Rizières en terrasses de Hoshitoge

**Cloud sea conditions:** Temperature inversion (required for unkai) occurs when nighttime temps drop below 10°C and daytime warms above 20°C — typically late April, early May, and mid-September. Check Tokamachi weather: if forecast shows clear sky + large day/night temp differential, drive to Hoshitoge the night before. Sleep in car at parking lot (common practice, 20–30 cars on good nights) and wake at 5:00 for the 5:30 sunrise. **Photography setup:** The main viewing platform faces east. Arrive 30 min before sunrise to secure position (on good mornings, 50+ photographers compete for 10 prime spots). Use wide-angle lens (16–35mm) to capture terraces + cloud sea + sunrise simultaneously. Graduated ND filter essential for balancing sky and water reflections. **Farmer etiquette:** The terraces are working rice paddies — do NOT enter the fields or walk on terrace walls (causes structural damage). The current popularity has created friction with local farmers; respectful behavior ensures continued access.