[Lake Chuzenji Travel Guide] Enjoy Grand Natural Scenery That Changes with the Seasons!

The south shore of Lake Chuzenji has well-maintained hiking trails where you can enjoy a relaxing walk while looking out over Mt. Nantai across the lake.
Because the area stays cool even in summer, it became a popular summer retreat for foreigners from the Meiji era to the early Showa era, and many embassies and foreign villas were built along the lakeshore.
One of them is the Italian Embassy Villa, designed to make the most of the lake scenery.
Designed by architect and diplomat Antonin Raymond, it is noted for its beautiful interior and exterior walls made of cedar bark arranged in an elegant checkered pattern.

Nikko is home to many waterfalls, but Kegon Falls is perhaps the most famous of them all. Fed by the waters of Lake Chuzenji, this dramatic waterfall plunges down a 97-meter cliff, offering both raw natural power and striking beauty.
From the observation platform near the basin, which you can reach by elevator, you can experience the roar of the falls and the spray up close.

Nikko Futarasan Shrine is a shrine that enshrines Nikko’s three sacred mountains, the main peaks of the Nikko mountain range, as its sacred mountains.
It is also known for blessings related to good fortune and matchmaking.
The beautiful vermilion-lacquered wooden bridge Shinkyo, which marks the entrance to the Nikko-san area, is one of Futarasan Shrine’s structures.
There is also the Chugushi on the shore of Lake Chuzenji and the Okumiya at the summit of Mt. Nantai.
It is registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko."

This observation deck offers a view of both Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls flowing from it at the same time.
Looking east, you can also take in Byobu-iwa, a line of steep cliffs, and mountain ranges stretching far into the distance.
You can reach the observation deck at an elevation of 1,373 m in Approx. 3 minutes by ropeway.

Ryuzu Falls is located on the Yukawa River, which flows into Lake Chuzenji. The water runs down lava formed by the eruption of Mt. Nantai over a distance of 210 meters, rushing powerfully over a terraced rock face about 10 meters wide.
It is said to have been named Ryuzu Falls because the basin is split in two by a large rock, making it look like a dragon’s head.
The autumn leaves here are said to turn color earlier than anywhere else in Nikko City, creating beautiful scenery colored by maples, Japanese linden trees, and more.

A park known for its excellent views, where you can overlook the beautiful scenery created by the calm waters of Lake Chuzenji and the surrounding green mountains.
The cool climate and rich natural setting of the Lake Chuzenji shore led to the construction of many villas by foreigners, including embassies of various countries, from the mid-Meiji period to the early Showa period, making it a lively international summer resort.

A 15.8 km scenic road connecting downtown Nikko and Lake Chuzenji.
It consists of the downhill-only First Irohazaka and the uphill-only Second Irohazaka, and is said to have been named after the 48 sounds of the old Japanese iroha syllabary because together they have 48 curves.

A museum located very close to Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. Inside, it introduces the rich nature of Okunikko and the history of the area beginning in the Nara period through panel displays and videos.
Using the latest digital technology, large-screen visuals let you enjoy the flow of water that shapes Okunikko’s nature, wetland scenery, and the lives of its wildlife.

Lake Chuzenji, located in Nikko National Park, is the lake at the highest elevation in Japan.
The Lake Chuzenji Sightseeing Boat lets you enjoy a cruise through the scenery around the lake, blessed with rich natural surroundings.
There is a course that circles the entire lake and a seasonal Senjugahama course, both visiting famous spots around the lake.

A vast wetland of 400 hectares located in Nikko National Park.
It was once a lake, but volcanic sediment accumulated there, aquatic plants grew on top of it, and under the cool climate the area became marshy, forming the wetland.
No matter the season, you can enjoy beautiful scenery created by the rich nature of Okunikko.

A public outreach facility of the Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency located on the shore of Lake Chuzenji.
More than 100 years ago, it was used as a hatchery by the Imperial Household Agency, and now part of the research facility is open to the public. Visitors can observe and feed lake trout found only in Lake Chuzenji, as well as 10 kinds of salmon and trout relatives, sturgeon, and more.

A French restaurant in the Okunikko area.
Its Western-style appearance is striking and perfectly matches the atmosphere of the Lake Chuzenji shore, which once flourished as a villa area for foreigners.
Here, you can enjoy dishes that combine simplicity with the chef’s fresh ideas.
Main dishes made with locally sourced ingredients such as rainbow trout, yashio trout, and premium Tochigi pork are especially popular.

A popular handmade soba restaurant on the shore of Lake Chuzenji in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture.
In addition to the quality of the soba itself, one reason for its popularity is its excellent location, with panoramic views of Lake Chuzenji from the large windows and terrace seating.
You can savor handmade soba while admiring the dynamic scenery of Lake Chuzenji.

A teahouse with views of Ryuzu Falls, one of Okunikko’s three famous waterfalls, from inside the building. It was also recorded as Jigoku Chaya in the Nikko Sanshi, written in the Edo period, and has long been loved as a resting place for travelers.

A log cabin-style hotel located in Nikko National Park and standing by the shore of Lake Chuzenji.
Surrounded by lush mizunara oak forests and the beautiful Kegon Falls, this resort offers a perfect setting in the rich nature of Okunikko, away from the noise of the city, for adults seeking the ultimate time of relaxation.

Ryuzu Falls is a popular sightseeing spot known for its distinctive shape split in two by a giant rock and for its spectacular autumn leaves.
Located about Approx. 3 minutes on foot away, this hot spring inn takes full advantage of its riverside setting, with river views from every room and only four groups accepted per day.
The baths feature free-flowing alkaline sulfur hot spring water drawn directly from Okunikko Yumoto Onsen, with an abundant supply of Approx. 1,000 liters every hour.

A hot spring inn with an excellent location right in front of Lake Chuzenji, which has also been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Landscapes.
Every guest room overlooks Lake Chuzenji, allowing you to enjoy the lake and the rich surrounding nature as they change with the seasons and time of day.
In the open-air bath of the large public bath, you can enjoy free-flowing sulfur spring water from Okunikko Yumoto Onsen, while the indoor bath features alkaline simple spring water from Nikko Wa-no-Dai Onsen (water added).