Mount Fuji, one of Japan’s national symbols, is also a World Heritage Site. Everyone associates this glorious mountain with the land of the rising sun. Since ancient times, many writers and artists have used Mount Fuji as the theme of their creations. In this feature, we talk about Nihondaira Yume Terrace, an iconic tourist attraction designed by Kengo Kuma, a well-renowned Japanese architect.
If you like architecture, you must know of Kengo Kuma, the architect who designed the new National Stadium for the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics. Known to use natural materials to reflect the surrounding environment, Kengo Kuma brings together the traditional and modern to create sophisticated structures.
Nihondaira Yume Terrace is an observation platform located at the top of the Nihondaira (plateau) in Shizuoka Prefecture. The wood for this building is sourced from the same prefecture.
The design of this modern viewing deck is inspired by the octagonal Yumedono, or The Hall of Dreams, at Horyu-ji Temple in Nara.
Each part of the building incorporates wood and bamboo.
A Japanese rock garden within this structure is visible through the large windows.
When we visited, there was also a panelled blackboard with a chalk drawing of Mount Fuji and a tiger’s head (for the Year of the Tiger) on the first floor.
The second floor features an octagonal terrace with panoramic views.
This terrace offers 360-degree views of the natural surroundings and adjacent city. You can enjoy a different view from every direction without any obstructions.
The view towards Shimizu Harbor and Mount Fuji make them appear very close.
Take your time to walk around and enjoy the woodwork.
You need to pay close attention to every piece of wood that crisscrosses this complicated structure.
There is a bridge that connects the terrace to the path that goes towards the parking lot, which is great for exploring on a sunny day.
Walking on the floating bridge of Nihondaira Yume Terrace while enjoying the stunning view of Mount Fuji and the sea is simply amazing!
The Nihondaira Digital Broadcasting Tower stands next to the Nihondaira Yume Terrace.
Towering toward the clouds, this tower looks like a building from a sci-fi movie!
You can enjoy different views from every angle, and for more details, check the instructions on this board on the terrace.
Sunset views are in the opposite direction from Mount Fuji. Although not as breathtaking as Mount Fuji, the sunsets can be quite spectacular.
When you look at the broadcasting tower and the Nihondaira Yume Terrace from the bottom of the path, the two buildings look like a traditional three-storied pagoda.
The evening offers a completely different feel with a romantic view of a sparkling city.
Relatively new, Nihondaira Yume Terrace is not very well known among foreign tourists, which makes this a perfect spot for enjoying views of Mt. Fuji without being in a crowd.
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