Lake Chuzenji

Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖, Chuzenjiko) is located at the foot of Mount Nantai, which is the sacred volcanic mountain of Nikko. The eruption from Mount Nantai created a blockage in the valley that made Lake Chuzenji about 20,000 years ago. On the eastern side of the lake is a small hot spring town called Chuzenjiko Onsen. The Kegon Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in the Nikko National Park, can be found in the small town. On the northern shores of Lake Chuzenji is another famous fall called Ryuzu Waterfall. This is the site where you can see the Yukawa River discharge into Lake Chuzenji. From mid to late October the nature around Lake Chuzenji is very attractive. It is around this time that the autumn colors of the trees reach their peak. In the summertime, due to Lake Chuzenji’s high elevation, the surrounding area is kept cool. Since Lake Chuzenji is a scenic body of water there is a hiking trail that goes around the entire area. It is also possible to enjoy the scenery by going on a sightseeing boat that departs from the onsen town. If you wish to have a panoramic view, then you can either hike or drive up on the Chuzenjiko Skyline to observation deck along the road.