UNKAI Terrace and Unique Viewing Spots

UNKAI Terrace, a three-story observation deck

The observation deck, which will be renovated and reopened in 2021, juts out into the air. The first floor of the 12-meter-high, three-story observation deck rises into the air, and visitors standing at the top of the deck feel as if they are on a boat, floating out into the sea of clouds. From the top floor, you can enjoy a wide view of nature's spectacular scenery, including the sea of clouds stretching far into the distance, the Hidaka Mountains, and the sun rising over the mountains.

Lots of tricks to enjoy the sea of clouds to the fullest

There are six unique decks along the mountain path. The "Cloud Pool" is a three-dimensional deck shaped like a cloud and covered with netting like a hammock, where you can rest your body and experience the feeling of floating above the clouds. The "Cloud Walk," which looks like a suspension bridge jutting out from the mountainside, allows visitors to enjoy the thrill of walking on clouds. It is like playing in a cloud theme park, creating a special moment that can only be experienced here.

More Unique Observation Spots

The other observation spots are also full of ideas. The "Cloud Bed," where you can relax and enjoy the view by leaning on large and small cushions that resemble cloud particles, the "Contour Bench," a 117-meter-long bench built into the slope of the mountain where you can enjoy the view from any height and angle you like, and the "Bow of the Ship," which looks like the bow of a ship breaking through a sea of clouds, offer a view of the Great Wall of the Pacific. The "Sky Wedge" offers a panoramic view from an observation deck that looks like the bow of a ship breaking through a sea of clouds. At the "Cloud Bar," you can sit on a chair higher than the trees that cover the slope and get a bird's-eye view.

Cloud Cafe" where you can spend time while gazing at the spectacular view.

Take a break while gazing at the sea of clouds

You will never get tired of looking at the mysterious sight of lush green mountains in the distance, clouds that change and flow with the wind, and the view below from an altitude of 1,088 meters. The UNKAI Terrace was started by the staff/staff members of the ski resort who maintained the gondolas in the summer and wanted Guest/customers to be able to see the sea of clouds that they saw on a daily basis. The "Cloud Cafe" is located in the "UNKAI Terrace," just off the gondola, and can be easily visited.

Original menu focused on clouds

The menu is full of originality and impact, offering cloud-inspired sweets and drinks. The most recommended item is the "Cloud Soft". It is served in a voluminous bowl to resemble a cloud, and features a photogenic appearance!
The "Unkai Olay", which is made with two layers of milk and butterfly pea tea to resemble a blue sky and a sea of white clouds, is another item that is pleasing to the eye. You can enjoy an exceptional morning with a delicious drink in one hand and a spectacular view in the other.

Climbing Mt. Tomamu, where you can experience a sense of oneness with nature

Take a 40-minute one-way trek early in the morning

When the area around the "Sea of Clouds Gondola Summit Station" is completely covered with clouds, why not try climbing Mt. Although the elevation difference from the gondola station to the summit of Mt. Tomamu is only 150 meters, the clouds sometimes break near the summit and create a sea of clouds.
After submitting an entry form at the trailhead, climb up the zigzagging, gradual slope to the summit. From the summit, you can see Mt. Furano and Mt. Tokachi, and if you are lucky, a 360-degree sea of clouds.

Be healed by the magnificent view and pretty flowers near your feet

Tomamu is 1,239 meters above sea level, and although it is not a very high mountain, the area around the summit is a severe environment, known as the "forest limit," where no trees can grow, making it a great place to observe alpine flora with only a short climb. The best part of the climb is not only the beautiful scenery in the distance, but also the search for small plants and flowers that live robustly in this harsh environment.
The trail is narrow and sometimes you will walk on rocky surfaces, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes and a jacket for safety and enjoyment, as the temperature at the summit is cooler.

Kumonkai Guide" reveals the wonders of the sea of clouds

Easy-to-understand explanation of the mechanism of cloud sea formation

The sea of clouds at Tomamu is a mysterious natural phenomenon created by a combination of special topography, weather, temperature, humidity, wind direction, and many other conditions. UNKAI Terrace is a rare place where you can see three types of cloud seas: the Pacific sea of clouds, which is created by the dynamic flow of clouds from the Pacific Ocean; the Tomamu sea of clouds, which is created by radiative cooling; and the bad-weather sea of clouds, which occurs when the weather is bad.
The view will look different when you listen to the "cloud sea guide" who explains the mechanism of cloud sea and the conditions of the day in an easy-to-understand manner.