Lake Yunoko

What it is

• A volcanic lake formed by the eruption of Mount Mitsudake in western Nikko City.
• A designated Ramsar site sitting at 1478 meters above sea level.
• A body of water fed by Mount Nikko-Shirane and Nikko Yumoto Onsen.
• A natural basin with a circumference of approximately three kilometers.

What to see

• A hiking trail that allows visitors to walk the entire perimeter of the lake.
• Yutaki Falls located at the southern end where the lake water descends.
• The Usagijima peninsula extending into the water.
• Ice rescue training conducted by the Japan Coast Guard on the frozen surface.

When to go

• February to observe specialized ice rescue training exercises.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Nikko Station to the Yumoto Onsen stop.
• Drive via National Route 120 starting from the Kiyotaki Interchange.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.