A couple shivers at 6°C, sharing a scarf — only to witness such a breathtaking spectacle

Reported by Shi Yuxuan / Hokkaido

Located within the TOMAMU Resort in Hokkaido, besides featuring Tadao Ando’s Water Chapel, Forest Pools, ski slopes, and an indoor wave pool with constant temperature, the most unique attraction is taking a cable car to view the spectacular sea of clouds. Many visitors arrive as early as 4 a.m. to catch the moment the sun rises above the sea of clouds. They wait in the chilly 6°C weather, while the site’s guardian, the “Sea of Clouds Sage,” forecasts the daily probability of seeing the sea of clouds based on weather conditions.

The Sea of Clouds viewing platform at TOMAMU sits at an altitude of 1,088 meters and forms this extraordinary sight under unique terrain and meteorological conditions. On average, 112,000 people brave the cold winds and wake up early each year to witness the sea of clouds. Many couples wake up in the early hours, take the cable car together, share a single scarf on the mountain, hugging each other for warmth, all just to watch the sunrise illuminate the vast sea of clouds that looks like a white blanket.

%I took this photo on another day and also wanted to see that scene — what was it? (Photo / Taken by reporter Shi Yuxuan)

%It’s the spectacular sea of clouds at TOMAMU!(Photo / Taken by reporter Shi Yuxuan)

The “Sea of Clouds Sage,” who lives in harmony with TOMAMU, predicts the probability of the sea of clouds appearing the next day based on complex factors such as the Pacific high-pressure system and humidity levels. With an almost 100% accuracy rate, his “superpower” rivals even high-tech forecasts. The 50-year-old “Sea of Clouds Sage” said with a smile that he has been doing this job since 2008. Going to work every day with such beautiful scenery around makes all his worries disappear.

%He stands humbly before nature’s magnificence. (Photo / Taken by reporter Shi Yuxuan)

The ever-cheerful “Sea of Clouds Sage” recalled his six years of experience. He said the most memorable time was one summer morning when the mountaintop was completely shrouded in fog. Just as everyone had given up hope of seeing the sea of clouds, the fog suddenly lifted, revealing the sea of clouds right before their eyes. Everyone cheered at the sight.

In addition, visitors who take the Niseko Mountain cable car can exchange their ticket for a Sea of Clouds postcard. There is a special mailbox on the mountain where visitors can have their postcards sent anywhere in the world for free. The “Sea of Clouds Sage” said that once, after serving a visitor, the person asked for his home address and actually sent him a postcard with a heartfelt thank-you message, which deeply moved him.

%The postcard shows the stunning sea of clouds, and many tourists send them to loved ones from various places. (Photo / Taken by reporter Shi Yuxuan)

Besides serving visitors, the “Sea of Clouds Sage” also pays great attention to keeping the mountain environment clean. During the interview, he spotted some trash on the hillside. Ignoring the media present, he quickly rushed up the slope and in just two seconds, deftly picked up a coffee cup. His humble and respectful attitude toward nature is truly commendable.

%The “Sea of Clouds Sage” swiftly picks up a coffee cup from the hillside, and a nearby Japanese tourist immediately volunteers to help carry it down the mountain for disposal. (Photo / Taken by reporter Shi Yuxuan)