1
Lake Chuzenji

It takes about 50 minutes by car or bus from JR or Tobu Nikko Station to the west. You will arrive at Lake Chuzenji, which is located in Nikko National Park and is one of the highest lakes in Japan at 1,269 meters above sea level. The contrast between the beautiful green mountains that have been the object of mountain worship since ancient times, such as Nantai-san on the northern side, and the shining blue surface of the lake is never boring.
The lake has a circumference of approximately 25 km, and only the eastern and northern parts of the lake are open for sightseeing. The western and southern areas are nature-rich hiking trails that can only be explored on foot. The best place to view the lake is from the Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park and the British Embassy Villa Memorial Park in the eastern part of the lake. You can enjoy a wide-open view with a great sense of openness. Lake Chuzenji in the reddish hues of sunset is like a painting, and is well worth a visit.

2
Odashirogahara

Further north from Chuzenji Lake, west of Senjogahara, is Odashirogahara, a basin-like wetland about 2 km in circumference. The most popular attraction here is the spectacular view of a single white birch tree standing dignified in the midst of the expansive marshland. This tree is commonly called the "Lady of Odashirogahara," and its appearance varies depending on the season, weather, and angle of view.

Odashirogahara is registered as a Ramsar Convention* wetland and is recognized as a wetland of international importance, especially as a habitat for waterfowl. It is also a rare wetland in the transitional stage from marshland to grassland, and as such, it is characterized by the growth of a diverse range of plants and animals. It is surrounded by a forest of Quercus crispula and larch, and in the fall, the entire area is covered in autumn leaves, adding color to the scenery. On a clear day, Nantai-san can be seen beyond the marshland.

3
Kegon Falls

Kegon Falls, where water from Lake Chuzenji flows down from the 97-meter-high cliff and overwhelms the viewer. It is one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan. Apart from the main stream falling with a huge explosion, there are also several streams of spring water flowing down from the rocks in the middle section, which are called the Twelve Falls. For a powerful photo, take the elevator 100 meters down through the bedrock to the viewing platform near the waterfall basin. You can get a close-up view of the 4.5-meter-deep waterfall basin and look up at Japan's pride and joy, the Great Falls, from below.

4
Akechidaira Observatory

Akechidaira is a superb viewpoint located near the end of the 440-meter ascent-only Second Iroha Slope from downtown Nikko to Chuzenji Lake. Akechidaira, where there is also a bus stop, is always crowded with people enjoying the view. From the spacious drive-in, you can enjoy a distant view of the first Irohazaka slope and Hannya Waterfall, which is for downhill only.

A ropeway ride from Akechidaira takes about three minutes to reach the Akechidaira Observatory, said to be the best view spot in Nikko. A panoramic view of the towering cliffs of Byoubu Iwa, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and Mt. The scenery is exceptional in every season, from the cool and refreshing green of the trees to the brocade-like beauty of the autumn leaves and the serenity of the snowy landscape.

5
Kirifuri Kogen

The Kirifuri Plateau, 1,300 to 1,600 meters above sea level, is located in the northern part of Nikko, at the eastern foot of Mount Nyoho, one of the three peaks of Nikko. From spring to early summer, katakuris (dogtooth violet) and larch are in full bloom, and the area is a treasure trove of various plants. The most spectacular of all is the Nikkoukisuge, which usually blooms from the end of June to mid-July. The yellow trumpet-shaped flowers bloom all at once on the slopes, and their brilliant appearance against the green of the plateau and the blue sky is a sight to behold. A well-maintained promenade makes it easy to take a stroll, and those who are confident in their legs can climb the 1,445 steps of the "Sky Corridor" to enjoy the refreshing view from the Komaruyama Observation Deck.

6
Ryuoukyo Gorge

The Ryuoukyo Gorge boasts a unique canyon beauty, with a meandering river flowing between steep cliffs. It is said that the name "Ryuohkyo" comes from its resemblance to a dragon slouching. The current of the Kinugawa River has carved out the volcanic rocks that erupted from an undersea volcanic eruption approximately 22 million years ago, and they have taken their present form. The valley is divided into three sections from upstream: Shiryukyo, Seiryukyo, and Shiryukyo, and each offers a different atmosphere with different colors of rock surfaces. There is a 6-km-long nature exploration course along the gorge, allowing visitors to take a walk according to their time and physical strength. Here and there along the course are scattered scenic spots where the rocks and water are woven together in a thousand different ways.

Ryuoukyo Gorge

• Fujiwara, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture MAP
• A short walk from Ryuoukyo Station on the Noiwa Railway Aizu Kinugawa Line
• 0288-76-4111 (Fujiwara Tourism Division, Nikko City)
• Free of charge

7
Kinutateiwa suspension bridge

The Kinugawa Tateiwa Suspension Bridge, which spans the Kinugawa River flowing between rocks, is viewed from a height of 37 meters above the river. It is a suspension bridge for pedestrians that connects Kinugawa hot spring village and Tateiwa, a famous scenic spot across the river. The total length of the bridge is approximately 140 meters, so it is quite thrilling to be near the center of the bridge. It is also called the "match-making bridge" because it connects the feminine landscape of Kinugawa and the masculine Tateiwa. At the top of Tateiwa is the Tateiwa Observation Deck, which offers a panoramic view of the suspension bridge and Kinugawa hot springs.