Mt. Nantai

Mt. Nantai (男体山) is a 2,486m peak in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture.
From the shore of Lake Chuzenji, it climbs a steep 1,200m elevation gain in one stretch to the summit, where a sweeping panorama of Lake Chuzenji below, Senjogahara, and the Nikko mountain range unfolds. The mountain itself is the sacred body (御神体ごしんたい) of Nikko Futarasan Shrine, and the shrine’s inner sanctuary (Okumiya) stands at the summit.
From JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station, take a bus to Chuzenji Onsen and start the climb from Futarasan Shrine Chugushi.

It is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, and is also selected for the 100 Famous Mountains of Kanto, the 100 Famous Mountains of Tochigi, and the 100 Mountains with First-Order Triangulation Points.

The trailhead at Futarasan Shrine Chugushi is accessible by bus from Tobu Nikko Station.
Climbing Mt. Nantai is treated as a religious ascent (tohai) of Futarasan Shrine; on entering, you must submit a climbing plan at the shrine and pay an entry offering (¥1,000).

How to access the trailheads

1. [Outbound] JR / Tobu Nikko Station → Futarasan Shrine Chugushi
2. [Return] Futarasan Shrine Chugushi → Tobu / JR Nikko Station

*Timetable last checked: May 17, 2026

1. [Outbound] JR / Tobu Nikko Station → Futarasan Shrine Chugushi

From the bus rotary in front of JR or Tobu Nikko Station, take the Tobu Bus Nikko “Yumoto Onsen-bound” service and get off at “Futarasan Shrine Chugushi” (二荒山神社中宮祠).
Travel time: 53 minutes
Fare: ¥1,400

Reference: [NAVITIME]

2. [Return] Futarasan Shrine Chugushi → Tobu Nikko Station

From the Futarasan Shrine Chugushi bus stop, take the Tobu Bus Nikko “Nikko Station-bound” service.
Travel time: 50 minutes
Fare: ¥1,400

Reference: [NAVITIME]