Lake Chuzenji Facts for Kids

Lake Chūzenji is a beautiful lake located in a national park near Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It is the 25th largest lake in Japan based on its size.

How Lake Chūzenji Was Formed
Exploring Lake Chūzenji
Getting to Lake Chūzenji
Images for kids
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How Lake Chūzenji Was Formed

Lake Chūzenji was created about 20,000 years ago. A huge eruption from Mount Nantai blocked a river, forming the lake. It covers an area of 11.90 square kilometers and has a shoreline about 25 kilometers long. This makes it the widest natural lake in Tochigi Prefecture. The lake is also quite high up, more than four kilometers wide, making it one of the highest natural lakes in Japan. Water flows into the lake from the Yugawa River and then exits through the Ōjiri River, which eventually leads to the famous Kegon Falls.

A priest named Shodo discovered the lake in the year 767. For a long time, it was a place for religious training. Today, it is mostly known as a popular tourist spot. There is even a small island called Ueno Island, about 100 meters from the shore, where some of Priest Shodo's ashes are said to be.

Exploring Lake Chūzenji

Lake Chūzenji is considered one of the "100 Landscapes of Japan." It's the only spot in Tochigi Prefecture to receive this special recognition.

Beautiful Nature and Views

On the south side of the lake, you'll find Hattyō Island. This island is famous for its stunning autumn leaves, which change color beautifully. There's also a sandy area called Senjyu Beach in the southern part of the lake. Near the beach, you can see different kinds of plants and trees. In July, Japanese primrose flowers bloom there. Long ago, Priest Shodo believed he saw a thousand-armed Goddess of Mercy at this spot. He then built a temple called Senjyu Kannon-do there. You can't drive a car to Senjyu Beach, but you can easily get there by taking one of the sightseeing boats that regularly sail on the lake.

Historic Buildings and Parks

Many years ago, several countries built their embassies around Lake Chūzenji. They used these villas as summer homes to escape the heat. Today, the villas of the British and Italian embassies are still standing. They have been turned into memorial parks that visitors can explore. On the north side of the lake, you can find Tachiki Kannon Temple and Nikkosan Chūzenji Temple. During certain seasons, you can even start your climb up Mount Nantai from this area. To the northwest of the lake, there's a large open area called Senjogahara Plateau.

Fish and Fishing

Originally, there were no fish in Lake Chūzenji. However, people started introducing different types of fish during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Now, the lake is home to many kinds of fish, with at least 24 different species living there. Some fish, like the kokanee salmon, are very important for tourism and recreational fishing. Another special fish is the lake char, which only lives in Japan. It's a popular target for sports fishing enthusiasts.

Getting to Lake Chūzenji

It's easy to reach Lake Chūzenji. If you're traveling by bus, it takes about 45 minutes from JR Nikko Station or Tōbu Nikko Station.

If you prefer to drive, you can get to the lake from the city center by taking National Route 120, which includes the famous Iroha-zaka Slope. Another option is to come from Numata in Gunma Prefecture, also using National Route 120, which goes through the Konsei Tunnel.