Finding Stunning Beauty Above the Clouds

Given that today, August 11th, is Mountain Day in Japan, I wanted to share some of the charms of mountains. One of the first that came to mind is the scenery they afford from the summit, particularly when you get to witness a rare, but stunning phenomenon such as a Sea of Clouds, Unkai in Japanese. 

From a high ridge or a quiet lookout, gazing down on an unkai, Sea of Clouds, especially at night, is one of the most magical and awe‑filled feelings a mountain can offer. Moreover, because it is such a rare sight, seeing it feels like an unexpected stroke of luck. And it is an experience you simply can’t find at ground level. 

In reality, summer isn’t the most reliable season for witnessing this stunning gift of nature. Unkai needs cool air settling in the valleys, warm air above, and just the right amount of humidity, conditions that are far more common in autumn and late spring. But it felt fitting to share this photo on Mountain Day.

Photo: I took this photo at an exhibition in Minoyama Park - the caption beside the photo was

“Midnight Signal Fire By: Hideo Iwama, Photographed in the early hours of October 27, 2021. Taken from the mid‑slope of Susoyama, capturing Chichibu Taiheiyo Cement.”