Lake Chuzenji
It is believed that Lake Chuzenji was created when lava flows from Mt. Nantai blocked the flow of water out of the valley around 20,000 years ago.
In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, foreign diplomats and residents sought refuge in Oku-Nikko, and Lake Chuzenji in particular, from the intense heat of summer in Japan. It was during this period that Nikko became famous for fishing in the lake and rivers, and particularly for fly fishing. The former villas of the British and Italian embassies are now open to the public.
In addition to enjoying water activities, the scenic paths along the shores of the lake offer superb walking. Warm sunlight filters through the greenery and gentle breezes flow over the waters in the early summer. In the fall, the vivid foliage contrasts beautifully with the lake's cobalt waters. Often, all that can be heard is the hushed rustle of visitors walking on fallen leaves.