Mt. Nikko Shirane

Located in the west of Nikko National Park, at 2,578m Mt. Nikko Shirane, a strato-volcano, is the tallest mountain north of and contained within the Kanto area in eastern Japan. It is designated as one of the top 100 mountains in Japan. Alpine plants, including Shirane aoi (Glaucidium palmatum Siebold & Zucc. ), grow in abundance on the mountain. Hikers can access the mountain from both the Oku-Nikko Yumoto Onsen area and the Sugenuma trailhead in Gunma Prefecture. Located part way along the mountain trail is Goshikinuma (literally “Five-Color Lake”), known for its ethereal, multihued waters.