15 must-see sightseeing spots around Lake Chuzenji in Tochigi! Enjoy one of the highest lakes in Japan

Lake Chuzenji, located in Oku-Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, is a lake that spans approximately 25 kilometers around and sits at an altitude of 1,269 meters. The surrounding area boasts many must-see attractions in Nikko, such as "Kegon Falls," one of Japan's three most famous waterfalls, the high-altitude plant paradise "Senjogahara," the scenic "Irohazaka" driving route, and the Chuzenji Onsen hot spring town.

Here, we introduce 15 specially selected recommended sightseeing spots around Lake Chuzenji. If you're planning a visit to the Lake Chuzenji area, please use this as a guide.

1. Lake Chuzenji

Lake Chuzenji was created by the eruption of Mt. Nantai about 20,000 years ago. Maples, katsura and beech trees grow along the lakeside, and you can enjoy the seasonal scenery with azaleas in early summer and autumn leaves in autumn. The contrast between the lush primeval forest and the lush lake, including Mt. Nantai towering over the lake, is worth a visit.

There are plenty of hiking trails and driving routes in the area, as well as observation decks scattered throughout, making it a very popular spot for scenic views. If you want to enjoy the view from the lake, be sure to take a sightseeing boat. There are four docks in total. The main points are easy access: Tachiki Kannon on the east side, Fune no Eki Chuzenji on the northeast side, Shobudahama on the north shore, and Senjugahama on the west side.

2. Kegon Falls

Kegon Falls is a popular tourist spot in Nikko, boasting a drop of 97m and a width of 7m. The sight of the water from Lake Chuzenji cascading down a cliff 97m high is simply spectacular. It is the most famous of the 48 waterfalls scattered around Nikko. Not only is it spectacular, but the natural beauty of the surrounding area is also one of the attractions.

Due to the unique nature of nature, rainbows can be seen on sunny days. In addition, from January to February, you can see the phenomenon called "blue ice" where the waterfall freezes blue from the middle stage onwards. It is always a popular tourist spot around Chuzenji, so it is definitely worth visiting at least once. Be sure to also check out the observation deck, which can be accessed by elevator.

3. Ryuzu Falls

Located 4.4km north of Lake Chuzenji, Ryuzu Falls is a large waterfall with a drop of 60m, width of 10m, and total length of 210m. It flows down the stepped mountainside with force and splits into two near the basin. It is named "Ryuzu" because it looks like a dragon's head. There is a teahouse called "Ryuzu no Chaya" where you can see the waterfall from the front and an observation deck in the surrounding area, making it an excellent place for sightseeing.

The nature that colors the waterfall is also beautiful, with Togoku Mitsuba Azaleas from May to June, and autumn leaves and Japanese linden trees in late September, making it a unique sight for a famous autumn foliage spot. Ryuzu Falls is one of the "Three Famous Waterfalls of Oku-Nikko" along with Kegon Falls. It is about an hour by bus from JR Nikko Station. If you are accessing by car, there is a parking lot nearby, which is very convenient.

4. Senjogahara

Senjogahara, which spreads out at the foot of Mt. Nantai, is a vast highland marsh covering an area of about 400 hectares. Located at an altitude of about 1,400m, it is also known as a treasure trove of alpine plants. It is especially famous for the day lilies that bloom in July and the autumn leaves that spread across the grasses in autumn, and is crowded with tourists who come to see the spectacular scenery.

The most orthodox hiking trail is the 6km long trail that starts from Yutaki Falls. In addition to well-maintained promenades, there are benches and observation points everywhere, so even beginners can feel at ease. It is also a good idea to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy bird watching.

5. Mount Nantai

Mount Nantai, towering over the north side of Lake Chuzenji, is a sacred mountain that is counted among the 100 most famous mountains in Japan. The appeal of Mount Nantai is the excellent views. Lake Chuzenji can be seen from anywhere on the climb, and from the summit you can see mountains such as Nikko Shirane and Aizu Komagatake, as well as Senjogahara. The sacred sword enshrined at the summit is also a must-see.

There are several climbing routes, but the most popular is the route from Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi. The elevation difference to the summit is about 1,200m, and it takes 3 to 4 hours one way. After descending the mountain, enjoy a day trip to the hot springs at Nikko Lakeside Hotel Kohan no Yu. Spend a full day experiencing the charms of Mount Nantai to the fullest.

6. Hangetsuyama Observatory

Mount Hangetsu stands 1,753 meters above sea level on the southern shore of Lake Chuzenji. Near the summit is Mount Hangetsu Observatory. If you want to see a picture-perfect view of Lake Chuzenji with the majestic Mount Nantai in the background, this is the place to go. A breathtakingly beautiful landscape awaits you.

From Mount Hangetsu No. 1 Parking Lot, where the hiking trail is located, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit. If you are not confident in your physical strength, we recommend the Lake Chuzenji Observatory, located in the area below. Of course, the view is inferior to that from the summit, but the view is still open and you can enjoy the stunning contrast between Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai.

7. Irohazaka

Irohazaka, located on the northeast side of Lake Chuzenji, is a steep slope with an elevation difference of 500m that connects Nikko city and Lake Chuzenji. With a total of 48 zigzag turns, it attracts driving enthusiasts from all over the country. The area is also famous for its autumn leaves, and is especially crowded in the fall when they are at their best.

