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The Yokone Plateau in the Mae-Nikko Highlands

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > The Yokone Plateau in the Mae-Nikko Highlands

Hike through an alpine wetland in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture

Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture

A beautiful area of Tochigi Prefecture for nature lovers is the Yokone Plateau, located at the heart of the Mae-Nikko Highlands, approximately 1,300m above sea level. Hiking trails traverse Mt. Yokone, Mt. Hosai, and the Ido-Shitsugen, a wetland area known for its abundant alpine flora and fauna. Along the way, you will pass features such as a large area of granite rock, a five-tiered waterfall, and the Zo-no-hana (elephant’s trunk) observation deck, providing stunning views of the high peaks of Nikko National Park.

Throughout the season there are different types of alpine flowers to appreciate in this prefectural nature park. Between April and May, the wetlands are abundant in various types of rhododendrons and azaleas. In October and November, the mountain slopes are clad in a dazzling range of fall colors, while in winter, you can trek through a brilliant white snowy landscape.

How to get there

From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya Station (50 minutes), then take the Nikko Line to Kanuma Station (15 minutes). From there, it is 75m by car to Yokone Plateau.

1936 Kamikasuo, Kanuma-shi, Tochigi-ken