from the best vantage point. Be sure to also check out the cafe where you can savor bread from the popular New York bakery THE CITY BAKERY, and a spot where you can enjoy a swing with a spectacular view.

Additionally, the new observation area Hakuba Hitotoki-no-Mori has opened within the area. A specialty shop for tea lattes and scones, CHAVATY Hakuba, has newly opened there, allowing you to relax slowly while feeling the cool breeze, with panoramic views of Hakuba Village and the Northern Alps spread out below.

This observation terrace is located within Tangram Madarao, a resort facility that features ski slopes and a golf course. Take a lift up to an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters (3,609 feet) above sea level. From the deck, you can enjoy views of Lake Nojiri (Nojiriko) and the Hokushingokaku or the Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu, including Mount Myoko and the Togakushi Mountain Range, with scenery that changes beautifully with each season. Around August, you can also enjoy the colorful lily fields spread out below.

The premises also offer various activities such as a kids' park, miniature golf, and bouldering, along with hotels and restaurants, making it an excellent choice for an overnight stay. Why not fully immerse yourself in nature and relax to refresh your mind and body?

SORA terrace offers panoramic views of a sea of clouds from a steep slope approximately 1,770 meters (5,807 feet) above sea level. Here, you can enjoy a supreme experience, feeling as if you are standing on top of the clouds, with sights ranging from gaps in the clouds resembling a waterfall basin to clouds spreading out like a fluffy carpet.

To encounter the sea of clouds, the best times to visit are in the morning or evening. Especially on rainy or cloudy days, there's a high chance of seeing the sea of clouds. After enjoying the evening sea of clouds, we recommend joining the Hoshizora Night Cruise, where you can gaze at the starry sky while swaying in a hammock (check the official website's calendar for dates). The views from one of the world's largest ropeways are also not to be missed.

Hirugano Picnic Garden is a beautiful spot where approximately 40,000 pink petunia plants bloom from July to October. At the summit, located at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), you'll find Momoiro Terrace & Cafe. This relaxing spot offers panoramic views of the majestic Mount Dainichi, the Hakusan Mountain Range, and the lush natural scenery of the garden.

The cafe offers a variety of drinks adorned with flowers and fruit, as well as shaved ice and fruit sandwiches. At the base area, you'll find a wide selection of dishes, including curry, ramen, and rice bowls, ensuring that both those looking for a quick break and those wanting a hearty meal will be fully satisfied! You can also enjoy various activities such as zip-lining and summit buggy rides.

Yokoyama Observatory is a superb scenic spot where you can enjoy panoramic views of the many islands floating in Ago Bay and one of Japan's leading ria coastlines. It also features a free rest area where you can relax and enjoy the scenery, which is a welcome bonus.

Yokoyama Tenku Cafe Terrace Mirador Shima, adjacent to Yokoyama Observatory, is a takeout cafe where you can savor original food and drinks made with local ingredients, such as Shima-brand Aosa pork and Shima soft-serve ice cream that incorporates local Shima ingredients.

Additionally, the Yokoyama Visitor Center, located at the entrance to the observatory, is also a must-visit spot. Here, you can learn about the natural environment of Ise-Shima National Park, the traditional culture centered around Ise Jingu Shrine, and local fishing industries.

Mount Tatsugao, which rises majestically in Kameoka City, Kyoto, stands approximately 412 meters (1,352 feet) above sea level. The observation deck near its summit is a popular spot for viewing the Tamba fog, a phenomenon that blankets the entire Kameoka Basin from autumn to spring.

The sea of clouds is often visible in the early morning, and the ever-changing gradients of the sky, combined with the mist, create a truly fantastical scene. Additionally, the late autumn scenery, with vibrant autumn leaves peeking through the mist, is breathtakingly beautiful. Kameoka City provides a live camera feed of the sea of clouds, so it's highly recommended to check it before your visit.

Biwako Valley (Biwako Terrace) offers magnificent views of Lake Biwa from an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters (3,609 feet). At the peaks of Mount Uchimi and Mount Horai, you'll find terraces and cafes where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery. The terrace area, The Main, located at the summit of Mount Uchimi, features an elegant atmosphere with a reflecting pool and wooden deck. Here, you can sit back on sofas and chairs, relax, and take in the stunning views.

Café 360, located at the summit of Mount Horai, features an arched wooden deck. It offers a 360-degree panoramic view, allowing you to enjoy not only Lake Biwa but also the cityscapes of Kyoto and Osaka, and the mountains on the Sea of Japan side.

*This article is a translation of an article originally published in Japanese on 2024-08-21 and has been translated with the assistance of AI.