Senjogahara Marshland — Alpine Wetland Plateau

**Best route:** Start at Akanuma bus stop (western trailhead), hike the 5.5km loop counterclockwise, and exit at Ryuzu Falls (eastern trailhead, 30 min by bus back to Nikko). This route is mostly flat, with gradual descent toward the end. The boardwalks are wide, stable, and dry even after rain. **Seasonal highlights:** Late September brings 'koyo' (fall foliage) — the marsh grasses turn rust-red and gold, and birch forests framing the wetland go bright yellow. This is the peak season. June–July brings wildflowers — swamp irises, white cotton-grass, azaleas. August is green and lush but humid. **Wildlife:** Early morning hikes (start 7:00am) offer the best chance to see deer, foxes, and Japanese serow (a goat-like mammal). Birdwatchers should bring binoculars for warblers, woodpeckers, and raptors. The wetland is a stopover for migratory waterfowl in May and October. **Ryuzu Falls:** The trail ends at Ryuzu Falls, a wide cascade over volcanic rock that splits into two channels (the name means 'dragon head' — the rocks resemble a dragon). A teahouse at the falls serves matcha and dango (rice dumplings) with a view of the water. **Photography:** The open marsh allows dramatic sky compositions. Use a polarizing filter to deepen blue skies and reduce glare from wet grasses. Sunrise (5:30–6:30am in autumn) catches mist rising from the marsh — bring a tripod for long exposures. The view toward Mount Nantai (dormant volcano, 2,486m) from the central boardwalk is iconic. **Combine with:** After hiking, take the bus to Yumoto Onsen (10 min north) for a sulfur hot spring soak. Yumoto Onsen is a tiny mountain village with milky-white onsen and minimal tourism — very restorative after hours on the trail.