Chuzenji Lake

Attraction

Part of Nikko

Prefecture

Tochigi

Type

Attraction

N/A

0 reviews

Shuttle Bus

About This Destination

A scenic mountain lake at 1,269 meters elevation, formed by the eruption of Mount Nantai. Surrounded by forests that blaze with color in autumn, with the Kegon Falls at its outlet. Popular for boat cruises and lakeside walks.

Formed by the eruption of Mount Nantai nearly 20,000 years ago, this crater lake at 1,269 meters elevation offers cool refuge and sweeping scenery just hours from Tokyo. The 25-kilometer shoreline provides hiking trails, lakeside temples, and panoramic viewpoints where autumn transforms surrounding mountains into a tapestry of red, orange, and gold. The dramatic Kegon Falls plunges 97 meters from the lake's outlet, while tour boats cruise past elegant lakeside villas built during Japan's Meiji-era diplomatic heyday.

Location

Prefecture: Tochigi

Address: Nikko, Tochigi, Japan

Nearest Station: Nikko Station

Best time to visit: Mid to late October for spectacular autumn foliage; cool summers make it a highland escape from the heat

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reach Chuzenji Lake from Nikko?

From Tobu-Nikko Station, take a Tobu bus up the Irohazaka switchback road, which takes about 45 minutes for around 1,250 yen. Nikko itself is about 2 hours from Asakusa in Tokyo by Tobu limited express. The road has 48 hairpin turns and is especially busy during autumn colors.

What is Chuzenji Lake known for?

It sits at 1,269 meters and is Japan's highest large natural lake, formed when Mt. Nantai erupted about 20,000 years ago. Nearby is the 97-meter Kegon Falls, reached by elevator to its base. The shore also has Chuzenji Temple's Tachiki Kannon and former Italian and British embassy villa memorial parks.

When is the best time to visit Chuzenji Lake?

Autumn, roughly mid-October, is the most popular time, when the Irohazaka road and the lakeshore turn red and gold. The elevator to the base of Kegon Falls costs 570 yen. Because of the high elevation it is cool even in summer, and the road can be crowded on autumn weekends.