Nikkō National Park, National park in Tochigi, Gunma, and Fukushima Prefectures, Japan
Nikkō National Park is a protected area spread across Tochigi, Gunma, and Fukushima Prefectures in central Japan, covering mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and hot spring resorts. The park is divided into several sections, each with its own mix of hiking trails, ski areas, and camping grounds.
The area was recognized as an imperial park by Japan's government in 1911 and formally established as a national park in 1934. This two-stage process reflected a growing interest in protecting the mountain landscapes of central Japan.
Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are scattered across the park and have drawn pilgrims for centuries. The wood carvings and lacquerwork visible at Nikkō Tōshō-gū give a clear sense of the craftsmanship traditions that shaped this area.
The park covers different elevations and terrain types, so sturdy footwear and layered clothing suited to the season are a good idea. Because the sections are spread far apart, it helps to decide in advance which area you want to explore rather than trying to cover everything in one trip.
Lake Chūzenji covers 1,162 hectares within the Nikkō area of the park. Its shores are one of the few places in Honshū where Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles appear each winter. The lake was once part of the Oze area until that section became a separate national park in 2007.
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