Lake Chuzenji Mosaic Mural - Lake Chuzenji, Japan
Posted by: 
silverquill
N 36° 44.404 E 139° 29.709
54S E 365645 N 4067093
This mosaic mural depicting Lake Chuzenji and Mt. Nantai is located at the top of the stairwell leading to a lovely restaurant over looking the lake.
Waymark Code: WMBDTW
Location: Tochigi, Japan
Date Posted: 05/10/2011
Views: 3
Because of the narrow location, and because the mural spans a wall divided by a glass door, it is impossible to get perfect photos. But, one can still appreciate the fine mosaic work. The perspective of the scene would actually be looking toward this restaurant rather than being the view from the restaurant. This is lake Chuzenji at the foot of the much revered Mt. Nantai.
Lake Chuzenji, paired with Mt. Nantai, is one of the true gems of Japan. With its 25-mile circumference at a height of nearly 4,200 feet, it is the highest lake in Japan. But, it is far more than that.
How to describe Lake Chuzenji? Sparkling like a diamond in the summer with traditional archers aiming for floating targets, tourists on paddle boats, but also secluded and tranquil in winter, venerated as a spiritual center for thousands of years, a mystical aura that attracts hundreds of pilgrims and hikers to the slopes of Mt. Nantai.
Mt. Nantai, a significant landmark mountain in central Japan, towers to a height of 8,156 feet, almost 4,000 feet above Lake Chuzenji. It is thought that the lake was formed as long as 20,000 years ago, but there is some evidence that Mt. Nantai itself may still be "active" with eruptions as recent as 7,000 years ago.
This area is sometimes called "Inner Nikko" part of Nikko National Park. The famed Nikko Shrine, with its sprawling grounds and the "Three Monkeys" is further down the mountain, but not continuing up to this area would be a great mistake. At the south end of the lake is its only outlet, cascading down the slope to form the dramatic Kegon Falls.