basic information

Lake Chuzenji

Ryuzu Falls

Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenjiko) is a beautiful lake with forested shores at the foot of the sacred volcano Mount Nantai in Okunikko ("Inner Nikko"). The lake was formed by lava flows of the now extinct volcano several thousand years ago. It is part of Nikko National Park.

Access to Lake Chuzenji and the inner regions of the national park is via the "Irohazaka Winding Road". The road ascends more than 400 meters in altitude and is named "Iroha", because the original road consisted of 48 needlepoint curves, the same number as there are letters in the Japanese syllabary, formerly known as "iroha". There are separate roads for uphill and downhill traffic.

Chuzenji Onsen, a touristy hot spring resort, is located at the top of the Irohazaka road, at the eastern end of the lake. The resort's most popular attraction is the Kegon-no-taki, a spectacular, 97 meter high waterfall. The base of the waterfall can be accessed via an elevator.

A nice panoramic view of the Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji can be enjoyed from the Akechidaira Plateau, which is accessible via a ropeway or on foot. To take the ropeway, get off at the Akechidaira bus stop, one stop before Chuzenji Onsen (served only by buses heading in direction of Chuzenji Onsen).

At the resort's edge stands the second of the three Futarasan Shrines (the main shrine stands in central Nikko and the third on the summit of Mount Nantai). The trail to the summit of Mount Nantai starts from the shrine grounds. There is also a treasure house which displays some impressive swords.

A few hundred meters upstream from the confluence of Yukawa River into Lake Chuzenji, rumble the Ryuzu Falls, another set of spectacular waterfalls, particularly nice during the autumn leaf season, which usually reaches its peak in early to mid October.

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how to get there

Chuzenji Onsen is connected with central Nikko by bus. The Tobu operated buses leave from in Tobu Nikko Station (some also serve JR Nikko Station) and are bound for Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen. There are about three buses per hour. The one way trip from Tobu Nikko Station to Chuzenji Onsen takes about 50 minutes and costs 1100 Yen.

To access the Ryuzu Falls, take a bus bound for Yumoto Onsen (1-2 buses per hour) and get off at "Ryuzu-no-taki" bus stop. From Tobu Nikko Station, the trip takes about one hour and costs 1350 Yen one way.

If you are visiting Lake Chuzenji from Tokyo, make sure to consider a Tobu Free Pass, which includes the round trip by train from Tokyo to Nikko and free travel on Tobu buses in the Nikko area.

Note that during peak travel seasons such as the autumn leaf season, traffic between central Nikko and Lake Chuzenji can be very heavy, and buses can incur heavy delays.

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4th of 6 most visited sights in Nikko.
79th of 450 most visited sights nationwide.

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hotels & ryokan

Turtle Inn Nikko Inexpensive family-run inn that has hosted many oversea tourists. 10min walk to Toshogu Shrine. Internet PC available. Nikko Cottage Fusha A Japanese cottage with kitchen and laundry, in a quiet area while close to major attractions. One guest group per night. Okunikko Konishi Hotel A resort style onsen hotel along the Yuno-ko Lake in Oku Nikko, which is blessed with natural resources.

tours and packages

Nikko Tours Various tours and travel packages for Nikko and surroundings.