Lake Chuzenji (’†‘TŽ›ŒÎ, 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's shores are mostly undeveloped and forested except at the lake's eastern end where the small hot spring town of Chuzenji 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 Chuzenji Onsen. Panoramic views from above are possible from along the Chuzenjiko Skyline, an eight kilometer long former toll road which is now free of charge.

  • Irohazaka Winding Road
  • Akechidaira Plateau
  • Chuzenji Onsen
  • Kegon Waterfall
    See admission details on our Kegon Waterfall page
  • Nikko Natural Science Museum
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (Apr to mid Nov), 10:00 to 16:00 (mid Nov to Mar)
    Admission: 510 yen
    Closed: Mondays from December to April; December 29 to January 3
  • Futarasan Shrine
    Hours: 8:00 to 17:00 (Apr to Oct), 9:00 to 16:00 (Nov to Mar)
    Admission: Free
  • Chuzenji Temple
    See admission details on our Chuzenji Temple page
  • Italian Embassy Villa
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 in April and November 11-30)
    Admission: 300 yen (450 yen together with the British Embassy Villa)
    Closed: December to March, Mondays in April
  • British Embassy Villa
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 in April and November 11-30)
    Admission: 300 yen (450 yen together with the Italian Embassy Villa)
    Closed: December to March, Mondays in April
  • Mount Hangetsuyama
    Hours: Always open
    Admission: Free viewing platform
  • Sightseeing Boat Cruise
    Available from mid April through November
  • Ryuzu Waterfall
    Hours: Always open
    Admission: Free viewing platform

Getting there and around

Chuzenji Onsen is connected with central Nikko by Tobu bus. The buses leave from JR and Tobu Nikko stations 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, costs 1250 yen and is covered by the Nikko All Area Pass.

A 2-day pass for unlimited bus rides between Nikko and Chuzenji Onsen is available for 2300 yen at Tobu Nikko Station.

Note that during the autumn leaf season in October, traffic between central Nikko and Lake Chuzenji can be very heavy, and buses can incur heavy delays, especially on weekends. The Irohazaka Winding Road becomes particularly congested. If possible, try to visit during the week and not on weekends.

Sightseeing boats can sometimes double as a way to get between destinations around Lake Chuzenji, although they would only make sense if the original intention is to tour the lake by them. The sightseeing boats making a loop around the lake (one hour, 1680 yen, hourly departures) operate only from the second week of April through November. From Chuzenji Onsen, these boats make stops at Shobugahama (20 minutes, 780 yen) and close to Chuzenji Temple (50 minutes, 1480 yen). Infrequent boats go between Shobugahama and Senjugahama in June (40 minutes, 1200 yen).

