Senjougahara

At Senjogahara, there is a hiking course that takes about 2 hours to complete. You can walk on a relatively gentle mountain path and enjoy views of waterfalls, streams, and wetlands along the way. With over 350 species of plants and a variety of wild birds, it is considered an important wetland habitat, especially for water birds. As Senjogahara is located in a high mountain area, it is recommended to prepare appropriate equipment and supplies when hiking.

Senjogahara is a nature-rich location where you can observe many birds and plants. Numerous birds such as the Japanese bush warbler, Narcissus flycatcher, great tit, mallard, and Japanese green woodpecker inhabit the area, and because it's located at a high altitude, alpine plants bloom in the summer. Azaleas such as the Azuma shakunage and the akayashio togoku, and rhododendrons such as the mitsuba tsutsuji bloom, and from early summer to summer, the Senjogahara is covered in colonies of the Hozaki shimotsuke and the watasuge. However, as Senjogahara is a natural conservation area, collecting or hunting plants and birds is prohibited. When observing, let's be considerate of nature and follow manners such as taking your trash with you.

At the Battlefield of Stars, you can observe relatively clear starry skies due to its high altitude and low artificial lighting. Especially from early August to around October, you may even be able to see the Milky Way. As there are multiple stargazing spots, it's recommended to check information on the official website or elsewhere. The spots have toilets and vending machines, which can be helpful when stargazing. However, it's important to note that depending on the weather, stars may be difficult to see, so checking the weather forecast in advance is crucial.

Chuzenji Lake is a lake located at an altitude of 1269m near the battlefield of Senjogahara, and is surrounded by mountains, offering beautiful scenery. There are hiking trails around the lake that allow you to visit the famous sights and historical sites of Nikko while enjoying the beautiful scenery from spring to autumn. In addition, there are camping sites, hotels, and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) along the lakeshore, where you can spend a relaxing time while enjoying the view of Chuzenji Lake.

Senjogahara is one of the spots where you can enjoy snowshoeing in the winter. Snowshoes are devices attached to the soles of your shoes that have a large surface area, preventing you from sinking into the snow when walking on it. At Senjogahara, you can take a walk in nature while wearing snowshoes. Snowshoes can also be rented, so you can enjoy the experience without bringing your own. However, it's recommended to check the official website or other sources beforehand, as advance reservations may be required for snowshoeing.