Autumn is cloud season!Five classic and unusual spots in the Kansai region.
Have you ever seen a sea of clouds? It is such a beautiful sight that when you see it, you will be so moved that you will be lost for words. A sea of clouds is a view where the clouds spread out like a sea.It may be easier to understand if you look down on the clouds from an aeroplane. But there are spots where you can also see a sea of clouds from the ground. The word ‘sea of clouds’ can mean many different expressions. A sea of clouds illuminated by the city lights before dawn, a collaboration with the morning sunrise, or a sea of clouds illuminated by the morning sun… all are exceptional sights.
What is a sea of clouds?Tips for beautiful photography.
Cloud seas that can be seen from the ground are classified as a type of cloud called stratocumulus or stratocumulus clouds. These clouds tend to form when humidity is low and they are cooled by radiative cooling and other factors.
When going to see a sea of clouds, keep the following points in mind In spring and autumn, the best time to view cloud seas is before dawn to early morning! The probability of cloud seas occurring increases on days when it has rained the day before, humidity is high and there is a large difference in temperature due to radiative cooling. Also, aim for clear, calm days when the wind is not blowing.
If you want to take beautiful pictures of a sea of clouds with your camera, here’s some advice for you! One point of advice for those who want to take beautiful pictures of cloud seas with a camera!
Arrive at the site about two hours before sunrise and survey the location. Adjust the exposure in manual mode to get the correct exposure! Do this carefully to avoid white-outs and black-outs. If you do happen to see a sea of clouds, you want to capture all the ever-changing expressions of the sea of clouds. After sunrise, check the histogram while shooting to avoid white-out.
There are a number of conditions under which cloud seas can occur, so there are only a few spots where you can see them from the ground, but in this article we introduce a list of recommended spots in the Kansai region where you can see cloud seas! Also, a sea of clouds can only be seen from dawn to a short while after sunrise. Staying overnight is essential. We have also introduced nearby accommodation, so please use this as a reference when you go to see the sea of clouds.
Cloud seas can be enjoyed all year round!｜Koya Tsuji Rest Area (Nosakogawa Village, Nara Prefecture)
Nosakogawa Village, Nara Prefecture, is the westernmost village in Nara, with the religious site Koyasan in the north. From Mt Koya, the Koya Tsuji Resting Place is located southwards along the Koya Ryujin Skyline. Typically, cloud seas are seen in spring and autumn, but at this spot you have the chance to see cloud seas all year round. The reason for this is that Nosakogawa Village is surrounded by mountains at an altitude of more than 1,000 m, such as Natsumushi Mountain, Mt Haboshidake, Mt Aragamidake and Mt Jingamine, so the moist air tends to cool and cloud seas are more likely to occur. In addition to sea of clouds, fireflies in summer and tree ice in winter provide an unforgettable sight for visitors.
The road to the Koya Tsuji Rest Area is winding and a little scary to drive, but once you see the sea of clouds, you’ll forget all about it. In winter, please remember to equip yourself with studless tyres.
If you visit Nosakogawa Village in Nara Prefecture, camping is a must. There are campsites called Miyanomukai Campsite and Kita-Imanishi Campsite. Both campsites have bungalows.The North Imzai campsite is relatively new and popular. Please stay at Hotel Nosakogawa during the winter season (Dec-Mar) as the campsite is closed.You can enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath and sumptuous cuisine.
Best time to see the sea of clouds
All year round (especially spring and autumn)
Address.
〒637-0425 Kami, Nosakogawa Village, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture
Contact information
Nosakogawa Village Hall, General Affairs Section
0747-37-2101
Official website
https://www.vill.nosegawa.nara.jp/index.html
Cloud and Sea Information (Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors)
Cloud sea spot accessible by car｜Oeyama and Onitake Inari Shrine (Fukuchiyama, Kyoto)
A sea of clouds can be seen from November to December at the 833 m-high Mount Oe in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture. Onitake Inari Shrine is one of the best places on Mt Oe where the sea of clouds can be seen. Located halfway up Mount Oe, it has a wide open field of view, making it easy to see the sea of clouds. Many of the spots where you can see the sea of clouds are not accessible by car, but Onitake Inari Shrine can be reached by car from Kyoto City in about two hours. However, there is no parking area, so please park on the shoulder of the road.
Oeyama has a long tradition of multiple legends of demons. After viewing the sea of clouds, be sure to pay a visit to Onitake Inari Shrine and take a walk around the area. There is also a spot called ‘Oni no cave’. The Onitake Inari Shrine has fixed days for awarding vermilion seals, so please check the official website before visiting if you wish to receive one.
