Outdoor Activities and Japanese History. Recharge in the Natural Surroundings of Nikko.

We introduce attractions in the area beside Lake Chuzenji, around 30 minutes by bus from Tobu Nikko, the nearest railway station to the World Heritage listed of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. As well as enjoying outdoor activities in natural surroundings, we recommend visitors take in the area’s history while soaking up the views and trying local products. With a reservation, you can take a tour with a licensed guide-interpreter who is well-informed on the area’s history. Use the Tobu “NIKKO PASS all area” to board local trains, buses, Ropeway and cruise in the designated area, to sample Nikko’s offerings.

Attractions in Nikko: https://www.tobujapantrip.com/en/brand

Nikko area licensed guides: https://www.tobujapantrip.com/en/area/nikko_kinugawa/licensed_guide.html

NIKKO PASS all area: https://www.tobujapantrip.com/en/ticket/nikko/all.html

■Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) on Japan’s Highest Lake

With an altitude of 1269 m, Chuzenji Lake is Japan’s highest lake. Many tourists visit in all seasons to enjoy the spectacular natural scenery and the surrounding Nikko / Oku-Nikko area. Recently, the lake is a popular venue for stand up paddle boarding. 

SUP!SUP! offers a range of options such as a beginners’ experience and short tours to take in the lake’s highlights, including historical diplomatic summer residences. Why not take the opportunity, in the season of spring greenery, to relax on the water and enjoy Nikko’s natural beauty and heritage?

Website: https://www.japantimeline.jp/en/tochigi/tobu-tochigi/sup_experience

■Two stars in Michelin Green Guide— Hiking and Stargazing on Senjogahara

Senjogahara, a wetland 400 hectares in size, is named after a legendary battle between the Gods of Mt. Nantai and Mt. Akagi, who fought over Lake Chuzenji. It is home to approximately 350 species of plants and numerous wild birds. Routes through the wetland including a roughly 2-hour hiking course, are popular with visitors. In 2018, the hiking activity in the Senjogahara area was awarded two stars in the Travelguide Nikko National Park of Michelin Green Guide. Observation platforms provide memorable views of the sunset and star-filled skies, letting you get in touch with Nikko’s natural beauty at any time of year.

Website: http://www.tobujapantrip.com/en/information/nikkoguide/en.html?page=13

■The History of Nikko – Enjoy the Scenery with Tea and Cakes at the British Embassy Villa Memorial Park 

The British Embassy Villa Memorial Park is a wonderful place to experience the lake’s natural beauty and history. When Japan first opened up to the modern world, the Lake Chuzenji area prospered as a summer resort with many embassies around and foreigners building summer houses.

The buildings inside the park was constructed as a private residence for Ernest Satow, a British diplomat who greatly influenced Japanese history, and after became an embassy villa. Now, after 120 years, the facility has opened as the Former British Embassy Villa from 2016. Come and take in the lake’s picturesque beauty as you enjoy tea and cakes.

Website: https://www.tobujapantrip.com/en/information/nikkoguide/en.html?page=36