Senbon Terrace is located on a plateau at an altitude of 650m, where the mornings and evenings are cool in the summer and the temperatures drop below freezing in the winter due to the accumulation of snow. It is also surrounded by nature. We would like to introduce some recommended experiences in this overwhelming natural environment.
Stargazing
On clear nights, observe the star-filled sky at the grassy plaza or the wood chip area in front of the garage. With minimal artificial light around, the stars appear exceptionally beautiful. Near the new moon, the Milky Way is clearly visible, and you may even spot shooting stars on some nights.
We also provide a telescope for your use (we’ll show you how to use it). The moon is an easy celestial object to find and observe through the telescope; during the half moon to full moon phase, craters are clearly visible.
Additionally, depending on the season and time of year, you can see Saturn (with its rings clearly visible), Jupiter, Venus, Mars, Sirius, the Pleiades, and many, many more celestial bodies. In winter, Orion rises in the east, while Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper appear in the northern sky. You can also see the Summer Triangle, the Winter Triangle, and many constellations.
On nights when meteor showers are visible, some guests sit on chairs outside or lie back on yoga mats, gazing slowly upward at the sky.
The starry sky at Senbon Highlands is truly recommended. We encourage you to experience stargazing.
The photos below are images of starry skies and celestial bodies kindly provided by our customers ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
We have posted them with their permission.
Please click to enlarge and take a look. They are truly wonderful.
All were taken with smartphones.
(A huge thank you to everyone who provided these!)
Morning Sea of Clouds
On mornings when weather conditions align, a sea of clouds forms to the east (look toward the valley between the golf course and the area beyond the wooden deck). On clear days when morning temperatures drop significantly, it’s easier to see, so please take a look toward the east when you wake up.
*Please note that it is not visible every day.
<Times when the sea of clouds usually appears>
◆Spring to Summer: Around 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM
◆Autumn to Winter: Around 6:00 AM. On some days, it can last until around 9:00 AM.
The photo below is a sunrise and sea of clouds photo taken and sent to us by a customer! It’s absolutely beautiful!
(Thank you so much to everyone who provided these photos!)
Unobstructed view
From the guest rooms, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Ishizuchi mountain range (1,982m above sea level), the highest peak in Shikoku. In winter, the Ishizuchi mountain range (Dogamori, Ninomori) is covered in snow, as shown in the photo. Senbon Terrace, located at an altitude of 650m, boasts an outstanding view.
Nothing there. Everything found.
“The starry sky was on another level!”
“I saw a shooting star!”
“(No human voices, no car sounds, no noise at all) I could really only hear the birds singing”
“The day we arrived, it was foggy the whole time, but the fog itself was fascinating.”
“Driving through the snow. It was nerve-wracking, but it made for an unforgettable memory.”
We’ve received such feedback from our guests. Thank you.
We built the accommodation facility “Senbon Terrace” with the desire to allow many people to experience the charm of Senbon Plateau, where we were born and raised. Initially, we expected guests to enjoy the starry sky and sea of clouds, but we are pleased that our guests have also discovered many other ways to enjoy themselves, such as listening to the chirping of wild birds, listening to the mist, and simply lying on a yoga mat and gazing at the sky.
We will continue to strive to create comfortable spaces and facilities so that you can experience and fully enjoy the natural beauty of Senbon Highlands as it is. We would be grateful if you would continue to share your experiences and feedback with us.
Recommended Walking Spots Nearby
If you arrive at Senbon Terrace early or just want to enjoy a morning stroll, we recommend the round-trip hike to Senbon Pass, part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage Route of 88 Temples.
The round-trip hike from Senbon Terrace takes approximately 30-40 minutes. There is a sign for “Senbon Pass” at the summit. The pass is surrounded by trees, allowing you to enjoy the refreshing forest air.
＜Important Notice＞
The area around Senbon Pass is designated as a national historic site. Since the land is owned by local residents, please refrain from collecting plants or minerals without permission and from littering.
When walking through the grass in the summer, please be careful of poisonous insects such as vipers. Please consult with the villa in advance if you plan to walk around the area.