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| Lake Chuzenji high above Nikko City in the Tochigi Prefecture. |
Order for the day: a trip to Nikko City.
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| A road trip from Isesaki to Nikko for the day |
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| Passing through Midori City |
Nikko City in the prefecture of Tochigi is northeast of Isesaki, Gunma, and about an hour and a half away. The drive is something to look forward to. It's autumn. Imagine embarking on a journey through a high-elevation mountainous region of Nikko National Park, the red- and gold-blanketed landscape of the Nasu volcanic zone and areas near the famed peak of Mt. Nikko-Shirane, and the winding road of Iroha Slope.
After a quick stopover for a bite of onigiri at a konbini and a few more miles of driving, we reached our first stopover—Lake Chuzenji, a scenic lake in the national park of the city of Nikko in the Tochigi Prefecture.
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| Onigiri, the meal of champions |
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| Spotted at the konbini: fellow travelers |
Above the city of Nikko is the scenic Lake Chuzenji. It was formed 20,000 years ago after the eruption of Mt. Nantai, a sacred volcano, that blocked the river. Shodo, a priest, discovered it in 782 when his group succeeded in scaling the sacred volcano.
I was in awe of the beauty of the lake, and it was the perfect time to visit when the lush flora was in its rich autumn hues of red and gold popping out of the perennial greens of the landscape. The gentle sloping range of the surrounding mountains set before the clear blue sky was the perfect backdrop for the scene.
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| "Lakers" - Giovanni, Angelo & I at Lake Chuzenji |
At this time of the year, the cool breeze of winter was fine, but during hot Japanese summers, this spot would be a perfect getaway. The lake’s high elevation of 1,269 meters above sea level blesses the area with a cool and comfortable temperature. It comes as no surprise why Lake Chuzenji has attracted many to build villas along its 25-kilometer shoreline.
The hiker and explorer in anyone can be triggered by the beauty of Lake Chuzenji. It is possible to navigate the whole 25-kilometer shoreline by foot. Mostly undeveloped and forested, the circumference of the lake has walking trails. Or if you prefer, you can do your sightseeing on a boat that departs from Chuzenjiko Onsen or by just enjoying the panoramic view on higher ground while driving along an eight-kilometer road of the Chuzenjiko Skyline.
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| In awe of Lake Chuzenji's beauty |
The lake is not the only sight to see. Around the lake, there is the Futara Shrine, built in 790; the Chuzenji Temple; the most famous of the waterfalls in Nikko National Park—the Kegon Falls, and another popular waterfall—the Ryuzu Waterfall.
After a shot of fresh mountain air by the lake and several snapshots, it was time to go higher. To do that, we have to take the Irohazka winding road. And that's another story to tell.
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