Section 2 of the Lake Chuzenji south shore trail covers 12.6 km from Senjugahama beach west to Mujinakubo, running the full middle section of the lake’s south shore through terrain that no road reaches. This is the most varied and most dramatic section of the three-part circumnavigation: three cliff viewpoints 100 metres above the lake surface, a hidden reconstructed temple that most Nikko visitors never find, boulder traverses and creek crossings throughout, an extraordinary mushroom diversity that lines the north-facing forest floor, wildlife including foxes, deer, serows, and bears, and a remote swimming cove on the west side of Hocchode Peninsula. Taken alone, Section 2 is a full 5-hour day. Combined with Section 1, it forms a 21 km two-day south-shore traverse.

The Lake Chuzenji Circumnavigation: Where Section 2 Fits

The complete south shore trail of Lake Chuzenji covers three sections, totalling approximately 21 km of off-road trail (plus 5 km of road on the north shore if doing the full circumnavigation of 26 km):

• Section 1: Shobugahama → Kumakubo (Bear Cove) → Senjugahama | ~4 km, 4 hours, Class 2–3
• Section 2 (this page): Senjugahama → Senjudo Temple → Mujinakubo | 12.6 km, 5 hours, Class 2 (almost 3)
• Section 3: Mujinakubo → Chuzenji Onsen via Hangetsu Mountain lakeside return | ~3 km, 1 hour, Class 1

Section 2 is by far the longest and most remote of the three sections. It is best done as a full standalone day rather than combined with Section 1 in the same day — the combined distance of nearly 17 km would require an extremely early start and very strong fitness.

Getting to Senjugahama (Section 2 Trailhead)

Senjugahama is not directly accessible by the main bus route. There are three ways to reach it:

• Hike in from Ryuzu Waterfall: Take the Section 1 south shore trail from Shobugahama (accessed by local bus from Chuzenji Onsen), passing Kumakubo to arrive at Senjugahama. Adds approximately 4 km and 4 hours to the beginning of your day.
• Descend from Hangetsu Mountain: Hike Hangetsu Mountain from the Kegon Falls trailhead and descend to Mujinakubo, then walk west along Section 3 to reach Senjugahama. This reverses the standard direction.
• Hybrid bus from Akanuma Nature Center (bus stop #39): A seasonal bus service reaches the Akanuma Nature Center, from where a trail leads down to Senjugahama beach. Check current schedules with Tobu Bus before planning.

The Trail: Section 2 in Detail

Senjugahama (start): The beach at Senjugahama is a beautiful, remote starting point for Section 2. Small waves break on the pebble shore and the opposite north shore of the lake — the road, the resort area, and the crowds — feels very far away from here. A short distance west, a wooden plank boardwalk marks the beginning of the Section 2 trail.

North-facing forest and mushrooms: Because this south shore section faces north (away from the sun), the forest floor receives less direct light than most Nikko trails. This creates conditions for an extraordinary diversity of mushrooms throughout the trail. In late summer and autumn, the variety and density of fungi growing along the path is remarkable — the most impressive mushroom trail in the Nikko area by a considerable margin.

Senjudo Temple: Midway through Section 2, the trail passes Senjudo Temple (Senjudoji) — a reconstruction completed in November 2016 of a temple originally built in 784 CE by the monk Shodo Shonin, the same founder who established Nikko’s main shrine complex. The original temple was lost, and in 2015 the hostel team hiked to this area searching for its foundation remains, only to discover the new reconstruction had been completed the following year. The temple stands alone in the forest, directly across the lake from Nantai Mountain, surrounded by nothing but trees and water. It is one of the most atmospheric and least-known religious sites in Nikko.

Three cliff viewpoints: Section 2 includes three cliff sections 100 metres above the lake surface, each providing open panoramic views of Nantai Mountain and Lake Chuzenji. These are the best elevated lake views on the entire south shore trail — high enough for true perspective, but still close enough that the colour of the lake water is visible below.

Boulder traverses and creek crossings: As with Section 1, this trail includes multiple sections of large boulder traverses where careful foot placement is required, and creek crossings that range from planked bridges to improvised stepping stones. Some creek crossings have no bridge — boots will get wet. This terrain is what classifies the trail as Class 2 (almost 3) despite the relatively modest elevation changes.

Hocchode Peninsula swimming cove: On the west side of Hocchode jima (Hocchode Peninsula), the trail passes a remote swimming spot directly accessible from the trail. The cove is sheltered, clear, and away from any boat traffic. In summer, this is one of the finest wild swimming opportunities on Lake Chuzenji.

Wildlife: Section 2 consistently has the highest wildlife encounters of the three south shore sections. Birds are constant companions throughout. Deer are frequent. Foxes, rabbits, and serows (Japanese mountain goat-antelopes) are possible. Bears have been reported in this corridor — carry a bear bell.

Mujinakubo (end): Section 2 ends at Mujinakubo, a quiet bay on the lake’s southwestern shore. This is also the descent point for the Hangetsu Mountain loop (Section 3 connection), where hikers descending from Hangetsu reach the lake. From Mujinakubo, the lakeside path continues east toward the Italian Embassy Villa and Chuzenji Onsen — Section 3, approximately 3 km and 1 hour on easy lakeside trail.

Best Season

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the Section 2 trailhead at Senjugahama?
Three approaches: (1) Hike Section 1 from Shobugahama via Kumakubo. (2) Descend Hangetsu Mountain to Mujinakubo and walk the trail in reverse. (3) Seasonal hybrid bus from Akanuma Nature Center (bus stop #39) — check current Tobu Bus schedules.

What is Senjudo Temple and why is it significant?
Senjudo Temple (Senjudoji) was originally built in 784 CE by the monk Shodo Shonin, the founder of Nikko’s UNESCO World Heritage shrine complex. The original temple was lost over centuries. A faithful reconstruction was completed in November 2016, standing alone in the forest directly across Lake Chuzenji from Nantai Mountain. It is one of the most atmospheric and least-visited heritage sites in Nikko.

Are there bears on Section 2?
Bears have been reported in this corridor. The south shore of Lake Chuzenji is wildlife-rich and relatively undisturbed. Carry a bear bell, make noise as you walk, hike in a group where possible, and do not leave food unattended.

Can I do Sections 1 and 2 in the same day?
Technically possible for very fit hikers, but the combined distance is nearly 17 km with boulder traverses and creek crossings throughout. Most hikers treat them as separate days or camp at Shobugahama between them.

Where does Section 2 end and what comes next?
Section 2 ends at Mujinakubo bay. Section 3 continues east along the lakeside to Chuzenji Onsen via the Italian Embassy Villa — approximately 3 km and 1 hour on easy flat trail. This section overlaps with the descent route from Hangetsu Mountain.

Plan Section 2 from Earth Hostel

Section 2 is one of the most rewarding long hikes in Nikko National Park and one of the least known. Earth Hostel is the natural base — we can help you plan access to Senjugahama, advise on bear bell use, confirm the current bus situation for the hybrid Akanuma option, and sequence it with Section 1 or Hangetsu for a multi-day Chuzenji adventure. See all hiking trails in Nikko ›

Last updated: April 2026. Seasonal bus access to Senjugahama via Akanuma Nature Center — confirm current Tobu Bus schedules before planning. Bear activity on the south shore is year-round; carry a bear bell.