Senjogahara is a marshland covering an area of 400 hectares in Oku-Nikko. It was once a lake, but it has since become a marsh, and together with the neighboring Odashirogahara, it is in the process of drying out and transitioning to grassland. However, the area is still rich in nature, with marshlands, forests, rivers, and springs, and is a habitat for many waterfowl.
This time, I took a walk along the Odashirogahara and Senjogahara walking trails from Akanuma, which is also the entrance to Senjogahara. There are a number of trails here, so you can take the one that suits you best.
Since the elevation is 1,400 meters, spring is late and there is still snow on the ground. Even the well-maintained paths and wooden paths have snow and icy patches, so snow training shoes and crampons are necessary to prevent slipping. The ups and downs are gradual, so you can walk at a leisurely pace.
There are animal tracks and droppings along the way, and you may even see deer in the distance. The river is a relaxing place with waterfowl. In spring, a wide variety of alpine plants sprout and bloom. It would be fun to visit during that season.
Access by car is about 35 minutes from the Kiyotaki IC of the Nikko Utsunomiya Road. The entrance to the mountain road is right in front of the Akanuma parking lot.
By train, it takes about 65 minutes by bus from Nikko Station on the JR Nikko Line or Tobu Nikko Line. Trekkers should get off at the Akanuma bus stop and visit the Akanuma Nature Information Center to get information about the course before setting out.
This is a place that can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. After immersing yourself in the magnificent nature, take a dip in the nearby Yumoto Onsen. Why not experience such a blissful moment?
© Source travel watch