Recommended Length: 2 Days
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the nature-rich area around Lake Chuzenji gained popularity as an international summer resort. Cruise the lake and soak in the bygone atmosphere.
Summer Like 19th-Century Ambassadors
Day 1
Nikko Station / Tobu-Nikko Station
By bus
45 minutes on buses bound for Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen, then a 10-minute walk from the Chuzenji Onsen bus stop
Lake
By Ferry
Take sightseeing boat (Course D) to the Tachikikannon-mae stop, then a 15-minute walk
History
Italian Embassy House Memorial Park
Beginning in 1928, this villa was used for 70 years as a summer retreat by the Italian embassy. It offers panoramic views of Lake Chuzenji and is a prime viewing spot for the surrounding nature. The well-preserved and restored buildings offer a glimpse into the luxe history of the house's inhabitants. The main house is kept faithful to its original look, while the secondary residence functions as a history museum.
History & Culture
Other
5 minutes by taxi to the Chuzenji Onsen bus stop. Then take a bus 15 minutes to the Ryuzunotaki bus stop.
Waterfall
Ryuzu Falls
One of Nikko’s great waterfalls, Ryuzu Falls consists of two cascades dropping over 210 meters. It is especially beautiful when the rhododendrons are in bloom (May to June), and when the leaves of the surrounding maple and linden trees burst into full autumn colors (September to October). There is an observation deck right by the falls.
Nature
By bus
15 minutes on a bus bound for Yumoto Onsen
Accommodation
Okunikko Yumoto Onsen
In the center of Nikko National Park, on a plateau surrounded by protected wetlands is Nikko Yumoto Onsen. It is said that the Buddhist monk Shodo discovered this spring near Lake Yunoko 1,200 years ago, and that Kobo Daishi also bathed here. At its source the water is a bright emerald green, but when exposed to the air it turns milk white; it contains a high percentage of metasilicic acid, which is thought to have a smoothing effect on the skin.
HOT SPRING
End of Day 1
Day 2
Okunikko Yumoto Onsen
By bus
10 minutes on a bus bound for Nikko Station. Get off at the Akanuma bus stop and walk 10 minutes.
Nature
By bus
20 minutes from the Sanbonmatsu bus stop on a bus bound for Nikko Station. Get off at the Chuzenji Onsen bus stop and walk 5 minutes.
Waterfall
Kegon Falls
Cascading from Lake Chuzenji at a height of 97 meters, Kegon Falls is ranked among Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls. Lush greenery surrounds the area in spring, migratory Asian house martins visit in summer, and the waterfall freezes solid in winter. Paid admission to an observatory platform at the base of the falls offers close-up views.
Nature
By bus
40 minutes from Chuzenji Onsen bus stop on buses to Nikko Station