How to get to and around Nikko

Hotels around Nikko

Top rated in Nikko
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    • B&B Izumi Nikko
      Budget-friendly
      B&B Izumi Nikko features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Nikko, 2.4 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The 2-star bed and breakfast has river views and is 3.8 km from Tobu Nikko Station. Every room comes with a balcony. Certain units in the bed and breakfast have private entrance and are fitted with desk and outdoor furniture. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a walk-in shower and slippers, the units at the bed and breakfast have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms here will provide you with a terrace. At the bed and breakfast, all units have bed linen and towels. Guests can also relax in the garden. Popular points of interest near the bed and breakfast include Rinno-ji Temple, Futarasan Shrine and Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park. The nearest airport is Ibaraki Airport, 121 km from B&B Izumi Nikko.
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    • Stay Nikko Guesthouse
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring free WiFi, Stay Nikko Guesthouse offers accommodation in Nikko. Nikko Station on the Tobu and JR lines can be reached within a 13-minute walk. Free private parking is available on site. Every room at this guest house is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV. Views of the mountains, river or garden are featured in certain rooms. Guests will find a microwave, toaster and kettle on site. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a 20-minute stroll from Stay Nikko Guesthouse, while Kegon Falls is a 50-minute bus ride from the property.
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    • Sanga Nikko
      Budget-friendly
      Located in Nikko, 2.1 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Sanga Nikko provides rooms with free WiFi access. The property is set 10 km from Kegon Falls and 22 km from Nikk?-kokuritsu-k?en. Nikko Station and Tobu-Nikko Station are within a 5-minute walk from the property. The property is equipped with two private bathrooms. A range of activities are offered in the area, such as cycling and fishing. A supermarket is situated within a 5-minute walk from the property. This property is situated a short distance from attractions such as Rinnoji Temple and Shinkyo Bridge. Futarasan Shrine is 2.2 km from the property, while Chuzenji Lake is 12 km away.
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    • Midorian
      Budget-friendly
      Offering a garden and river view, Midorian is located in Nikko, 2.7 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine and 4 km from Tobu Nikko Station. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property provides barbecue facilities and parking on-site. The air-conditioned guest house consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a bath and slippers. Guests can enjoy a meal on an outdoor dining area while overlooking the mountain views. The property offers garden views. Guests at the guest house can enjoy hiking nearby, or benefit from the sun terrace. Nikko Station is 4.5 km from Midorian, while Kegon Falls is 18 km away. Ibaraki Airport is 121 km from the property.
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    • Okunikko Guesthouse JUN
      Budget-friendly
      Located in Nikko and only 1.1 km from Kegon Falls, Okunikko Guesthouse JUN provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The 1-star guest house features lake views and is 16 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and a shared lounge for guests. The units are equipped with heating facilities. Tobu Nikko Station is 17 km from the guest house, while Nikko Station is 18 km away. The nearest airport is Ibaraki Airport, 133 km from Okunikko Guesthouse JUN.
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    • The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko
      Luxury
      The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko features restaurants, fitness centre, a lobby lounge bar and shared lounge in Nikko situated by Lake Chuzenji and overlooking Mount Nantai. This 5-star hotel offers a concierge service and ticket service. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, hot spring baths for guests. At The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko all units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a hot tub, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. Featuring a private bathroom with a bidet and free toiletries, rooms at the hotel also offer a mountain view. A continental breakfast is available daily at the accommodation. The onsite restaurants feature Japanese and Western-style cuisines. Guests can relax in the spa and wellness centre, including a hot spring bath, a sauna and a hot tub, or in the garden. The area is popular for hiking and cycling, and car hire is available at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Kegon Falls, Chuzenji Lake and Chuzenji Temple.
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    • Nikko Akarinoyado Villa Revage
      Mid-range
      Homely rooms with mountain views, free Wi-Fi and a private bath await guests at Villa Revage, 350 metres from Nikko Botanical Garden. It is completely non-smoking, and free private parking is available on site. Rooms at Nikko Akarinoyado Villa Revage are heated and come with simple furnishings and art on the walls. An LCD satellite TV is included. Both a hairdryer and toiletries are provided. You can relax on the sun terrace, enjoy the garden or unwind in one of the private reservable baths. The hotel is 4 km from JR Nikko Train Station and Tobu Nikko Train Station. Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa is 800 metres away, and Nikko Toshogu Shrine is 2 km away.
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    • Nikko Guesthouse Sumica
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring 1-star accommodation, Nikko Guesthouse Sumica is located in Nikko, 300 metres from Nikko Station and 300 metres from Tobu Nikko Station. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation provides a concierge service and a tour desk for guests. At the guest house, all units are equipped with bed linen and towels. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is 2.7 km from the guest house, while Kegon Falls is 20 km away. Ibaraki Airport is 117 km from the property.
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    • Asaya
      Luxury
      Boasting open-air natural spring baths that look out to the surrounding mountains, Asaya provides chic Japanese accommodation that displays flower arrangements throughout. A bus stop is located right in front of the property, and shuttle buses are available from Utsunomiya Train Station, an hour away, at an additional fee. Featuring a relaxing ambience, each room comes with a flat-screen TV, a telephone and a fridge. Asaya Hotelfs front desk is open 24 hours, and massages are available at an additional cost. Karaoke facilities and a gift shop are on site. Some of the hot spring baths can be reserved for private use for a fee. A tour to Edo Wonderland can be arranged upon request. The hotel is a 13-minute walk from Kinugawa Koen Train Station. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a 40-minute drive away, and Edo Wonderland Nikko theme park is a 10-minute drive from the property. A buffet is served at one of the on-site restaurants. The dinner buffet serves about 80 various dishes ranging from Chinese, Japanese and Western meals, while the breakfast buffet provides about 60 variations, mainly Japanese and Western dishes.
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    • Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko
      Mid-range
      Set in Nikko, 1.8 km from Tobu Nikko Station, Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko offers accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking and a terrace. The 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 2 km from Nikko Station. All guest rooms at the hotel come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. Staff at Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko are available to provide information at the 24-hour front desk. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is 2.4 km from the accommodation, while Kegon Falls is 20 km from the property. Ibaraki Airport is 119 km away.
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Experiences around Nikko

Top rated in Nikko