%crNikko: Chuzenji-ko (lake)%c* and other Nikko, Japan Off The Beaten Path Tips

Chuzenji Lake is some distance above Nikko in the near by hills. On a summers day it is pleasantly much cooler up here and makes a great place for walking or riding the giant peddle swans. At first sight in the mist one can appear like the Loch Ness Monster of a sort.

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For a bit of solitude and fresh air there is a pleasant 2 1/2 hours hike which can be made taking thus gaining some great views over the Kegon Falls. After taking the Tobu Yumoto bus from outside of the Nikko Shrines ask to be set down at the Akechidaira Plateau cable car. This tiny 8 person standing room only red gondola will wisk you up to the beginning of the walking trail. Firstly it is from here where the best views of the distant water falls and Chuzenji-ko behind are visible. Although not clearly signposted, nor in English, the walking trail takes one further up into the hills where it noticably becomes cooler. At 1617m you will eventually get up to the Chanokidaira Plateau and there it is a stroll to the other side where one starts the easy zig-zag down towards the resort township which strides Chuzenji Lake. You suddenly come out onto a road and the left hand turn will take you to the lake, while the right hand turn will eventually get you to the Kegon Falls elevator. Buses return to Nikko from the main road.

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