The Second Irohazaka, with 20 turns, is for those going uphill from Nikko city to Lake Chuzenji. A ropeway runs from the Akechidaira Drive-In, located halfway along the road, and you can take the Akechidaira Observatory, located at an altitude of 1,473m. You should definitely experience the 3-minute aerial walk.

The First Irohazaka, for those going downhill, is the route back from Lake Chuzenji to Nikko city. Compared to the Second Irohazaka, it is steeper, has more slopes, and is more winding. It is especially worth mentioning that you can see the "Houtou Falls" and "Hannya Falls" during the drive. However, the driver may not have time to see them.

8. Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park

Lake Chuzenji, with its high altitude and pleasant climate, was popular as an international summer resort from the mid-Meiji period to the early Showa period. The Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park is a tourist spot that retains the atmosphere of that time. The villa in the park was built in 1928 as a villa for the Italian Embassy, and was actually used by successive ambassadors until 1997.

The interior of the building is decorated with cedar bark, and the sofas and other furnishings are reproductions of those from the time. From the large windows you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of Lake Chuzenji, which the Italian ambassadors called "the best in the world." If you want to enjoy a tasteful tour with a historical perspective, be sure to visit.

9. Nikko Natural History Museum

If you want to learn about the nature and history of Oku-Nikko, we recommend the Nikko Natural History Museum. The museum mainly features experiential exhibits, including video, and is designed to teach you about the charms of Oku-Nikko from various angles, such as the origins of nature, flora and fauna, mountain worship, and people's lives. The museum shop sells original goods and books, making it a great place to find souvenirs.

10. Fish and Forest Observation Garden (Fisheries Research Agency)

The Fish and Forest Observation Garden is a tourist facility located on the Shobudahama side of Lake Chuzenji. In addition to learning about salmon and trout, it is also known as a place where you can see rare fish such as the lake trout that only live in Lake Chuzenji and the mythical huchen.

The exhibits, which are easy for children to understand, such as the Fish Information Center and a trout farm, are attractive. Trout feeding is also available, making it a great place for children's independent research projects.

11. Nikko Music Box Museum

Located opposite Kegon Falls, the Nikko Music Box Museum is a theme park that offers a wide variety of music boxes made from glass, ceramic, wood, and more. The museum sells music boxes and also has a corner where you can experience making your own. The experience corner in particular is popular with many tourists as you can make your own original music box.

Choose your favorite combination from three types of stands and about 100 songs. The work is very simple, including decorating with dolls and flowers. It takes about 40 minutes at most to complete, so even beginners can easily give it a try. Why not pick one up as a souvenir from Lake Chuzenji?

12. Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi Shrine

Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi is a shrine at the foot of Mt. Nantai. It is located in a place that directly receives a strong dragon vein (energy of the earth), and is dotted with power spots such as the sacred tree "Fortune Forest" for increasing winning luck and the "Dragon Pine" for increasing family fortune. In addition, there is "Zeni-arai Nantai Ryusui" for increasing financial luck, "Sazareishi" for prosperity of descendants, and "Good Relationship Pine", so just by visiting Chugushi, you can aim to improve your luck overall.

It is easily accessible, just 11 minutes on foot from Lake Chuzenji. It is also the trailhead for Mt. Nantai, which is 2,486m above sea level, so if you have time, please stop by the "Okumiya" at the top of the mountain. Okumiya is the source of the dragon vein, so it has strong power. There are plenty of things to see, such as the sacred sword at the top of the mountain and the view overlooking Lake Chuzenji.

13. Nikkozan Chuzenji Temple

Chuzenji is a temple located at Utagahama on Lake Chuzenji. It is the 18th of the 33 Bando Kannon Temples, and houses the important cultural property Tachiki Kannon (standing Thousand-Armed Kannon) and the Four Heavenly Kings. Other attractions include Hashiri Daikokuten, who is said to bring good luck in finding a partner, and Aizen-do, which enshrines Aizen Myoo.

Nearby are Chuzenji Onsen and Kegon Falls, so it is recommended to stop by during your sightseeing trip to Lake Chuzenji. There is also a dock for sightseeing boats, so it might be a good idea to visit while waiting for the sightseeing boats on Lake Chuzenji.

14. Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel

Opened in 1873, the Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel is a classically elegant log cabin-style hotel. The hot spring facilities, which were renovated in 2011, are equipped with an indoor bath with a sauna and an "air bath" where you can soak while watching the seasonal nature.

The quality of the spring water is sulfur, and both the indoor and outdoor baths are fed directly from the source. You can also enjoy the hot springs for a day trip, so feel free to stop by.

15. Oku-Nikko Hotel Shikisai

Oku-Nikko Hotel Shikisai is popular for its open-air baths. The surrounding trees create an indescribable tranquility, allowing you to enjoy bathing as if you were one with the nature of Lake Chuzenji.

The spring is a sulfur spring, and the characteristic feature of this is that a lot of mineral deposits are deposited at the bottom of the bath. The hot spring is also known as a "beautiful skin bath," so it is always crowded with many female visitors.

◎Summary

The area around Lake Chuzenji is home to many of Nikko's most famous tourist spots. Irohazaka is particularly popular with drivers, as you can enjoy a variety of scenery as you travel. There are also many attractions in the mountains, such as the Akechidaira Ropeway and Mt. Nantai. If you want to visit all of these places, we recommend using your own car or joining a sightseeing tour.

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15 must-see sightseeing spots around Lake Chuzenji in Tochigi! Enjoy one of the highest lakes in Japan