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Lake · Nikko, Tochigi
Lake Chuzenji
The mountain lake at about 1,270 meters, at the foot of Mount Nantai, with boats, old embassy vacation houses, Chuzen-ji temple and the Senjogahara marsh.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Lake Chuzenji in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Lake Chuzenji
Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenjiko) sits at about 1,270 meters elevation, high on the Nikko range. It formed thousands of years ago when lava from Mount Nantai, the 2,486-meter volcano that dominates the northern shore, dammed a valley. The lake has cold, clear water, forested shores and a waterside village, Chuzenji Onsen, with hotels, restaurants and the boat pier.
At the end of the 19th and start of the 20th century, foreign diplomats built summer homes on the shores to escape Tokyo’s heat. Two of them have been restored and can be visited: the former Italian legation house, a wooden building with cedar shingles designed by architect Antonin Raymond, and the former British legation, with verandas and rooms facing the lake.
On the east shore stands Chuzen-ji temple, affiliated with Rinno-ji, which preserves a thousand-armed Kannon carved, according to tradition, by the monk Shodo from a tree trunk still rooted in the ground. On the north shore, the Futarasan Chugushi shrine marks the start of the trail up Mount Nantai. Sightseeing boats circle the lake and stop at the shores.
West of the lake, the road continues to Ryuzu Falls, the Senjogahara marsh plateau—crossed by wooden boardwalks among grasses and birches—and Yudaki Falls, on to the hot-spring village of Yumoto. Autumn arrives early at the lake, usually in early October, and the area is cooler than the town in all seasons.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the lake, the legation houses and Kegon Falls; a full day if you include the walk across Senjogahara.
Best time
The leaves on the shore generally change color in the first half of October. In late spring, azaleas bloom on the slopes. In winter the lake becomes cold and snowy, and some houses close for the season: check before you go.
How to get there
Buses departing Tobu-Nikko and JR Nikko stations climb the Irohazaka road and reach Chuzenji Onsen in about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The same buses continue to Senjogahara and Yumoto.
Tip
Combine the lake with Kegon Falls, a few minutes from the bus stop. For walking, get off the bus at Ryuzu Falls or Akanuma and cross Senjogahara via the boardwalks.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lake Chuzenji
How do you get to Lake Chuzenji from Nikko?
The bus that climbs the Irohazaka road drops you at Chuzenji Onsen, on the east shore, after 45 minutes to 1 hour.
What to do at Lake Chuzenji?
Visit the old summer villas of the Italian and British legations, the Chuzen-ji temple and the Futarasan Chugushi shrine, take a boat tour and see Kegon Falls.
When do the leaves change color at Lake Chuzenji?
Generally in early to mid-October, before the city of Nikko.
What is Senjogahara?
A marshy plateau west of the lake, crossed by wooden boardwalks, with grasses, birches and views of Mount Nantai. A trail links Ryuzu Falls to the village of Yumoto.
Is it cold at Lake Chuzenji?
Yes, it is colder than the city and than Tokyo in all seasons because of the altitude. Bring warm clothing even in summer.
Beyond the guide
