Okunikkō, Table land in Nikko, Japan
Okunikkō is a highland region in Nikko National Park at about 1,500 meters elevation with mountains, lakes, marshes, streams, waterfalls, and natural hot springs. The landscape shifts between open water surfaces, wet grasslands, and densely forested slopes that can be explored year-round.
The area became known in the late 19th century as a refuge for diplomats who built summer homes there to escape Tokyo's heat. This period of development shaped the region and shows how the place was viewed internationally.
The place names and spring sources reflect old local legends, and small shrines are scattered throughout, showing how people connect their spiritual beliefs to the natural landscape. These religious sites blend into the surroundings and reveal the deep spiritual relationship with this mountain region.
Buses connect the various areas year-round, making it easy to move between the lake, waterfall, hot spring, and marsh. The best approach is to pick one or two sections per day and use walking trails for closer exploration when needed.
The Senjogahara Marsh is registered under the Ramsar Convention and has wooden boardwalks where visitors can watch plants and wildlife up close. The platforms let you walk deep into nature without damaging the fragile ecosystem.
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