Nikko National Park
Nikko National Park is located in Tokyo, with a total area of approximately 1,400 square kilometers. The park has been operating since 1934 and is one of the most visited in the country. This is a picturesque corner of Japanese nature, which, as the locals say, must be visited in order to understand the mysterious Japanese soul. There is a special atmosphere here that gives inspiration.
Short description
Nikko National Park includes a plateau and a mountain range with an extinct volcano, picturesque lakes and waterfalls, hot springs and swamps rich in unique vegetation are hidden in dense forests. The mountain peak of Nantaisan is a dormant volcano. Lake Chuzenji, located at an altitude of 1,269 meters above the sea, was formed after the eruption of a now inactive volcano, after which the riverbed was blocked. The water here is too cold for swimming, so people come to the lake to admire the trout and the unique scenery. And you can swim in the Nikko National Park in the hot springs.
Park Features
There are 48 waterfalls in Nikko National Park. The most famous of them is Kagon on the Dayagawa River on the southern shore of the lake. The height of the water drop is 97 meters, 12 small ones are located on the sides of the main stream. Those who wish to admire the grandiose spectacle will be taken to the observation deck by a special elevator. Another Ryuuzu waterfall is located in the northern part of the reservoir, it is not so high, but much wider than the first one. You can admire the bubbling stream from the tea house.
The relatively small park contains several natural areas at once: coniferous and deciduous forests, shrubs, and alpine meadows. Plums and sakura trees grow in the forests, a symbol of Japan. It is said that some of the sakura trees that grow near Ritsuin Temple are up to 200 years old. In spring, you can find kongosakura here, which blooms not with pink, but with golden inflorescences. In autumn, golden maple leaves decorate the park. Of particular interest are the unique high-altitude marshes. In conditions of high humidity, azaleas and fluff, the exquisite lisichthyton of Kamchatka, and other unique plants grow. Wild animals such as wild boar, spotted deer, roe deer, and white-breasted bear live here in natural conditions. There are many birds in the dense forests.
The eruption of the Nantaisan volcano formed the largest lake, Chuzenji, fed by the Yukawa River, on which the Ryuzu Waterfall is located. The shores of the lake are especially beautiful in early spring, when the surrounding mountains are covered with a pale pink mist of cherry blossoms, or in October, when the maple leaves turn red. The Daiyagawa River flows out of the lake, which forms one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan, the 97 m high and 7 m wide Kegon, near its source. A large waterfall accompanies 12 small waterfalls on the sides. There are 48 waterfalls in Nikko, but Kegon Waterfall is the most famous of them.
Religious monuments
At the entrance to the Nikko National Park lies the town of Nikko. There are ancient Buddhist temples and a Shinto shrine nearby. Of particular interest is the Tosegu Temple Complex, built in honor of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Tosegu Temple is the tomb of the great ruler, his tomb is made entirely of bronze. The entire complex consists of two dozen buildings. The park contains a number of sacred Shinto shrines dedicated to ancient Japanese deities. The Taiyuin Temple, built in the 17th century, is eagerly visited by Japanese women.
Hiking is available for visitors to the park, and several routes have been developed. Fishing and skiing are popular. The reserve has a well-developed infrastructure, all conditions are created for a comfortable and pleasant stay. Numerous cafes and restaurants, ski resorts, and balneological resorts are available to visitors. Several festivals are held here on national holidays. From the Japanese capital, Nikko National Park can be reached by car or by train, the journey time is 2-2.5 hours. You can find out the train schedule in advance.
