[2026 Edition] Check out the highlights of Hokkaido's spectacular "Unkai Terrace"
Opened in 2006 within "Hoshino Resorts Tomamu," the "Unkai Terrace" has welcomed over 1.93 million visitors since its inception, becoming one of Hokkaido's most popular scenic spots. It operates only in the early mornings from May to October, when the sea of clouds is most likely to form, with a roughly 40 percent chance of occurrence during the season. Many people visit to seek out the magnificent sea of clouds that appears after a 13-minute ride on the "Unkai Gondola" located on the premises. Here, we introduce the highlights of this "Unkai Terrace."
Unkai Terrace and its unique observation spots
The three-story observation deck "Unkai Terrace"
The observation deck, which reopened in 2021, juts out into the air. This three-story, 12-meter-high deck features a first floor that extends into the sky; standing at the edge makes you feel as if you are on a ship sailing out into a sea of clouds. The second floor is a sofa space, perfect for relaxing while taking in the breathtaking view. From the top floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast sea of clouds, the Hidaka Mountains, and the sunrise over the peaks—a masterpiece woven by nature.
7 observation spots to fully enjoy the sea of clouds
Along the mountain path, there are seven unique observation spots. The "Cloud Pool" is a three-dimensional, cloud-shaped deck with a hammock-like net; if you lean back, you can experience the sensation of floating fluffily above the clouds. At the "Cloud Walk," a suspension bridge-like structure jutting out from the mountain slope, you can enjoy the thrill of walking above the clouds. It creates a special, one-of-a-kind moment, as if you were playing in a cloud-themed amusement park.
The new observation spot "Cloud Round," where you can experience the feeling of floating in the sky
Opened in July 2025 as the seventh observation spot, "Cloud Round" features a bench suspended from a curved mirror frame, making you feel as if you are floating in the sky when you sit on it.Among the many observation spots at the Unkai Terrace, it is located at the highest altitude, offering an exceptional view. You can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the sea of clouds spreading out below you and a pleasant, swaying sense of floating. Be sure to enjoy the different views from each seating position.
More unique observation spots
Other observation spots are also full of creative ideas. There are various ways to enjoy the view, such as the "Cloud Bed," where you can lean back on cushions of various sizes inspired by cloud droplets and relax while taking in the scenery; the "Contour Bench," a 117-meter-long bench built into the mountain slope that allows you to enjoy the view from your preferred height and angle; and the "Sky Wedge," an observation deck shaped like the bow of a ship cutting through a sea of clouds, offering a panoramic view. If you sit on a chair at the "Cloud Bar" that is higher than the trees covering the slope, you might feel as if you are looking out from a bird's-eye perspective.
Local
Supporter
Under the "Cloud9 Project," which proposes nine ways to spend time at the Unkai Terrace, we have installed seven observation spots to enjoy the sea of clouds. Various plans are underway to create the ultimate happiness.
"Cloud Cafe" where you can spend time gazing at the superb view
Take a relaxing break while gazing at the sea of clouds
The mysterious sight of lush green mountains stretching into the distance, clouds shifting and flowing moment by moment with the wind, and the view from an altitude of 1,088 meters is something you will never tire of watching. The "Unkai Terrace" (Sea of Clouds Terrace) began with the desire of ski resort staff, who maintained the gondolas during the summer, to share the sea of clouds they saw every day with guests. The "Cloud Cafe" is located within the "Unkai Terrace," right after getting off the gondola, making it easy to visit.
Original menu items inspired by clouds
At the Cloud Cafe, you can enjoy original and impactful sweets and drinks inspired by clouds. The popular "Cloud Soft Serve" is particularly appealing for its voluminous look that resembles fluffy clouds. The "Cloud Cake," with its exquisite harmony of refreshing, tart haskap berry sauce and light cream, is alsoa photogenictreat. Furthermore, the "Unkai Au Lait," which expresses the blue sky and white sea of clouds with two layers of milk and butterfly pea tea, is a visually delightful drink. You can enjoy an exceptional morning moment while gazing at the magnificent view.
Local
Supporter
We offer coffee and other drinks to warm your body, chilled by the cold morning air. Please enjoy a luxurious moment while gazing at the spectacular view.
"Mount Tomamu Hiking," where you can experience a sense of unity with nature
Try the 40-minute one-way early morning trek
When the area around the "Unkai Gondola Summit Station" is covered in white clouds, why not try the "Mount Tomamu Hiking"? The elevation difference from the "Gondola Summit Station" to the summit of Mount Tomamu is only 150 meters, but sometimes the clouds break near the summit, revealing a sea of clouds.
After submitting a mountain entry form at the trailhead, you will climb the zigzagging slope with its varying gradients up to the summit. From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Furano and Mount Tokachi, and if you are lucky, you may even see a 360-degree sea of clouds.
Be healed by the magnificent scenery and the lovely flowers at your feet
Mount Tomamu has an elevation of 1,239 meters. While it is not a particularly high mountain, the area near the summit is a harsh environment known as the "timberline," where trees cannot grow, making it a spot where you can observe alpine plants after just a short hike. Beyond the beautiful distant scenery, searching for the small flowers that live resiliently in this harsh environment is a true pleasure of this hike.
The path is narrow and you may walk over rocky surfaces, so please wear comfortable shoes. Also, since temperatures drop at the summit, be sure to bring a jacket or similar layer to enjoy your hike safely.
Local
Supporter
From here, you can enjoy a grand panorama of the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group and more. Hiking while bathed in the morning sun is truly special.
- Mount Tomamu Hiking
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Mid-June to mid-October 2026
*Subject to change depending on snowmelt and snowfall conditions
Unkai Terrace opening until 7:00 (last entry)
Free (Unkai Gondola ticket and submission of a mountain climbing registration form at the trailhead are required)
The "Unkai Guide" that unravels the mysteries of the sea of clouds
An easy-to-understand explanation of how the sea of clouds forms
The sea of clouds that occurs at Tomamu is a mystical natural phenomenon created by the convergence of many conditions, including special topography, weather, temperature, humidity, and wind direction. The "Unkai Terrace" is a rare place where you can see three patterns of sea of clouds: the "Pacific Sea of Clouds," where clouds born over the Pacific Ocean flow in dynamically; the "Tomamu Sea of Clouds," created by radiative cooling; and the "Bad Weather Sea of Clouds," which occurs during poor weather.
Listening to the "Unkai Guide," who explains the mechanisms of the sea of clouds and the conditions of the day in an easy-to-understand way, will make the scenery look different.
Local
Supporter
The "Unkai Guide" can answer your simple questions and explain the detailed mechanisms behind how the Tomamu sea of clouds is formed.
- Unkai (Sea of Clouds) Guide
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May 13, 2026 – October 13, 2026
Event times:
5/13–5/31: 5:00, 5:30, 6:00
6/1–8/31: 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30
9/1–10/13: 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30
Duration: Approx. 10 minutes
Free
- Unkai Terrace
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Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Nakatomamu, Shimukappu-mura, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido MAP
10 minutes by car from Tomamu IC on the Doto Expressway
Approx. 13 minutes one way by gondola from the Resort Center
May 13, 2026 – October 13, 2026
5:00–8:00 (last gondola up), 9:00 (last gondola down)
*Operating hours vary by season
*Operations may be suspended due to weather
Open every day during the season (Closed: late October to early May)
Adults 2,500 yen, elementary school students 1,600 yen, pets 500 yen
*Preschoolers are free
*Free for guests staying at Risonare Tomamu and Tomamu The Tower
Starting from the 2026 season, we will introduce "advance reservations for entry times" to reduce congestion. Details will be released on the official website on 4/6.









