Hiking Nikko Japan – Takayama

The trailhead for hiking Takayama in Nikko Japan is near the parking area on the upper section of Ryuzu Falls; just next to the bridge that overlooks Chuzenji Lake.  The bus stop is Taki-ue and not Ryuzu-no-taki.  I recommend starting at the top as by the time you get to Chuzenji Lake, you may want to refresh yourself with a quick dip in the lake for a little swimming.

The hike’s slope is relatively constant until 20 minutes before the peak.

The trail begins simple and stays flat for quite a while.  There is a gradual incline and you walk on bare roots in many spots.  You have to keep looking for a few decent viewpoints just off the trail.  There isn’t a view from the peak, so be sure to get some views when you have the chance along the trail; look for openings and thin woods.

You’ll know you’re at the base of Takayama when you see the trail is worn in a wide area.  Obviously, groups rest at this point before starting the final ascent.  A few points along the trail give you views of the famous Nantai Mountain, only one such viewpoint of the nearby Otake Mountain on the west.

Takayama Peak has no views of the area below nor of the landscapes around the mountain.  The peak is peaceful and pleasant with many birds and some deer when we got there.  Takayama translates to Hawk Mountain.

Heading south, you know you are getting close to Chuzenji Lake when the landscape gets greener and greener and you start to see moss covered trees in the moist fertile lowlands

 

The bay and beach are beautiful and remote; tucked away from and out of sight of any roads and buildings in the populated parts of the area

Senjugahama beach is just to the west of where the trail sets you on Lake Chuzenji.  Headed back toward Ryuzu waterfall, I was pleasantly surprised that the trail didn’t just follow the beach the entire time.

The best part of the trail back is that the trail takes you completely to the top a cliff where you can overlook the beaches, bays and Lake Chuzenji.