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You’ll be on cloud nine at the Unkai Terrace in Hokkaido – literally. An extension of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, the Unkai Terrace is centred around the concept of enjoying unkai (sea of clouds) from a high altitude. The outdoor attraction is usually closed from autumn through late spring, but is reopening for the green season on May 13 and is will welcome visitors through October 13 2026.
The facility features seven unique vantage points, which can be accessed by taking a gondola from the bottom of Mt Tomamu and riding to an elevation of 1,088 metres. The main observation deck got an extended deck in 2021 and now protrudes even farther from the mountain. From here, you’ll get an ethereal view of the seasonal phenomenon where soft white clouds appear to form an ocean with the peaks of surrounding mountains poking out like islands.
The other lookout points aren’t your typical viewing platforms, either. There’s the Cloud Walk, which is shaped like a cloud and structured like a suspension bridge to provide a 210-degree view, as well as the Cloud Bed, made of elastic cushions for people to lie down or lean back on as they look up at the sky above.
The mesh Cloud Pool looks a bit like a hammock, and a relaxing one at that, as you can look over the side of it or lounge on it as the cloud formations shift around you. There’s also the 117m-long Contour Bench, perfect for lounging, and the Sky Wedge observation spot, designed to mimic the bow of a ship.
Then there’s the majestic Cloud Bar, inspired by a bar counter, and the Cloud Round, featuring suspended swing-like benches.
General admission to the facility is ¥2,500 for adults and ¥1,600 for children. Guests staying at the Tomamu resort can access the viewing decks for free.
For more information and to book, visit the Unkai Terrace website.
This article was originally published on June 11 2021 and updated on May 12 2026.
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