Kunimigaoka

Kunimigaokasea of cloudTakachihoviewpointautumn mornings

Miyazaki · Takachiho

32.7058°N, 131.2628°E

Kunimigaoka is a ridge above the Takachiho basin where, according to the legend, Takeiwatatsu — a grandson of Emperor Jimmu — stopped to survey the land. Aso is to the west, the Sobo range to the north, and the whole basin lies below to the east. Michelin's Green Guide gave the view a star.

What people come for is the cloud. From mid-September to late November, on mornings after a clear day with some moisture and a temperature swing of fifteen degrees or more between afternoon and dawn, the basin fills and the ridges stand out of it. Those conditions do not occur every day and there is no way to guarantee them. The viewpoint is three minutes from the car park and about ten minutes by car from the town, and it is free.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Open at all times | Sea of cloud in the hour after sunrise

Closed: Open year-round | Access affected by ice in winter

Entrance Fee

Free | Free parking

Best Season

Mid-September–late November for the sea of cloud

Visit Duration

60 minutes

Getting There

Access Information

Oshikata, Takachiho, Nishiusuki District, on a ridge above the basin. By car from central Takachiho; car recommended, and no public transport serves it in the pre-dawn hours. Free to visit, with a car park about a short walk from the viewpoint. Sea of cloud conditions occur from around mid-September to late November in the hour after sunrise, needing a run of clear weather with some moisture the previous day, a temperature difference of about 15°C or more between afternoon and dawn, and no wind.

Insider Guide

Premium

**It needs a fifteen-degree swing.** Clear weather, some moisture the day before, a big drop overnight and no wind. Miss any of those and the basin is simply a basin. **Mid-September to late November.** Outside that window it does not happen. The hour after sunrise is when it holds. **Drive yourself.** No bus runs before dawn, and the viewpoint is ten minutes above the town. Book accommodation in Takachiho and set an alarm. **Three minutes from the car park.** On a made path. Bring a torch for the walk in the dark and warm clothes for standing still. **It is free and it gets busy.** In the season the car park fills before sunrise on promising mornings.

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