Nikko National Park

Nikko National Park spans 114,908 hectares across three Japanese prefectures. You can hike mountains up to 2,578 meters, walk through ancient cedar forests, and spot Japanese macaques in their natural habitat. At Toshogu Shrine, you'll find intricate wood carvings including the famous Three Wise Monkeys. Take a boardwalk through Senjogahara Marsh, climb to the summit of active Mount Nasu, or watch the 97-meter Kegon Falls plunge into the valley below.

Mountains and Volcanic Landscapes

Mount Nikko-Shirane reaches 2,578 meters, making it the highest peak in the Kanto region. From Lake Chuzenji, you can see Mount Nantai's distinctive cone shape rising above the water. More than 20 hot springs dot the volcanic terrain, and hiking trails crisscross the mountains. At Mount Nasu, you'll see steam and volcanic gases rising from multiple vents.

Lakes and Waterfalls

Lake Chuzenji stretches for 11.62 square kilometers at Mount Nantai's base. The lake formed after volcanic activity 20,000 years ago and reaches depths of 163 meters. From its eastern edge, Kegon Falls drops 97 meters in a single cascade. Nearby, Ryuzu Falls splits into two parallel streams as it descends 60 meters - a shape that inspired local residents to name it "dragon's head."

Wildlife and Plant Life

Different plant and animal communities thrive in elevation zones from 500 to 2,500 meters. Groups of 20 to 30 Japanese macaques move through the forests, while sika deer graze in the marshlands. The park changes with each season: cherry trees bloom in mid-April, maple forests turn green by June, leaves change color from late October to early November, and snow blankets the landscape from December through March. In Senjogahara Marsh, you'll find white skunk cabbage, cotton grass, and Japanese thistle.

Sacred Sites

The 55 buildings of Toshogu Shrine include 5,173 wood carvings depicting animals, plants, and mythological figures. Look for the Three Wise Monkeys carving on the Sacred Stable and the sleeping cat sculpture above the Karamon Gate. At Futarasan Shrine, built in 782, you can learn about its spiritual connections to Mount Nantai, Mount Nyoho, and Mount Taro. Inside Rinnoji Temple, three 8-meter-tall golden Buddha statues represent these sacred mountains.

Hiking Trails

Walk the 3-kilometer Senjogahara Trail on elevated wooden boardwalks through marshland - the route takes about 90 minutes. Along the Ryuo Valley Trail, follow the Kinugawa River for 2 kilometers between 100-meter cliffs. For a challenging hike, take the Mount Nantai trail, which climbs 1,300 meters over 3.5 kilometers to viewpoints overlooking Lake Chuzenji and surrounding peaks.

Getting Around

Trains run every 30 minutes from Tokyo to Nikko Station, with a 90-minute journey time. Catch local buses every hour from the station to Lake Chuzenji (50 minutes) or Yumoto Onsen (80 minutes). To reach the Okunikko region, drive the Irohazaka road's 48 hairpin turns over 14 kilometers.