Hyogo?! Best Places to Experience Japan in the Clouds

While Hyogo Prefecture is home to some incredible cloud-viewing spots, other regions in Japan also offer stunning locations to witness this magical sight! Here are some must-visit places to experience Japan in the clouds.

Takeda Castle Ruins

Often called “Japan’s Machu Picchu,” Takeda Castle Ruins is one of the most famous spots in Hyogo for cloud watching. Sitting at an altitude of 353 meters, this historic fortress dates back to the 15th century and offers panoramic views of the valley below.

During cold weather, thick morning fog rolls in, making the castle appear as if it’s floating on clouds. The best time to see this phenomenon is at sunrise, so visitors often hike up early. While the castle is in ruins, the surrounding scenery makes it one of the most magical places in Japan.

Unkai Terrace

For those who want a more luxurious experience, Unkai Terrace in Hokkaido is a must-visit. Located at Tomamu Resort, this scenic terrace stands at 1,088 meters, providing an exceptional vantage point for viewing the sea of clouds.

Unlike Takeda Castle, which requires an early morning hike, Unkai Terrace provides a relaxed way to enjoy the view—complete with a cozy café where you can sip coffee above the clouds. Open from mid-May through October, visitors can take an early morning gondola ride to witness this breathtaking phenomenon.

Takamine Onsen

Few things feel as magical as soaking in a hot spring surrounded by clouds, and Takamine Onsen is one of the best places to do that. Perched on the mountains of Hyogo, this hidden gem is known for its open-air baths with stunning views.

The onsen’s natural mineral-rich waters have healing properties, making it the perfect place to unwind while watching the mist roll through the valley. Also, their serene mountain views make for a peaceful retreat, even without the clouds.

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Mount Rokko

Hyogo’s Mount Rokko is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Located just outside of Kobe, this mountain range provides breathtaking views of the city, the Sea of Japan, and rolling clouds in the colder months.

Visitors can take the Rokko Cable Car up the mountain and explore several attractions, including the Rokko Garden Terrace and Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden. There’s even an observatory where you can see the “Million Dollar Night View,” a dazzling cityscape that’s even more spectacular when mist settles below, making Kobe look like an island in the sky.

Kunimigaoka

Kunimigaoka is one of the best places in Kyushu to witness the unkai phenomenon. This scenic hilltop is located in Miyazaki Prefecture and offers stunning views of thick clouds blanketing the valley below. The sight is especially mesmerizing during the early mornings of autumn and winter when the sunrise casts a golden glow over the mist.

Hottarakashi Onsen

Few things feel as magical as soaking in a hot spring surrounded by clouds, and Hottarakashi Onsen in Yamanashi Prefecture is one of the best places to do that. With open-air baths that overlook a misty valley, this hidden gem offers a breathtaking and tranquil experience.

The onsen’s natural mineral-rich waters have healing properties, making it the perfect place to unwind while watching the mist roll through the valley. Early mornings in autumn and winter offer the best chances of seeing beautiful scenery, but the serene mountain views make for a peaceful retreat year-round.

Why are these places so cool?

These places are so cool because they offer stunning views and unforgettable experiences. Whether standing atop ancient castle ruins, relaxing in a mountaintop hot spring, or sipping coffee at a scenic terrace, each location uniquely provides a unique way to witness the breathtaking unkai phenomenon. 

Hyogo Prefecture is also a fantastic destination for those who love history and nature. The region has majestic mountains, peaceful beaches, historic temples, and impressive castles from Awaji Island to the Sea of Japan. Its convenient location makes it an easy day trip or weekend getaway from major cities like Osaka and Kyoto.

You might not be able to walk on clouds, but in Hyogo, you can get pretty close. These high-altitude destinations offer some of the most surreal landscapes in Japan, with each season adding its own magic to the misty scenery. Have you ever seen unkai in Japan? Share your favorite spot in the comments below!