In this guide
Hangetsuyama Parking Lot (Hangetsuyama Chūshajō)
Mount Hangetsuyama (半月山, also pronounced as Hangetsusan) stands at the southeastern corner of Lake Chūzenji.
Hiking trails lead to the summit. Near the top, an observation deck offers sweeping views across the Oku-Nikkō region, including Lake Chūzenji and Mount Nantai. The Hangetsuyama Observatory is known as one of Nikkō’s most spectacular viewpoints, with a panoramic view of Hatchōdejima. The scenery along the drive route is also exceptional.
For those who want to enjoy a hike, the walking path from Hangetsuyama Daiichi Parking Lot along the way is also recommended. Mount Hangetsu’s elevation is 1,753 meters. It takes about 30 minutes on foot from Hangetsuyama Daiichi Parking Lot to the summit, and about 1 hour from the summit to Tanukikubo on the shores of Lake Chūzenji—making it easy to experience Oku-Nikkō’s nature even with limited time. This is a popular hiking trail.
Autumn Foliage at Hangetsuyama Observation Deck From around mid-October to early November each year, autumn colors enrich the scenery from Hangetsuyama Observation Deck, making it a popular spot for fall foliage viewing.
General Information
- Address: Chūgūshi, Nikkō City, Tochigi Prefecture 321-1661
- Telephone: Nikkō City Nikkō Tourism Division TEL 0288-53-3795
- Parking: Free parking for 55 standard cars and 6 large vehicles
- Area: Nikkō / Kinu River / Lake Chūzenji area
Business Hours
- Opening hours: 07:00–17:00
- The General Prefectural Road Nakamiya Shrine–Ashio Line (commonly known as the Chūzenjiko Skyline) is closed at night (17:00–07:00 the following morning).
Holiday / Seasonal closure The road is closed to traffic during the winter season (from noon on Saturday, November 27, 2021 to noon on April 8, 2022).
Access
Train / Bus From JR Nikkō Station / Tōbu Nikkō Station, take a Tōbu Bus bound for Yumoto Onsen or Chūzenji Onsen for about 45 minutes. Get off at Chūzenji Onsen, transfer to the bus bound for Hangetsuyama, and get off at Hangetsuyama. 30 minutes. *The bus to Hangetsuyama operates seasonally (mid-May to early November).
Car About 45 minutes from Kiyotaki IC on the Nikkō Utsunomiya Road.
