08‏/01‏/2015

Nikko's Senjō-ga-hara Plateau

An autumn hike through the highlands of Nikko

By Dale A. Brown

Community writer

An early autumn hike through the highlands of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture.

Amazing nature just north of Lake Chuzenji.

A stunning transition from lakes, waterfalls, marshlands, and mountain vistas await you.

A hike from lake Yunoko to Ryūzu Falls will take about 2 and half hours.

The hike is perfect both in spring and in early autumn when the colors are the brightest.

The paths are well maintained through the marshlands

Areas of the trail are marked as wildlife areas, so bring your bear bells!

Tucked away in the mountains of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture is a natural wonderland to explore. In Nikko's Senjō-ga-hara Plateau one can find amazing hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning crystal blue lakes. You can take a local bus to the Yunoko lake where you can meet the trail head that will lead you down through the highlands down to Ryūzu Falls and Chuzenji Lake. This area is perfect for a mid spring, summer, or early autumn hike through the natural surroundings of the Oku-Nikko area. While here you can stop by one of the many famous onsen, take a boat out onto Chuzenji Lake, or go for a climb up Mt. Nantai (a 2400 meter difficult climb perfect for the warm months of the year). Buses run frequently via the JR Nikko and Tobu Nikko Train stations.