Tourist information for Shiori Pass｜What is the Illusory Spectacle “Taki-gumo” (Waterfall Clouds)?
Introducing tourist information about Shiori Pass, a mountain pass along National Route 352.
Shiori Pass is located in the southern part of Niigata Prefecture. National Route 352 connects the central part of Niigata to the Oze, Aizu area, and onward to Tochigi. The area around Shiori Pass is at a high elevation and especially rich in nature. As typical of mountain roads, the path is narrow, and it is closed to traffic during the winter due to snowfall.
Shiori Pass is a popular scenic destination where you can sometimes see a breathtaking sea of clouds known as “Taki-gumo” (waterfall clouds). This photogenic scenery is a must-see and attracts many tourists. This article also includes information about the best time to see the sea of clouds and precautions to take when visiting Shiori Pass. Be sure to check it out.
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Tourist information for Shiori Pass｜What is the Illusory Spectacle “Taki-gumo” (Waterfall Clouds)?
Tourist information for Shiori Pass
The highlight of Shiori Pass is the sea of clouds flowing over the mountains like a waterfall, also known as "Taki-gumo" (waterfall clouds).
These waterfall clouds occur every year in the early morning from around June to November. The fog generated in Okutadami and Ginzan-daira accumulates in the valleys, forming a sea of clouds. This softly formed sea of clouds flows over the ridges of the mountains, transforming into a scene that resembles a cascading waterfall. While the sea of clouds itself is an impressive sight, the way it flows over the mountains is truly a wonder of nature. You can enjoy a mystical and enchanting world.
As a popular scenic spot, there are multiple recommended viewpoints. Some are along the hiking trail or just a short walk from the summit parking lot, making them easy to visit and popular with tourists. About five minutes by car from the parking lot toward the Okutadami Lake side, there is also a viewpoint where you can see the waterfall clouds spreading right before your eyes. Even while driving on the national highway, you can catch glimpses of the waterfall clouds.
You have just one hour to see the Waterfall Clouds!
As mentioned earlier, waterfall clouds can be seen from June to November. However, the time they appear is not fixed and varies significantly depending on the season, so caution is advised.
Keep in mind that the appearance time of the waterfall clouds becomes later as autumn approaches. In early summer (June), they can be seen from around 4:00 to 4:30 a.m., in July from 4:20 to 4:40 a.m., in August from 4:40 to 5:00 a.m., in September from 5:00 to 5:30 a.m., and in October and November from around 5:30 to 6:00 a.m.
Additionally, this sea of clouds disappears in about an hour, so it’s recommended to arrive with some extra time to spare.
Conditions that make Waterfall clouds more likely
Since the sea of clouds and waterfall clouds are natural phenomena, they do not appear every day. However, they are more likely to occur when certain conditions are met.
Clear days, high humidity, and days with a significant temperature difference compared to the previous day are particularly good opportunities.
Access information for Shiori Pass
Here is access information for Shiori Pass.
Since it is a spot located along National Route 352, aim to get on this national road first. There are few nearby towns, and the closest one is Uonuma City on the Niigata side. From the Nikko or Aizu area, take National Routes 121 and 400, and at the T-junction near the Sanno River Railway Bridge—famous for its nine-arch structure—head toward Uonuma to access the pass.
Please note that from December to May in winter, the area near the pass is closed to traffic. However, the exact period of road closure varies by year, and it may still be accessible in early November. It’s best to check in advance.
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◎ Summary of tourist information for Shiori Pass
We’ve introduced tourist information for Shiori Pass.
The waterfall clouds created by the lush mountain nature are overwhelmingly powerful to see and will surely leave a lasting memory in your travel journal. However, they are not guaranteed to appear, and the period during which the pass is accessible is limited, so the opportunity to witness this spectacular view is rare. Choose weather and dates that match the occurrence conditions, and then leave it up to luck.
The area around Shiori Pass is also recommended as a driving route. While taking your time to enjoy the sea of clouds is wonderful, driving through the pass with scenic views to the side is also a great experience. Whether you're visiting nearby or heading there as a destination, be sure to stop by Shiori Pass.
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