Lake Chuzeniko - 中禅寺湖
Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖, Chūzenjiko) is a scenic lake in the mountains above the town of Nikko. It is located at the foot of Mount Nantai, Nikko's sacred volcano, whose eruption blocked the valley below, thereby creating Lake Chuzenji about 20,000 years ago.
Chuzenjiko' shores are mostly undeveloped and forested except at the lake's eastern end where the small hot spring town of Chuzenjiko Onsen was built. The town is also the site of Kegon Waterfall, the most famous of several waterfalls in Nikko National Park. Another popular waterfall, Ryuzu Waterfall, is located at the northern shores of Lake Chuzenji where Yukawa River discharges into the lake.
Chuzenjiko is especially beautiful in mid to late October, when the autumn colors reach their peak along the lake's shores and surrounding mountains. And during Japan's hot summers, the lake's high elevation (1269 meters above sea level) keeps the area cool and comfortable, which in the past has attracted foreign embassies to build recreation villas along its shores.
It is possible to hike around the entire 25 kilometer circumference of Lake Chuzenji via hilly lakeside walking trails. Alternatively, the lake can be enjoyed from sightseeing boats that depart from Chuzenjiko Onsen. Panoramic views from above are possible from along the Chuzenjiko Skyline, an eight kilometer long former toll road which can now be used free of charge.
Futarasan Shrin Chugushi - 二荒山神社 中宮祠
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Hours: 8:00 to 17:00 (November to March: 9:00 to 16:00) Admission: Free |
The second of Nikko's three Futarasan Shrines stands at the shores of Lake Chuzenji, at the base of sacred Mount Nantai. The shrine marks the trailhead of the hiking course to the summit. Futarasan's main shrine stands down in central Nikko, while the third shrine stands on the summit of Mount Nantai.
More info：
Futarasan Shrine Treasure Museum
二荒山神社 宝物館
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Hours: 8:00 to 17:00 (November to March: 9:00 to 16:00) Admission: 500yen |
There are more than 130 swords in Futarasan Shrine. Many are either National Treasures or designated an Important Cultural Property.
Chuzenji Temple - 中禅寺
Chuzenji Temple (中禅寺, Chūzenji) stands on the eastern bank of Lake Chuzenjiko, which was named after the temple. Chuzenji's main object of worship is a six meter tall statue of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. The statue is unique for being carved out of a tree which is still rooted into the ground today.
The second story of the temple complex houses a rare assembly of all five Buddhist Deva Kings (Myo-o). The hall's ceiling spots a giant painting of a white dragon by the same artist who painted the "Crying Dragon" at Toshogu Shrine. The ceiling of the inner chamber is coffered and decorated with paintings of over a hundred flower varieties found around Nikko. From the veranda, visitors can enjoy beautiful views over Lake Chuzenjiko.
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Hours: 8:00 to 17:00 (April to October) 8:00 to 16:00 (March and November) 8:30 to 15:30 (December to February) Admission ends 30 minutes before closing Admission: 500yen |
More info：
POINTS OF INTEREST
Chuzenjiko Skyline road
中禅寺湖スカイライン
Chuzenjiko Observation Deck
中禅寺湖展望台
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Hours: 8:30 to 17:00
Closed: From December to April |
Chuzenjiko Skyline, is a former toll road that was specially built for tourism and is free to use for visitors today. The road passes by the Chuzenjiko Observation Deck along the way, which provides nice views of Lake Chuzenji from a different vantage point. Located right along the road, this observation point is easier to access, but offers somewhat less unobstructed views of the lake below. The Chuzenjiko Skyline is closed during winter from around late November to around mid April.
NIKKO NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM
日光自然科学博物館
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Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (November to March: 10:00 to 16:00) Admission: 510 yen |
The Nikko Natural Science Museum, which stands just next to the Chuzenjiko Onsen bus terminal, explores the history and ecology of Nikko National Park. The displays are informative and well presented with multilingual explanations. A large, multi screen video display highlights Nikko's four seasons.
More info：
Sightseeing Boat Cruise - 中禅寺湖クルーズ
Sightseeing cruises are another way to view the area and get around. Cruises depart from the pier in Chuzenjiko Onsen and range from ten minute shuttles across the lake to Chuzenji Temple (160 yen) to 60 minute round courses (1250 yen). Besides Chuzenji Temple, boats serve Shobugahama Pier near Ryuzu Waterfall and Senjugahama at the lake's western end.
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Available from mid April through November |
More info：
D Line(Main Line)
Funenoeki(Entrance of Lake Chuzenjiko) to Syobugahama(Ryuzu Waterfall) to Tachikikannon
Fees: Adult Per person *Under 12 age is Half fee
Funenowki to Syobugahama 20min
600JPY
Syobugahama to Tachikikannon 30min
660JPY
Tachikikannon to Funenoeki 5min
160JPY
Syobugahama to (Tachikikannnon) to Funenoeki 35min
760JPY
| Funenoeki | Syobugahama | Tachikikannon |
| 10:30 | 10:50 | 11:20 |
| 11:30 | 11:50 | 12:20 |
| 12:30 | 12:50 | 13:20 |
| 13:30 | 13:50 | 14:20 |
| 14:30 |
The information on this page is updated in April 2016.
The possibility want that information has been changed, please check the official website of each facility.