The Hiyoriyama Coast enchants visitors with its extraordinary autumn spectacle known as takigumo (cascading waterfall clouds), a mesmerizing phenomenon occurring from October through November.

These ethereal clouds drift along mountain ridges like celestial waterfalls, often extending their misty reach across the sea to embrace Nochigashima (Nochi-ga-Island).

While nature’s whims determine each morning’s display, patient observers are rewarded with spectacular scenes that blur the boundaries between sky and sea.

Getting there: About 15 minutes from Kinosaki Onsen. Views available from the Omachi Misaki Marine Park parking lot along Prefectural Road 11 (Tajima Isaribi Line).

Photographed: Early November 2022, 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM

Temperature: 5°C (41°F)

Text/Kenji Sakamoto
Photo/Kenji Sakamoto