Section 2 of the Lake Chuzenji south shore trail — 12.6 km from Senjugahama to Mujinakubo with three cliff viewpoints, the hidden Senjudo Temple, exceptional mushroom diversity, wildlife, and a remote swimming cove.
Explore the stunning Lake Chuzenji hiking trail, featuring cliffs, creeks, wildlife, and the historic Senjudo Temple in Nikko, Japan.
Climb Shirane-san (2578 m), the highest peak in the Kanto region.
Unlike the stone at Ryuzu (Dragon’s head) waterfall in another part of Nikko, there isn’t a stone that looks like a dragon. This area is named after the “home” of the dragon, after all.
Hike Senjogahara’s famous 6.3 km boardwalk trail through Nikko’s highland marshlands — easy, flat, and stunning year-round. Full guide with bus access, trailhead info, and best seasons.
Hike the remote south shore of Lake Chuzenji from Shobugahama to Senjugahama via Bear Cove (Kumakubo) — a 4-hour lakeside trail with boulder traverses, wildlife, and crystal-clear swimming coves.
Lake Sai (Sainoko) is Nikko’s most hidden lake — tucked west of Lake Chuzenji, reachable only on foot, with bear sightings, a barren volcanic shoreline, and a stunning view of Nantai Mountain.
Hike the Lake Yu (Yunoko) loop at 1,500 m in Yumoto Onsen — a peaceful 1-hour lakeside walk with tame ducks, Nantai Mountain views, autumn foliage, and rental boats. The end of the line in Oku-Nikko.
Climb Nantai Mountain (2,486 m), Nikko’s sacred volcano — a strenuous full-day hike from Lake Chuzenji with volcanic summit terrain and views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. Full trail guide.
Hike Nyoho Mountain (2,483 m), Nikko’s most remote peak — a two-day expedition via Shizu Hut with barren ridgeline terrain, a chain-assisted summit section, and extraordinary solitude.