Weather in Lake Chūzenji

Lake Chūzenji sits in the mountains above Nikkō, formed when an eruption of nearby Mount Nantai dammed the valley, and is reached via a dramatic stretch of switchback road past the thundering 97-metre Kegon Falls. The lake's shores are ringed with onsen ryokan, hiking trails and the red-pillared Chuzenji Temple, making it a cooler, quieter extension to a Nikkō shrine visit, especially popular in autumn for its foliage.

Best areas to stay in Lake Chūzenji

Kegon Falls

A 97-metre waterfall with an observation platform reached by elevator, the dramatic gateway to the lake area.

Lake Chūzenji Shoreline

The lakeside settlement with ryokan, restaurants and boat piers, set against the backdrop of Mount Nantai.

Chuzenji Temple

A temple with a striking standing Kannon statue, set on the lake's edge.

Senjogahara Marshland

A high-altitude wetland plateau further along the road, popular for gentle hiking trails.

Getting to Lake Chūzenji

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Flights

Fly into Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND), then take a train to Nikkō Station via Tobu or JR lines, followed by a bus up to the lake.

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From London

~14-15 hours total from London including transfers

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Getting around

Buses connect Nikkō Station to Kegon Falls and the lake; boat trips and hiking trails cover the lake area itself.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Chūzenji?

Autumn (mid-October to early November) is famous for vivid foliage along the lake and Kegon Falls; summer offers a cool escape from Tokyo's heat.

How do I get to Lake Chūzenji?

Buses run from Nikkō Station up the winding Irohazaka mountain road to the lake and Kegon Falls, taking around 50 minutes.

What is there to see at Lake Chūzenji?

Kegon Falls, one of Japan's most famous waterfalls, plus boat trips on the lake, hiking trails up Mount Nantai, and the lakeside Chuzenji Temple.

Can I stay overnight near Lake Chūzenji?

Yes, there are onsen ryokan along the lakeshore offering hot spring baths with mountain and lake views, popular for a relaxed overnight stay.

Is Lake Chūzenji suitable for a day trip from Tokyo?

It's possible but long - combining it with Nikkō's main shrines in a single day from Tokyo makes for a very full schedule.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The autumn colours around the lake and at Kegon Falls were the best we saw anywhere in Japan, the bus ride up the mountain road is an experience in itself.

Fiona M. · October 2024

★★★★☆

Lovely escape from the heat of Tokyo, stayed in a lakeside ryokan with an onsen looking out over the water - very relaxing after the shrines in Nikkō town.

Ryo K. · August 2023

★★★★☆

Kegon Falls is genuinely impressive, and the lake itself is a peaceful spot for a short walk. Buses can get crowded on weekends so go early.

Claire B. · May 2024