■Address: Ashio-cho, Nikko-shi, Tochigi
Subjects you can photograph: Autumn leaves, Lake Chuzenji, Mt.
■Suggested season: Autumn
■Recommended time: Noon
■Parking: Available
■Admission fee: None
■Limit on admission time: No
■Toilets: None
Driving along the Lake Chuzenji Skyline, you'll reach the “Half Moon Mountain Parking Lot” at its end. From here, a further hike leads to the Half Moon Mountain Observatory, one of Nikko's premier viewpoints. The observatory offers a breathtaking panorama: the Hachō Island jutting out into Lake Chuzenji, the majestic Mount Nantai behind it, and views stretching as far as Senjōgahara and Mount Shirane.The view feels as if you're floating in the air, allowing you to savor the natural beauty of all four seasons at once. The contrast between the lake and mountains is also beautiful along the drive route, making the scenery from the car window not to be missed. Especially during the autumn foliage season, the mountainsides are dyed in vivid reds and golds, creating a scene truly worthy of being called "Nikko's autumn highlight." For hiking enthusiasts, we also recommend the walking route from the "Half Moon Mountain First Parking Lot" along the way to the observatory.The summit, at an elevation of 1,753 meters, is easily accessible with a roughly 30-minute hike, allowing you to enjoy nature at your own pace. Furthermore, a popular hiking route descends from the summit via Hanketsu Pass to Mujin Kubo on the shores of Lake Chuzenji. This course lets you immerse yourself in the rich natural beauty of Oku-Nikko in a short amount of time.
