Day2, Weather : Cloudy
When we entered the teahouse building in front of Ryuzu Falls, and came face to face with the falls through the window, the sights were just like what I had seen in the countless pictures of Ryuzu Falls - BEAUTIFUL.
~12:35 p.m: Although we had a light lunch at Nikko, we ordered soba and dumpling from a small cafe with a direct view of the falls, so that we could have more viewing time, sitting by the table and having our snack.
~1p.m: We set off on our walk after sitting in the teahouse for quite a bit to enjoy the view. Our intention was to walk to Yumoto Onsen, through across Senjogahara Marshland, and then take a bus back to Nikko.
It seemed to be a school-outing week as we encountered another group of students on a field trip. The students seemed to be enjoying themselves while queueing up orderly to take photos against the falls.
We continued walking upstream. Although the weather was cloudy and grey, it did not rain.
We stopped to take many photos along the way, and as a result constantly had to remind ourselves that we were on a time limit and to keep walking.
~1:25pm: We reached a one-way gate to enter into the Senjogahara Marshland. There was information about the wildlife beyond the metal gates, and caution to be aware of any large animals like bears or deers.
The trail cuts through the forest along the Yukawa river. It was a pleasant walk with no encounter of any bears or deers (the latter of which I wouldn't have minded encountering).
~2:10pm : The trees have given way to flat open grassland/marsh and the mountain ranges can be seen too.
We took a break, sitting at a bench, and tried to identify the mountain ranges from the information board.
The Senjogahawa Marshland has look-out points, benches and raised wooden platforms for walkers' convenience and rest. We encountered more student outing groups enjoying themselves in the park.
~ 2:40pm: We passed the open marshland and we were again amongst the trees, walking along a raised wooden platform.
~3:10pm : We arrived at Yudaki Falls. It was a sight to behold.
~3:30pm: We had some snacks at the cafe beside the fall, then we continued our walk upstream. The students could be seen enjoying their outing and the scenery.
When we reached the top of the falls, the expanse of the Senjogahara marsh could be seen.
~3:40 pm: We reached Lake Yunoko. The view of the lake was a picture of serenity and beauty with a few fishermen fishing in the lake, against the backdrop of the mountain ranges.
We took the path towards the right to walk to Yumoto Onsen.
~4:20 pm : We arrived at Yumoto Onsen. Most of the shops were closed except the tourist office. We went in search of the public foot onsen and had a good dip within to rest our tired legs.
~5pm: Although we originally wanted to have dinner in Yumoto, we changed our minds and took the next bus back to Nikko. The bus route went by the Irohazaka winding road back to Nikko.
I am happy that I visited and experienced the beauty of the falls and the walk through the Senjogahara Marshland. The place is so tranquil and the few walkers/hikers that we met along the way were polite and respectful.
Although, there are still so many beautiful places to experience in Japan, the walk will definitely be on the top of my list for a revisit.
On the same trip:
Nikko 3-Days of Travel and Walking
Walking the Ryuokyo Canyon
A Ryokan Experience in Honke Bankyu Ryokan
Kogen Falls, Kanmangefuchi Abyss and Temples
When we entered the teahouse building in front of Ryuzu Falls, and came face to face with the falls through the window, the sights were just like what I had seen in the countless pictures of Ryuzu Falls - BEAUTIFUL.
~12:35 p.m: Although we had a light lunch at Nikko, we ordered soba and dumpling from a small cafe with a direct view of the falls, so that we could have more viewing time, sitting by the table and having our snack.
~1p.m: We set off on our walk after sitting in the teahouse for quite a bit to enjoy the view. Our intention was to walk to Yumoto Onsen, through across Senjogahara Marshland, and then take a bus back to Nikko.
It seemed to be a school-outing week as we encountered another group of students on a field trip. The students seemed to be enjoying themselves while queueing up orderly to take photos against the falls.
We continued walking upstream. Although the weather was cloudy and grey, it did not rain.
We stopped to take many photos along the way, and as a result constantly had to remind ourselves that we were on a time limit and to keep walking.
~1:25pm: We reached a one-way gate to enter into the Senjogahara Marshland. There was information about the wildlife beyond the metal gates, and caution to be aware of any large animals like bears or deers.
The trail cuts through the forest along the Yukawa river. It was a pleasant walk with no encounter of any bears or deers (the latter of which I wouldn't have minded encountering).
~2:10pm : The trees have given way to flat open grassland/marsh and the mountain ranges can be seen too.
We took a break, sitting at a bench, and tried to identify the mountain ranges from the information board.
The Senjogahawa Marshland has look-out points, benches and raised wooden platforms for walkers' convenience and rest. We encountered more student outing groups enjoying themselves in the park.
~ 2:40pm: We passed the open marshland and we were again amongst the trees, walking along a raised wooden platform.
~3:10pm : We arrived at Yudaki Falls. It was a sight to behold.
~3:30pm: We had some snacks at the cafe beside the fall, then we continued our walk upstream. The students could be seen enjoying their outing and the scenery.
When we reached the top of the falls, the expanse of the Senjogahara marsh could be seen.
~3:40 pm: We reached Lake Yunoko. The view of the lake was a picture of serenity and beauty with a few fishermen fishing in the lake, against the backdrop of the mountain ranges.
We took the path towards the right to walk to Yumoto Onsen.
~4:20 pm : We arrived at Yumoto Onsen. Most of the shops were closed except the tourist office. We went in search of the public foot onsen and had a good dip within to rest our tired legs.
~5pm: Although we originally wanted to have dinner in Yumoto, we changed our minds and took the next bus back to Nikko. The bus route went by the Irohazaka winding road back to Nikko.
I am happy that I visited and experienced the beauty of the falls and the walk through the Senjogahara Marshland. The place is so tranquil and the few walkers/hikers that we met along the way were polite and respectful.
Although, there are still so many beautiful places to experience in Japan, the walk will definitely be on the top of my list for a revisit.
On the same trip:
Nikko 3-Days of Travel and Walking
Walking the Ryuokyo Canyon
A Ryokan Experience in Honke Bankyu Ryokan
Kogen Falls, Kanmangefuchi Abyss and Temples