Lake Chuzenjiko

What to know

Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖, Chūzenjiko) is a picturesque mountain lake located above Nikko town. It lies at the base of Mount Nantai, Nikko's sacred volcano, whose eruption dammed the valley and formed the lake roughly 20,000 years ago.

Most of Chuzenjiko's shoreline remains forested and undeveloped, except at the eastern end where the small hot spring resort of Chuzenji Onsen sits. This town is also home to Kegon Waterfall, the most famous of several waterfalls in Nikko National Park. Another popular cascade, Ryuzu Waterfall, is found at the lake's northern shore where the Yukawa River flows in.

Chuzenjiko is especially stunning in mid to late October when autumn colors peak along the shores and surrounding mountains. During Japan's hot summers, the lake's high elevation (1,269 meters above sea level) keeps the area cool and comfortable, historically attracting foreign embassies to build vacation villas along its banks.

You can hike the entire 25-kilometer circumference of Lake Chuzenji on hilly lakeside trails. Alternatively, sightseeing boats depart from Chuzenji Onsen. Panoramic views from above are available along the Chuzenjiko Skyline, an eight-kilometer former toll road now free to use.

Chuzenji Onsen is connected to central Nikko by Tobu buses. Buses leave from JR and Tobu Nikko stations, heading to Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen. Services run about three times per hour. The one-way trip from Tobu Nikko Station to Chuzenji Onsen takes about 50 minutes, costs 1,250 yen, and is covered by the Nikko All Area Pass.

A 2-day pass for unlimited bus rides between Nikko and Chuzenji Onsen is available for 2,300 yen at Tobu Nikko Station.