Japanese Alps

The Alps are identical with the countries of Europe. However, Japan also has similar mountains called the Japanese Alps.

Japanese Alps or Nihon Arupusu is a row of mountains that stretches on Honshu Island, northern Japan. To enjoy this view, you can visit SORA Terrace at the top of Mount Ryuo.

SORA terrace is an observation facility built in 2015. Facilities located at an altitude of 1770 mdpl can be accessed using a ropeway. From here we can see the Japanese Alps, also the sea of clouds and the view of the sunset.

From this terrace you can also see the scenery of Nagano City, Obuse, Nakano, Iiyama, and Kijimadaira Village. When the weather is sunny we can also see Sadoshima in Niigata area.

The weather on the mountain is much different from the city's weather, so there are times when we can see a sea of clouds in the rain or overcast.

In addition, the ocean clouds are easily formed when temperatures at the top of the mountain as low in the morning and afternoon, after a sudden rain, when the peak of the mountain blanketed with fog and clouds, or during extreme temperature differences between day and night.

If you want to see the combined landscape between the ocean clouds and the sunset, you should come here an hour or two before dusk.

Ropeway with a capacity of 166 people connects the terminal at the foot of the mountain which is located at an altitude of 980 meters with the terminal at the top of Mount SORA Terrace.

From this ropeway we can enjoy the autumn scene in the form of reddish trees in early October.

In addition, we can also wait for a sea of clouds and sunsets while sitting at SORA Terrace Café. The cafe provides dishes using local ingredients, as well as Ryuo's original coffee drinks.