Nikko · Irohazaka road and Chuzenji Onsen
Lake Chuzenji
How to get there and what to see · facts checked 2026-10-24
Photo: Uraomote yamaneko・CC BY-SA 3.0
One of Japan's highest lakes, at 1,269 m. You can stroll the shore at the foot of Mt. Nantai or take a sightseeing boat.
- Nearest station
- About 50 minutes by bus, then a 5-minute walk
What to see
- A high-altitude lake: 1,269 m above sea level, about 25 km around and up to 163 m deep.
- Lakeside views: azaleas in early summer and autumn leaves are especially fine.
- Sightseeing boats: see the scenery from the water; a special autumn-leaves cruise runs in the colour season.
Seasons
- Early summer azaleas and autumn leaves are the highlights.
History
The lake is said to have formed about 20,000 years ago, when lava from Mt. Nantai dammed a valley. From the Meiji era to the early Showa era it was a popular summer retreat for foreign residents.
Getting there
About 50 minutes by bus from JR Nikko or Tobu-Nikko Station toward Chuzenji Onsen, then about 5 minutes on foot from the "Chuzenji Onsen" stop.
Address：Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi
Before you go
We could not confirm boat hours or fares from the operator's official page.
Lake Chuzenji area (about 50 min by bus)
Tap a red pin to open that sight's page.
Nearby sights
← Nikko guide: trains from Tokyo
Sources
Hours, prices and history come from the official websites and public tourism pages listed here. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
- 日光市観光協会（中禅寺湖）（checked 2026-10-24）
Map data：© OpenStreetMap contributors