Kameoka Fog Terrace, located in Kameoka City, Kyoto, is an observatory near the top of Ryugao Mountain, 412 meters above sea level. From late fall to early spring, the Kameoka Basin seen from here is transformed into a fantastic landscape shrouded in deep fog.

The mechanism of fog is that heat from the ground is cooled during the night, and when the temperature is lower than that of the sky above, water vapor turns into water droplets and floats as fog. The Kameoka Basin is surrounded on all sides by 400- to 900-meter-high mountains, which makes it easier for cold air to accumulate and fog to form than other areas. In addition, even if the wind blows in from the Sea of Japan side, Atago-yama blocks the wind, allowing the air to flow more slowly, and once fog is generated, it can accumulate over many hours.

The conditions for fog formation are clear skies and radiative cooling from the previous night, and daytime temperatures that do not rise too high. Specifically, the following conditions should be met.

– The sky has been clear since the night before.
– Daytime temperatures do not rise too high.
– Wind is light.

You can check the occurrence of fog on the website of Kameoka City Tourist Association. You can also check the fog in real time on the “Kameoka Fog Terrace Live Camera” operated by the Kameoka City Tourist Association.

Even when there is no fog, the terrace offers a spectacular view of the mountains of Tamba, the city of Kameoka, and the countryside. The terrace is also equipped with benches and tables so that visitors can relax and enjoy the view.

Access to Kameoka Foggy Terrace is about 20 minutes by car from Kiri no Kōbō and about 10 minutes from the Kameoka IC of the Kyoto Jūkan Expressway. Parking at Kameoka Fog Terrace is free.

Fog disappears when the temperature rises above the dew point, as fine water droplets in the air evaporate and turn into water vapor. In other words, it is recommended to go first thing in the morning when the temperature is cooler.

By the way, when there’s no fog, the area offers a panoramic view as mentioned above, providing a completely different but equally charming experience.

If you stay at Kiri no Kōbō, you can check the fog situation early in the morning before heading out. We look forward to seeing you there.