I knew I would enjoy travelling around Japan as a landscape photographer but it wasn’t my primary reason for travelling there. However, I didn’t know how just much I would fall in love with the country. I already knew Japan is a country rich in history, culture and technology, but I soon came to learn that it is also a land of stunning vistas of which I would gladly return in a heartbeat.
Japan is also a place where each season is distinctly unique. Spring brings beautiful cherry blossoms and amazing collections of flora, autumn displays an amazing range of colours and in summer Japan becomes a tropical paradise. However, I had the pleasure of enjoying a Japanese winter which was completely different again. I was able to discover many locations covered in fresh powder and hike through paths carved through 6 feet or more of snow and ice.
Mountains of Nikko at sunset.
One of the best places to experience a snowy winter is the city of Nikko, located in the Tochigi Prefecture about 2 hours north of Tokyo by car. Part of Nikko is set 1300m above sea level in the mountains along the shore beautiful Chuzenji Lake and is the gate to the Nikko National Park. To arrive here you must ascend the famous Irohazaka, two one way roads on either side of the river. One side takes you up and the other side takes you down. In total there are 52 hairpin turns across both roads as you drive through lush forest with scenic views of waterfalls and mountains. Although it is very much a tourist town, you won’t see too many people around in the winter which is another reason why it is the perfect reason time to visit.
Wooden pier on Chuzenji Lake amongst the snow and mist.
When the conditions are right you can experience a total whiteout. The low lying lake sitting in the clouds surrounded by mountains gives rise to this phenomena which is perfect for creating beautiful minimalist imagery.
Reflections of the NIkko Hills across Chuzenji Lake.
Starting in the town you can get amazing views over the lake to snow covered mountains. Snow fell during my first night in Nikko giving rise to a few inches of fresh powder on the ground and the mountains creating a stunning vistas right from my hotel room. Wandering down to the lake edge was even better as the docks and shoreline were covered in snow as well.
Freshly covered pier.
Kegon falls is one of the most famous attractions of the area and is located right in the heart of the town. The large waterfall has many viewpoints and you can even take an elevator to the base of it, which I would highly recommend, as you really feel tiny as the water cascades 97m down to you over the main falls. There are also a number of smaller cascades around the base of Kegon falls which all combine into the Daiya River that flows down the mountain.
The mighty Kegon falls, located right in town, the water drops 97m from the lake above.
Nikko National Park is a nature lovers paradise any time of year. It includes numerous waterfalls, stunning lakes, dense forests and towering mountains. Most attractions are fairly close to the road with a small walk to a lookout or viewpoint but there are larger hikes available too if you are so inclined. You’ll be able to take stunning pictures everywhere you go. Be warned however as a number of the quieter roads are closed in winter due to the large volume of snow over the roads.
Forest pathways in the snow.
Heading north from Nikko you will find yourself in beautiful forests covered in snow providing great imagery even on the roads youre driving. There are plenty of stops along the way for little walks to take in sights of waterfalls and lakes and you can stop in the little villages around the area nestled in the mountains.
Frosted trees in Nikko National Park.
One of my favourite experiences in Nikko was visiting Ryuzu falls with soft snow falling. This location is extremely easy to get to with the viewpoint just metres from the car park nestled between a couple of cafes.
Ryuzu Falls amidst fresh snow.
Winter in Nikko is a paradise for nature lovers, adventurers and photographers alike. A paradise I would love to return to one day and experience it through different seasons. I would love to check it out with the intense colours of autumn, but for now that will have to wait.