Senjogahara is one of the largest high moors in Honshu, located in the Nikko National Part at a height of 1,400m.
It is said that this area became an over 400ha marsh over a long time, from a lake that was formed by the eruption of Mt. Nantai. Additionally, 175ha out of it is registered under the Ramsar Convention as “Oku-Nikko-shitsugen” (the marsh in Oku-Nikko).
More than 350 species of native plants and various wild birds can be seen in Senjogahara, which can be explored through its hiking course that even beginners can walk.
The recommended period to visit this area is the middle of June to the beginning of August, when Cotton-Sedges and Meadow Sweets are in full bloom. And also at the end of September to the beginning of October when the grass turn to beautiful shades of red.
Access: Take the Tobu bus from JR or Tobu Nikko station for Yumoto Onsen, get off at Sanbonmatsu bus stop (approx. 50 minutes). The Senjogahara observatory is right in front of the bus stop. You can also get off at Ryuzu-no-taki bus stop or go all the way to Yumoto Onsen and start the longer hiking course from there.
