Tobu Railway Co Ltd, in partnership with Nikko Natural Science Museum Co Ltd, has launched the exciting limited-time Lakeside Picnic Ride experience this autumn in stunning Nikko National Park, accessible from Tokyo in under three hours by train and bus.
Available from 1 July to 30 November 2026, visitors can hire bikes to explore scenic routes around Lake Chuzenji and the wider Oku-Nikko area, taking in the glorious shoreline views out over the rugged Nikko Mountains.
Along with the bike and helmet hire, the reservation includes two picnic set options – a cake and drink or a sandwich with fries and onion rings – which are ready for collection from nearby Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel’s Coffee House Yukon.
The cool air, autumnal colours and laid-back pace of this experience are the perfect antidote to Japan’s hectic capital. To add to the convenience of this wonderful day trip, Tobu Railway’s SPACIA X limited express and a connecting scenic bus service keep the total journey time from Tokyo to Lake Chuzenji under three hours.
Tobu’s Lakeside Picnic Ride – where everything is ready for you
You sit on the elegant deck of Lake Chuzenji Boat House looking out over the water, the glowing autumn foliage and the mountains beyond, your bike next to you, your tasty picnic spread out before you. And the best part of it is that all you’ve had to do is turn up.
The bike is a rental, available from Nikko Natural Science Museum, which is also right where the Tobu bus transfer stops after its scenic journey through the mountains from Tobu-Nikko Station.
There are plenty of places to enjoy your meal by the water, but one of the best picnic spots is at Lake Chuzenji Boat House, not far from where you collected your picnic. This stunning venue was built in 1947 and looks out across the waters of Lake Chuzenji, which sits 1,269 metres above sea level and reaches depths of around 163 metres.
Hot Tips:
– Before pedalling off with your bike, pause to explore Nikko Natural Science Museum as it gives you some fascinating insights into the geology and cultural history of the lake, Mount Nantai and Nikko National Park.
– Seeing the dramatic Kegon Falls is a must. It is located near the Nikko Natural Science Museum and has a free viewing platform.
– As you pass through Chugushi, a quiet waterfront district of Nikko near the museum, look out for the Shinto Futarasan-jinja Shrine, which was founded in the 8th century.
Oku-Nikko – A Cool Summer Retreat and Year-Round Destination
Beyond the Lakeside Picnic Ride autumn experience, Oku-Nikko and Lake Chuzenji are wonderful places to visit throughout the year.
Thanks to its high altitude, Lake Chuzenji has a much later sakura season than most places this far south. Cherry blossom season up here is between late April and early May.
During the summer months, Oku-Nikko has long been a popular escape from the city heat. Its high elevation provides a cooler climate and once attracted foreign embassies to establish summer villas along the shores of Lake Chuzenji.
Winter finds the lake and surrounding mountains covered in snow, turning the whole landscape into a monochrome paradise. The air becomes crisp, frost forms thickly and trees bend beneath their white blankets.
Whenever you come here, Tobu Railway’s train and bus services operate throughout the year.
How to get here and how to book
Asakusa Station, Tokyo – Tobu-Nikko Station (Tobu Railway’s SPACIA X limited express) – approximately 110 minutes
Tobu-Nikko Station – Chuzenji Onsen stop (Tobu bus link) – 50min
Book bikes and picnic options via Nikko Natural Science Museum
https://www.nikko-nsm.co.jp/en/cycling/lakeside-picnic-ride_d.html?0:734
- Bike and cake set (cheesecake or apple pie + drink of choice): ¥4,000
- Bike and sandwich set (sandwich + French fries and onion rings): ¥5,000
- Age restrictions: 13yrs-70yrs
- Reservations must be made by 4:00 p.m. on the day before arrival.
