Tochigi: Chuzenji-ko (中禅寺湖) and Yu-no-ko (湯の湖)

6:33 AM

Location: Nikko, Tochigi, Japan

After a very long and careful planning, I gave in and decided to see the other face of Japan. Away from the glimmering lights of Ginza and Roppongi and deep into the snow-capped mountains of Tochigi Prefecture. Over the course of one day, I saw myself walking along the snow-lined shores of both Chuzenji-ko (中禅寺湖) and Yu-no-ko (湯の湖). I can say that the first day of the trip is definitely is a success.

Both lakes can be accessed through the Tobu Nikko Station or the JR Nikko Station. From there you can either take the local bus or hire a private car to take you there. The long ride to both lakes is nothing once you reach them. I can describe the feeling in two words and two words only: peace and serenity. Actually, I think I can live in this place!

Both lakes are very much under developed except for the eastern side of Lake Chuzenji where high-quality shops, onsens, cafès and temples are located. Its quite unbelievable how there was a time in history that Lake Chuzenji is just a mere valley (yes, you heard it right, a valley) but 20,000 years ago, all of those changed because of the eruption of Nikko's sacred Mountain, Mt. Nantai.

Yu-no-ko on the other hand is near the popular Yumoto-Onsen making its peaceful waters geothermal heated. If you happen to be here during the summer or fall, fishing is very much allowed as long as you throw the fish back into the lake but if fishing isn't your thing, I suggest just riding on a rented boat and admire the beautiful scenery. It is said that the best time to visit both areas is during the last week of October when all the leaves turn orange, red and yellow (but that's still on my travel bucketlist.)

What about you? Is there a place that makes you feel peaceful and calm?