Senjogahara Marshland
At an altitude of 1400 meters above sea level, the Senjogahara Marshland (ꃖ, Senjōgahara) covers the plateau between Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto Onsen. It offers some of the best hiking in the Nikko National Park and is particularly beautiful during the autumn leaf season in October when the marshland's grasses turn into a reddish yellow and the larch trees into a shiny gold. Due to the natural beauty, the hiking trails tend to be rather popular.
The Senjogahara Plateau Nature Trail follows Yukawa River during most of its course between Yumoto Onsen and Ryuzu Waterfall near the shores of Lake Chuzenji. The hiking trail offers excellent views of the marshland and surrounding mountains, and it takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. Not far from Senjogahara lies Odashirogahara, a smaller but equally idyllic marshland, which is worth a detour or separate visit.
During winter, the marshland is often covered by several centimeters of snow typically between December and March, during which the hiking trails may not be passable. But when enough snow accumulates, visitors can see a different side of the marshland by walking along the hiking trails on snowshoes. There is also a course network for cross-country skiing north of the Sanbonmatsu parking lot.
A couple of rest houses at the Sanbonmatsu parking lot offer snowshoe rentals for around 500 yen for two hours or 1000 yen per day. Cross-country ski rentals go for 1800 to 2000 yen per day. There are also guided half-day tours available, but advance reservations are required, and English instructions may be limited.
Getting there and around
Senjogahara is connected with central Nikko by Tobu bus. Buses leave from Tobu Nikko Station (many also serve JR Nikko Station) and are bound for Yumoto Onsen. There are one or two buses per hour. The one way trip from Tobu Nikko Station to Senjogahara takes about 70 minutes, costs around 1700 yen and is covered by the Nikko All Area Pass.
A 2-day pass for unlimited bus rides between Nikko and Yumoto Onsen is available for 3500 yen at Tobu Nikko Station.
For walking the entire Senjogahara Plateau Nature Trail, get off at either Yumoto Onsen or Ryuzu no taki bus stop. The hiking trails can also be joined from Akanuma bus stop, while Sanbonmatsu bus stop offers a small observation deck with views over the marshland, but no access to the hiking trails.
A separate bus travels between the parking lot near the Akanuma Shako bus stop at the southeastern end of Senjogahara Marshland and Senjugahama bus stop at the western bank of Lake Chuzenji, stopping at Odashirogahara Marshland and Lake Sainoko along the way. The entire one way trip takes approximately 30 minutes and costs 500 yen. Buses operate from late April through November about once per hour. More frequently on weekends and during busy seasons. These buses are also covered by the Nikko All Area Pass.
Note that during the autumn leaf season in October, traffic between central Nikko and Senjogahara can be very heavy, and buses can incur heavy delays, especially on weekends. If possible, try to visit during the week and not on weekends.
How to get to and around Nikko
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Hotels around Nikko
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Sanga Nikko - An Authentic Japanese Guesthouse ExperienceLocated in Nikko, 2.1 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Sanga Nikko - An Authentic Japanese Guesthouse Experience 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 shared bathrooms for 3 rooms. A range of activities are offered in the area, such as cycling and running. 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.View on Booking.com -
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B&B Izumi NikkoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
B&B Izumi Nikko in Nikko offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and mountain or river views. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and free toiletries.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a garden, terrace, and outdoor seating area. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Additional amenities include a work desk, microwave, and soundproofing.Delicious Breakfast
A hearty breakfast is served daily, highly praised by guests. The property also offers menus for special diets and luggage storage.Convenient Location
Located 121 km from Ibaraki Airport, the bed and breakfast provides free on-site private parking. Highly rated for its friendly host, balcony, and breakfast. -
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Stay Nikko GuesthouseFeaturing 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.View on Booking.com -
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Okunikko Guesthouse JUNView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Okunikko Guesthouse JUN in Nikko offers a 1-star experience with free WiFi, a lounge, and a shared kitchen. Guests can relax in the comfortable lounge or prepare meals in the shared kitchen.Modern Amenities
Each room features a private bathroom with slippers, lake and mountain views, and a shared bathroom. The property provides free off-site private parking and is highly rated for its lakes, host, and hiking opportunities.Convenient Location
Located 133 km from Ibaraki Airport, the guest house is situated near lakes and mountains. Reception staff speak English and Japanese, ensuring a pleasant stay for all visitors. -
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Nikko Guesthouse SumicaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Nikko Guesthouse Sumica in Nikko offers a 1-star guest house experience with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a tea and coffee maker. Each room features a private bathroom with a city view, tatami floors, and a shared bathroom.Convenient Facilities
Guests can enjoy a shared kitchen, concierge service, tour desk, and luggage storage. The property also provides a public transport option nearby, ensuring easy access to local attractions.Prime Location
Located 117 km from Ibaraki Airport, the guest house is highly rated for its friendly host, excellent public transport options, and convenient location. -
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NanaeyaeView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Nanaeyae in Nikko offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, hairdryer, yukata, refrigerator, work desk, free toiletries, shower, slippers, and TV.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath and an open-air bath. Additional facilities include a public bath, lift, daily housekeeping service, electric vehicle charging station, and free on-site private parking.Dining Experience
The ryokan serves Asian breakfast with local specialities. Dinner is highly praised by guests for its quality and variety.Prime Location
Located in the hot spring area, Nanaeyae is 107 km from Fukushima Airport. Guests appreciate the scenic views and the surrounding natural beauty. -
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Honke BankyuEstablished in 1666, Honke Bankyu is housed in a registered historical building. The Japanese rooms feature traditional decor, futon bedding and a flat-screen TV. The hotel has 5 hot-spring baths and serves local specialities for dinner. Shoji paper screens, tatami (woven-straw) floors and views of greenery add to the zen flavour of each air-conditioned room. A yukata robe is provided. All rooms have a private toilet, and some rooms have a private bathroom. The hotel is a 30-minute drive from Yunishikawa-Onsen Train Station. Heike Village Museum is just a 10-minute walk away. Ryuokyo Canyon is a 40-minute drive, and Nikko Toshugu Shrine is 50 km away. A private hot-spring bath can be reserved, for a fee. You can relax at the library, take a stroll in the garden or browse the unique items in the gift shop. Japanese style breakfast and set-menu dinner are served at the hotelfs dining room.View on Booking.com -
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The Ritz-Carlton, NikkoThe 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.View on Booking.com -
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Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi NikkoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Nikko in Nikko offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Guests appreciate the room and bed comfort, ensuring a pleasant stay.Essential Facilities
The hotel features a terrace and a lounge, providing relaxing spaces. Additional amenities include a shuttle service, lift, 24-hour front desk, shared kitchen, daily housekeeping, and full-day security.Convenient Location
Located 119 km from Ibaraki Airport, the hotel is situated in Tokorono. Free off-site private parking is available for guests.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated by guests for its room and bed comfort, the property staff and service support receive excellent reviews. -
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Nikko Akarinoyado Villa RevageHomely 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.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Nikko
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SponsoredExperience the Samurai Spirit through Ogasawara-style Archery – Including a Private Prayer Tour at Nikko Toshogu ShrineYabusame is the ancient traditional art of mounted archery, in which a rider on horseback shoots at consecutive targets during a gallop. In this plan, guests can experience yabusame or the related traditional art of kyudo, archery performed on foot – along with a guided tour of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a World Heritage site.View experienceSponsored
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