SORA terrace (Ryuoo Ski Park)
SORA terrace（竜王スキーパーク）
Ride a large 166-passenger gondola up to 1,770 metres and watch the clouds and sunset over the Northern Alps from the terrace.
SORA terrace sits at the summit of Ryuoo Ski Park in Yamanouchi. A large gondola that carries 166 passengers takes about eight minutes to reach 1,770 metres, where the terrace and café face the Northern Japan Alps. On suitable days a sea of clouds spreads below your feet, and at dusk the sunlight turns the clouds gold and pink. In recent years it has become one of Nagano's most popular photo spots. A round-trip gondola ticket costs about 2,600 yen, though the price varies by season. You can check cloud forecasts online. The park is about 20 minutes from Yudanaka Station by free shuttle bus or car, and it pairs well with a visit to the snow monkeys and Shibu Onsen on the same day. The terrace is a ski area in winter, and its opening hours are listed on the official website.
Opening hours
About May–November, 08:30–17:00 (extended into the evening; seasonal adjustments)
Nearby sights
- Jigokudani Monkey Park
- Shibu & Yudanaka Onsen
- Higashidateyama Alpine Botanical Garden
- Shiga Kōgen
- Ōnuma Pond
- Mount Yokote