Nikko is one of the easy access resort places from Tokyo Metropolitan. Getting up early morning, then driving over 2 hours, we can see the sun rising at Akechidaira Plateau, is located near the top of Iroha Slope, just beyond the Nikko city. Nikko is very famous as “World Heritage”, Sanctuary of Syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism. Nikko Toshogu Shrine cerebrated its 400thanniversary in 2015 as one of the most memorable historical sights. However, we are skipping Nikko city today, due to enjoy the day trip to Okunikko, to feel the earliest fall season in the Metropolitan area.
Around the lake Chuzenji-ko, there are lots of scenic places especially in early fall because of the temperature gap between day and night, then colorful leaves are changing to impressive red, orange and yellow. The Chuzenji Temple and the observatory of Mt. Hangetsu are the beautiful spots that can see the beautiful colored leaves around blue lake Chuzenji-ko and Mt. Nantai-san. At the lakeside near Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel, memorable and impressive colored leaves of maple & are there. In addition, Ryuzunotaki Falls, Yunoko Lake and Senjyogahara marshy field are welcoming with their beautiful autumn colors to make a striking contrast to blue and clear sky.
(2019 late October)