Shiobara Nature Study Path — Arayu-Fuji Route
The moderate northern branch of Shiobara's historic Nature Study Path, crossing Mount Arayu-Fuji.
Route overview
Follow the historic Nature Study Path through the Lake Onuma area and use the northern branch over Mount Arayu-Fuji to Arayu Onsen Shrine.
The Shiobara Nature Study Path was nationally designated in 1958. Access branches from the visitor center and Hataori Onsen converge before Lake Onuma. This record follows the 8.0 km northern option over Mount Arayu-Fuji and ends at Arayu Onsen Shrine, preserving the official subroute rather than inventing a generic loop.
Trail facts
- Country
- Japan
- Region
- Shiobara, Nikko National Park
- Distance
- 8.0 km one way
- Typical duration
- about 4 hours 30 minutes one way
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- Not specified
- Best season
- Snow-free conditions with current boardwalk, road and trail checks
- Trail type
- Point to point
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No permanent permit requirement is stored; current visitor-centre and national-park rules apply.
Safety context
The route is one way and the terminus has no direct bus service. Arrange a taxi or other legal transfer. Boardwalks can be slippery or seasonally submerged; stay on designated paths and check winter access. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Long one-way commitment, no direct bus at the finish, slippery or submerged boardwalks, snow and wrong-branch navigation.
Highlights
Japan's first nationally designated Nature Study Path, Lake Onuma, Mount Arayu-Fuji and Arayu Onsen Shrine
Why find a buddy
High buddy value for route-choice confirmation, the mountain branch and finish transport.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.