A ropeway ride up Mount Ryuoo from Kita Shiga Kogen in Nagano Prefecture will take you to the Ryuoo Sora Terrace, a utopia-like viewpoint 1,770 meters above sea level. The ropeway has one of the largest gondolas in the world, seating up to 166 people each ride.
The Ryuoo Ski Park Ropeway has some of the world’s biggest gondolas.
Winter at Ryuoo Ski Park
The busiest time at the Sora Terrace is during winter when people from all around Japan and beyond visit the surrounding areas for their snowy holidays.
Witness the “sea of clouds” phenomenon from Sora Terrace.
The terrace becomes the summit of Ryuoo Ski Park and the ropeway is used as a grand ski lift during this time. Lucky visitors might have the chance to see the unique phenomenon of unkai or the “sea of clouds” where waves of fluffy white clouds roll in over the ski resort below. Even if the clouds don’t roll in, the view from the top is truly magnificent, showcasing the unforgettable scenery of the Japanese Alps.
Sora Terrace in the off-season
Spring and summer are also opportune times to catch the amazing view where you suddenly feel as if you’ve risen into the heavens. Ths scene during sundown, as the sun sinks into the clouds, is something straight out of a dream.
Plus, in the summer season (July to October) a special Star Sky Night Cruise is available on weekends where you can ride the ropeway at night amongst a mesmerizing array of stars.
Drink in the summer view on the Sora Terrace.
During autumn, a sea of red, orange, and yellow can be seen from the high skies of the terrace. The amazing autumn array is a highly-recommended photo spot guaranteed to add color to your Instagram feed!
Sora Terrace Cafe
Inside you’ll find a relaxing cafe serving up a variety of hot and cold drinks, as well as a food menu with several international dishes. Take your pick from pho, green curry, rice omelets, dim sum, and more!
One of their special menu items is the cloud-shaped marshmallow that goes splendidly with hot chocolate, mochas, and even coffee.
Try a “Cloud Coffee” on top of the clouds!
T Hotel Ryuoo
Looking for a place to stay in the area? T Hotel Ryuoo is a convenient and comfortable base for accessing the Ryuoo Sora Terrace Observation Deck and the surrounding region. Newly renovated, the hotel boasts western-style rooms and facilities, with a fantastic restaurant overlooking the mountains.
Choose T Hotel Ryuoo for a comfortable and welcoming base in the Kita Shiga Kogen area.
The Ryuoo Sora Terrace offers a unique view each season and is perfect to visit with family, friends or a significant other. Just don’t forget your camera!
This article was sponsored by T Hotel Ryuoo.
