Hokkaido’s Sea of Clouds Terrace now open, just a 13-minute chairlift ride away

The glorious view in the photo at left can be seen from the popular Sea of Clouds ("unkai") Terrace on Mount Tomamu, which is entering its ninth year of service.

Such a magnificent vista is generally the sole privilege of determined hikers, but this resort attraction in the heart of Hokkaido delivers you to it in a mere 13 minutes.

The terrace is a part of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, in Yufutsu. A multi-complex family resort that’s open all year round, it’s famous for its vast slopes and powder snow thanks to its northern latitude.

Aside from the usual skiing and snowboarding, vacationers can enjoy a host of “off-season” activities such as horseback riding and hot-air ballooning. The main draw, however, may be this ever-changing, awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that’s quite rare and hinges on multiple factors. By utilizing the chairlifts that carry skiers in the winter, nature enthusiasts can glide through the air simply and leisurely for 13 minutes, in order to reach the top and witness the distinctive formations from a prime location. Last fall, the terrace welcomed its 100,000th visitor since its opening in 2006.

Though the terrace is located at the very top of the chairlift (1,088 meters above sea level), it is roughly 150 meters below the actual summit. Because the terrace juts out from the mountainside, the billowy cloud layers may start right at your feet if the conditions are just right.

This “sea of clouds” phenomenon is dependent on both the terrain and climatic conditions, its synthesis the result of a complex and specific amalgam. In fact, "tomamu" means “wetlands” or “peatlands” in the Ainu language. The chance of "unkai" appearing is around 30 to 40% during the terrace’s open season. Luckily, a handy weather and probability chart is featured on the official English homepage.

If you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ll be able to gaze in wonder at one of several types of "unkai," as investigated and described by experts from Hokkaido University. Low-level stratus clouds may leave some peaks of the Hidaka mountain range in view, or clouds that originate above the Pacific may flow in from the east and create what appears to be a turbulent waterfall. In poor weather, the terrace itself may be shrouded in fog, or you may be sandwiched by the far-reaching blanket below and storm clouds above.

While you’re there, why not get a hot drink or light snacks from the adjacent café to beat the cold of dawn, or even participate in the yoga program? Another fun fact: the entrance ticket is actually a postcard, and you can send it from the terrace for free. To let your friends know where you’ve been with the special postmark, just drop it in the blue “Sea of Clouds” mailbox.

The terrace’s hours are specific so be sure to check its website if you’re interested: it is open during early morning hours from May 17 to Oct 14, and during midday hours from July 26 to Aug 31.

Sources: NariNari, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Wikipedia, Kamui Mintara

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