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The Yokone Plateau in the Mae-Nikkō Highlands

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > The Yokone Plateau in the Mae-Nikkō 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-Nikkō 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 Zō-no-hana (Elephant’s trunk) observation deck, providing stunning views of the high peaks of Nikkō 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 rhododendron and azalea. In October and November the mountain slopes are clad in a dazzling range of fall colours, while in winter you can trek through a brilliant white snowy landscape.