The highest lake in Japan reachable by bus, formed by lava from Mount Nantai, with forested shores and views of the summit; free access.
Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenjiko) is the highest lake in Japan reachable by public transport, formed some 20.000 years ago when lava from the Nantai volcano (2.484 metres) blocked the Daiya river valley and dammed the rain and snowmelt into a caldera 4 kilometres long and 2 wide at 1.269 metres altitude. The result is an alpine landscape of extraordinary beauty: deep blue-green water, beech and maple forests right to the water's edge, the conical silhouette of Nantai reflected on the surface and, in the distance, the faint smoke of the Shirane volcano. Lake Chuzenji has also been the traditional summer retreat of the diplomatic corps posted in Tokyo since the 19th century, and several European consular villas from the Meiji period still stand on the shores. The shoreline walk (Umagaeshi Course) takes two hours at a gentle pace. Rowing boats can be hired for around 1.000 ¥/hour. In autumn the momiji of the maples along the lake is among the most beautiful in Japan. It is reached by bus from Nikko in 45 minutes via the Irohazaka.
