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Uniquely located in a river basin where three rivers meet, the city of Miyoshi is home to one of Japan’s most magical natural displays, which they call the “sea of fog” (霧の海). From fall to early spring each year, the cool early morning weather creates an endless misty ocean over Miyoshi, attracting sightseers on a pilgrimage to see this beautiful sunrise, and in-the-know photographers from all over the world. The best place to see the stunning view is a point high above Miyoshi, at a lookout spot atop Mount Takataniyama.

This enchanting scene is actually caused by some very simple natural phenomena, mainly stemming from the significant temperature difference found each evening and the following morning. The warm river meets the cold mountain breeze that flows down along the water’s surface, and that water evaporates, forming little droplets hanging overhead. Between the gently steaming river and the lazy, low-floating clouds, a thick layer of water vapor transforms into a misty platform for the morning’s rising sun.

Almost 500 meters (1600ft) above the city, the observation deck on Takataniyama is the go-to place to see Miyoshi’s sea of fog, and most visitors try to arrive as early as possible to catch the sunrise (and ensure a parking spot as well). The observatory draws a crowd each year on New Year’s morning, thanks to the Japanese tradition of watching the year’s first sunrise, but locals will tell you that the best time of year for the sea of fog is actually in autumn, when extra humidity helps create spectacular mists. To celebrate the peak of the season, the “Sea of Fog Opening Ceremony” is held every year on Sundays in late September and early October, with special musical performances at sunrise and even some coffee and snacks.

First thing in the morning isn’t the only time to enjoy the observation deck, though. On clear, sunny days, Takataniyama offers a great view across all of Miyoshi, with the city laid out like a painting, and a large metal sign provides a map of the landscape below.

At night, the city sparkles, with Tomoe Bridge gleaming red above the water and the streetlights lacing through the city in twinkling white lines. When the weather is right, viewers looking down from the mountain are treated to a different kind of sea of fog. This nighttime mist is lit from below, becoming a glowing veil above Miyoshi. It’s a gorgeous lookout spot, morning, noon, and night!

Thanks to the parking lot just a short walk down the mountain, there’s no need to leave time for a hike! If you’re aiming for sunrise, just try to get there early enough to find a space in the small ~10 car lot, and leave a couple minutes to walk up the mountainside path.