A Mystical Sea of Clouds Awaits Atop Kunimigaoka Hill (Miyazaki Prefecture)

Kunimigaoka Hill: A Land of Myths & Legends

Takachiho, the town Kunimigaoka is located in, is where many traditional Japanese legends are set. In fact, Takachiho is even referred to as the “home of the gods”.

There is a legend set in Kunimigaoka as well. Legend goes that Takeiwatatsu-no-mikoto, the grandson of Emperor Jimmu (Japan’s first emperor according to legend), visited this hill (oka, 丘) and gazed (mi, 見) at the land of the country (kuni, 国). He would gaze at the entirety of the Kyushu region, the land that he ruled, from this hill. This is said to be how the name “Kunimigaoka” was given to the hill.

The Michelin-Star View from Kunimigaoka Hill

Stone monument at Kunimigaoka

In 2011, the view from Kunimigaoka was awarded one star on the Michelin Green Guide Japan. From the hill is a breathtaking view of the Takachiho Valley to the east, Mount Aso the west, Mount Sobo to the north and Mount Futagami to the south. Wherever you look, there is sure to be an amazing sight.

View of the Mount Aso “Reclining Buddha”

You can see Mount Aso and its five peaks from the observatory. The mountains are nicknamed the “Reclining Buddha”, since its five peaks resemble the shape of it. The observatory is located right near the parking lot.

When to See the Sea of Clouds at Kunimigaoka

Sea of clouds

The sea of clouds is something you can’t miss at Kunimigaoka. From the hill, you can see the clouds below you to form an ocean-like effect. This phenomenon does not occur all the time, and visitors should plan their trip accordingly to see it.

The sea of clouds can be seen early in the morning between mid-September and late November. If the temperature difference of the day and night of the day before was significant, and there is very little wind on the day of, then you can see the sea of clouds. Use the Sea of Clouds Navigator (雲海出現NAVI) to see what your chances are of seeing the sea of clouds.

Missed the Sea of Clouds? The View is Still Stunning

Sunrise

Even if you couldn’t catch the sea of clouds, the stunning view of the sunrise at Kunimigaoka will make up for it. The sun rising from behind the mountains will color the Takachiho Valley and its surrounding mountains in shades or orange. Where the sun rises from varies by season, creating a variation of beautiful views year-round.

Access

Nearest station: Kunimigaoka (bus stop)

From Miyazaki Station

【Miyazaki Sta.】JR Nippo Line Limited Express / for Nobeoka
→【Nobeoka Sta.】Miyazaki Kotsu Bus / for Takachiho
→【Takachiho Bus Center】Takachiho Fureai Bus Oshikata Line / for Momizaki
→【Kunimigaoka Bus Stop】

From Kumamoto Station

【Kumamoto Sta.】Highway Bus Takachiho / for Nobeoka
→【Takachiho Bus Center】Takachiho Fureai Bus Oshikata Line / for Momizaki
→【Kunimigaoka Bus Stop】

From Miyazaki Airport

【Miyazaki Airport Sta.】JR Miyazaki Airport Line / for Nobeoka
→【Nobeoka Sta.】Miyazaki Kotsu Bus / for Takachiho
→【Takachiho Bus Center】Takachiho Fureai Bus Oshikata Line / for Momizaki
→【Kunimigaoka Bus Stop】

Take a Leisurely Drive to the Sea of Clouds at Kunimigaoka

During early hours when the sea of clouds emerges over the hills, public transit is not yet in operation. This means that you will have to find your way there on your own, and we recommend renting a car for the trip. The drive is only about 10 minutes from the city of Takachiho, and a parking lot near the observation deck makes it an incredibly relaxed trip by car.

Kunimigaoka in the morning can get quite cold, so be sure to dress warm!

Nearby Destinations