hiking in Nikko Japan

Here are the top best hiking trails here in in Nikko Japan.

Grade I: One to two hours of actual hiking time –

1. Toyama / Sotoyama / To Mountain / Soto Mountain 4.3km 2hr Class 1 *
2. Lake Yu (Yunoko) 3.0km 1hr Class 1 *

1. Onsen Temple 1km 1hr Class 1 *
2. Takino Path / Shiraito Waterfall Class 1

Grade II: Less than half a day of actual hiking time –

1. Sasamekura Class 2 [see the restaurant at the base of the trail, Seryuin Yamagoya Cafe]
2. Suginamiki Park (walking, not hiking) Class 1

Grade III: Half a day of actual hiking time –

1. Senjogahara (sometimes spelled Senjougahara) 6.3km 2:30 – 5 hr Class 1 *
2. Odashirogahara : See Senjogahara 7.2km 2:30hr Class 1 *
3. Lake Sai (sainoko) / via Senjugamana or Odashirogahara 7.0km add 3:00hr Class 2 *
4. Akechidaira Plateau 4hr (Lake Chuzenji Trailhead via Chanokidaira Plateau) Class 2 *
5. Mt. Hangetsu 5hr (Lake Chuzenji Trailhead via Chanokidaira Plateau) Class 2 *
6. Takayama Class 2 *
7. Daiya River Park Class 1

Grade IV: Full day of actual hiking time –

1. Nantai Mountain 5km 6:30hr (Southern Trail Head at Futarasan Shrine on Lake Chuzenji) Class 3 *
2. Lake Kirikomi / Lake Karikomi 9.7km 4:20hr Class 2 *
3. Lake Chuzenji – section 1 (circumnavigate) : Shobugahama to Senjugahama 4:00hr Class 3
4. Lake Chuzenji – section 2 (circumnavigate) Senjugahama to Mujinakubo (Hangetsu Mountain trailhead) 12.6km 5:00hr Class 2 *
5. Shirane Mountain 8:30hr Class 3 *
6. Taro Mountain Class 2 *

Grade V: Two day (both can be full day hikes if you have a 4WD vehicle to navigate this portion)

1. Nantai Mountain 10:00hr (northern trail from Kotoku (Sleep at free cabin : Shizu Hut) Class 3
2. Nyoho Mountain 10:00hr (sleep at free cabin : Shizu Hut) Class 3

a (*) means that the hiking trail is in Nikko National Park

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