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.
Climb Shirane-san (2,578 m), the highest peak in the Kanto region — an 11.5 km two-day loop from Yumoto Onsen with mountain hut camping, five-colour ponds, and sweeping summit views.
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.
Ryuzu Waterfall (Dragon’s Head) is Nikko’s most photographed waterfall and the hiking hub for Senjogahara, Takayama, and Lake Sai. In October koyo season it’s the single most dramatic view in Nikko National Park.
Yu Waterfall (you’ll see it written as both Yutaki and Yudaki) is nestled right…
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.