If you are visiting Oeyama to see the sea of clouds, we recommend staying at the Ryokan Oeyama!If you see a large ‘Oni Soba’ sign along National Route 175, this is the ryokan.It’s about a 35-minute drive to Onitake Inari Shrine.
Best time to see sea of clouds
Autumn – winter (end of October – December)
Location.
〒620-0327 Kitahara, Oe-cho, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto
Contact information
Fukuchiyama City Hall, Oe Branch Office
0773-56-1102
Official website
https://www.city.fukuchiyama.lg.jp/soshiki/65/23503.html
Cloud and Sea Information (Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors)
https://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/special/weekend-explorer/unkai/16.html
Kumano Kodo Rest Area｜Takahara kiri-no-Sato (Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture)
If you visit the World Heritage Site Kumano Kodo, you should definitely stop by Kogenkiri-no-Sato in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Since ancient times, the view from here from all over Japan and the world has been truly spectacular from the sky! It’s a great spot for viewing the sea of clouds, with a panoramic view of the Kanasu Mountains. What’s more, toilets, shops and a parking lot are also available.
The sea of clouds visible from Highland Fog Village can continue to be seen almost an hour after sunrise! Nearby, you can also visit the Plateau Kumano Shrine, the oldest existing shrine along the Kumano Kodo.
If you are planning to visit the plateau, you should definitely stay at SEN.RETREAT TAKAHARA, a private guesthouse where you can enjoy BBQ, bonfires and even saunas.
Best time to see the sea of clouds
Sep-Nov.
Location.
〒646-1416 1041 Takahara, Nakaheji-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture
Contact information
Nakabeji Town Tourist Association
0739-64-1470
Official website
Machu Picchu in Japan. Tachiyunkyo and Takeda Castle Ruins (Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture)
Rikuunkyo, located in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture, has become the talk of the town as Japan’s Machu Picchu and is visited by many people.The ruins of Takeda Castle float in the sea of clouds, creating a unique collaboration of nature and man-made objects.This spot has become the talk of the town, with the castle floating above the clouds like a castle in the sky.
As it is not possible to drive close by, the best spot to see the sea of clouds is at the First Observatory, which is about an hour’s walk away after getting off at the Riyunkyo parking lot.Because it is a place that is not easily accessible, the sea of clouds you encounter there will be a memory you will never forget.
A recommended place to stay is Hotel EN, a complex in the castle town, renovated from a building built in 1902 that was originally a liquor store. In addition to the hotel, there are restaurants and cafés where people can interact with each other.
Best time to see the sea of clouds
Oct-Nov.
Location.
Hamaya, Tamba Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture
Contact information
Sasayama Tourist Information Centre
079-552-3380
Official website
Cloud and Sea Information (Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors)
https://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/special/weekend-explorer/unkai/17.html
Dense fog created by the difference in temperature｜Ibigatake (Tamba-Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture).
The mineral-laden mist known as ‘Tambagiri’ is well known in Tambasasasayama, Hyogo Prefecture, as a result of the presence of the mountain’s ‘sake cup’, which looks like an upturned sake cup.The name is derived from its shape, which resembles an upturned sake cup.From the top of the mountain you can look down on the Sasayama Basin, which is surrounded by low mountains, making it a perfect spot for viewing the sea of clouds.The famous Tanba black beans are black beans grown in this environment.
A must stay if you are visiting Sasayama, the Hotel NIPPONIA Sasayama Castle Town is in the same family as the Hotel EN near Takeda Castle, which we introduced earlier.It is a decentralised hotel created by renovating historical buildings dotted around the town, including a 100-year-old former residence.It also offers great meals, with local production for local consumption as the keyword.The hotel is conveniently located about 10 minutes’ drive from Mt.
Best time to see the sea of clouds
Oct-Nov.
Location.
Hamaya, Tamba Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture
Contact information
Sasayama Tourist Information Centre
079-552-3380
Official website
Autumn is the season of cloud sea. Enjoy the sea of clouds together with hiking!
Autumn is the time of year when the chances of seeing a sea of clouds increase the most!Autumn is not only a great time for cloud seas, but also for leaf peeping and the chance to enjoy the local autumn delicacies.It is also a great time for hiking until the snow starts to fall.After watching the sea of clouds appear at sunrise, be sure to enjoy exploring the surrounding sights and climbing the mountain.
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