Mountain Lakes Hike: Lake Kirikomi and Lake Karikomi
Day 1
Nikko Station / Tobu-Nikko Station
By bus
1 hour 25 minutes from Nikko Station or Tobu-Nikko Station by buses bound for Yumoto Onsen.
On Foot
70-minute walk
Lake Karikomi
Lake Karikomi is the larger of two secluded mountain lakes in the northern reaches of Okunikko. Both are known for their calm emerald waters and ancient forest setting. The lakes, which are connected by a narrow channel, were formed thousands of years ago, when lava from volcanic eruptions on Mt. Mitsudake (1,945 m) blocked water from flowing out of the valley. Lake Karikomi is about 600 meters across at its widest point and up to 15 meters deep. It is believed that the lakes drain through subterranean channels, as there are no visible surface streams or rivers flowing out of them. The surrounding area is noted for its pristine forests, volcanic outcroppings, and many varieties of mosses, which grow on trees, rocks, and even the hiking trail.
According to the tale of how the lakes were named, the Buddhist priest Shodo Shonin (735–817), founder of the temples and shrines of Nikko, heard that a giant serpent living near the lakes was terrorizing people. The priest cut down the monster and laid its body to rest in the lake waters. In tribute, the lakes were named to commemorate this heroic feat. In Lake Karikomi’s case, kari means to hunt and komi means to push down.
The lakes can be reached via a circuitous hiking trail that winds around the slopes of Mt. Mitsudake, linking Yumoto Onsen and Kotoku Onsen, two hot-spring resorts in the area. Lake Karikomi is the first lake on the route from the Yumoto Onsen trailhead, about a 70-minute hike.
Nature
On Foot
20-minute walk
On Foot
50-minute walk
On Foot
70-minute walk
On Foot
20-minute walk
Kotokunuma Swamp
Kotokunuma Swamp is a protected wetland within Nikko National Park, near the Kotoku Onsen trailhead on the hiking trail to lakes Kirikomi and Karikomi. Despite its small size (about 300 meters in circumference) and location off the beaten track, the swamp is a favorite destination of naturalists. It is sustained by the crystal-clear waters from a year-round spring, and even at the height of summer, the water temperature never exceeds 15°C. This allows baikamo, a rare aquatic wildflower that can only survive in pristine, flowing water below 15°C, to flourish and blanket the wetland with its delicate white blossoms. In autumn, the swamp is known for reflecting the surrounding mountains covered in their fall foliage of white birch and Japaneseoak. Groves of zumi, or Siebold’s crabapple, grow around the edges of the wetland; these can be easily identified by their gnarled trunks and twisted branches. Hikers and other visitors are encouraged to nclude this hidden highlight in their itinerary while taking care to preserve the delicate ecosystem of its unique environment.
Nature
Nature guide contact info
(1)Okunikko
Mr. Takeru Kanaya
OKUNIKKO Guesthouse JUN
WEB：https://okunikkoguesthousejun.amebaownd.com/pages/4507646/page_202101022314
Email：info.okunikkojun@gmail.com
(2)Ryuokyo Valley・Okunikko
Ms. Sachiko Kikuchi
LICENSED GUIDES
WEB：https://www.visit-tochigi.com/travel-info/licensed-guides/sachiko-kikuchi/
Email：elf-yu-sa@kxa.biglobe.ne.jp