Nikkō (Japanese: 日光) is a city located in Tochigi Prefecture of Japan, it has a peaceful haven named Okunikko (奧日光) which has long been a popular destination for escaping the heat of summer.
Even though in midsummer, Okunikko is still much cooler than Tokyo, and the green here makes you feel very comfortable.
Choumeizai notices that the tree trunks here are covered by nets, which are used to prevent the moss being eaten by the wild deers, no wonder the air quality is excellent.
Starting from Lake Yunoko (湯ノ湖), after you have gone through Yu waterfall (湯滝) Kotaki (小滝), the hiking trail is flat and shady all the way, fit for families.
Next to the Izumiyado Pond (泉門池) is a big and clean picnic area with tables and benches, an ideal place for taking a rest and having lunch.
From here you can see a swamp with bushy plantations, a little duck standing on the red water surface, beautiful as a painting.
A big plain named Senjōgahara (戦場ヶ原) is not far from Izumiyado Pond, not many trees around here, you’d better put some sunblock before you get through.
Senjōgahara is 1400 metres above sea-level, its area is around 4 square kilometres, the biggest highland marsh in Honshu (本州, the main island of Japan).
Senjōgahara can be translated as 'battlefield' but refers to a mythical battle, not to any historical one.
Senjōgahara is very big, but along the hiking trail there are several lookouts, you can get some rest or take some photos of the wild birds.
Okunikko is famous for its scenery in autumn, Choumeizai doesn’t expect that the green in summer is so adorable also.
