Lake Yunoko
Lake Yunoko is located close to Oku-Nikko’s Yumoto Onsen, a hot spring area with a long history. Similar to other lakes in the park, it is a high-elevation lake formed as a result of volcanic activity. Lava flows from Mt. Mitsudake caused dammed streams that subsequently grew into Lake Yunoko. The seasonal beauty of this lake is best appreciated from the 3 km-long walkway around the lake. There is a small peninsula on the eastern shore of the lake, which has a wetland with cranberry plants (Vaccinium oxycoccos) and hare’s-tail cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum).
Blooming Togoku mitsuba tsutsuji (Rhododendron wadanum) dot the shores of the lake in May and June, and the water of the lake beautifully reflects the multi-colored foliage in fall. Fishing is popular, and people fishing peacefully at the lake, surrounded by serene forests, is a common sight.