Tobu Railway (headquartered in Sumida-ku, Tokyo) and Nikko Nature Museum (headquartered in Nikko, Tochigi) are launching a limited-time plan called "Lakeside Picnic Ride" in the Oku-Nikko area from Wednesday, July 1 to Monday, November 30, 2026. The plan combines rental cycling with a takeout menu from Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel.
The Oku-Nikko area, surrounded by the sweeping natural scenery of Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Mount Nantai, is one of Japan's premier tourist destinations, offering stunning views that change with the seasons.
This plan invites visitors to explore the nature-rich Oku-Nikko area by rental bicycle. Along the way, guests pick up light refreshments to go from "Coffee House Yukon" at Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel, then enjoy a lakeside picnic or a walk with views of the dramatic natural landscape — an active way to experience all that Oku-Nikko has to offer.
By making advance reservations, guests can rent bicycles smoothly at Nikko Nature Museum, adjacent to the Chuzenji Onsen Bus Terminal, and enjoy a relaxed cycling experience without worrying about crowds.
While the Oku-Nikko area welcomes many visitors throughout the year, periods such as Golden Week and the autumn foliage season tend to see concentrated crowds, leading to congestion and long wait times at popular sightseeing spots and restaurants.
This initiative takes place in the Oku-Nikko area, which was designated a decarbonization pioneer region by the Ministry of the Environment in 2023. By using bicycles — which produce no greenhouse gas emissions — visitors can enjoy comfortable sightseeing and picnicking while avoiding congestion and long waits. The plan allows guests to experience firsthand the Tobu Group's vision of "International Eco Resort Nikko," a concept aimed at sustainable development in the Nikko region where history, culture, tradition, and nature coexist. The goal is to enhance visitor satisfaction in the Oku-Nikko area, encourage longer stays, improve circulation around the surrounding region, promote the distribution of visitors, and stimulate local economic activity through increased consumption opportunities.
About "Lakeside Picnic Ride"
Overview
Guests rent a pre-booked bicycle at Nikko Nature Museum, adjacent to the Chuzenji Onsen Bus Terminal, then take a leisurely cycling tour along the shores of Lake Chuzenji. Along the way, they pick up a takeout order from "Coffee House Yukon" at Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel, then enjoy a picnic with views of the lake at the Chuzenji Lakeside Boathouse or other nearby spots.
Period
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 to Monday, November 30, 2026
Rental Location
Nikko Nature Museum (Address: 2480-1 Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi)
Pricing
- Rental Bike & Sandwich Set: ¥5,000 (tax included)
- Rental Bike & Cake Set: ¥4,000 (tax included)
How to Reserve
Reserve via the Nikko Nature Museum website (reservation deadline: by 4:00 PM the day before your visit).
URL: https://www.nikko-nsm.co.jp/cycling/lakeside-picnic-ride.html
Day-of Flow
- Rent a bicycle at Nikko Nature Museum from 9:30 AM on the day of use (from 10:30 AM between November 11 and November 30)
- Pick up your takeout order at "Coffee House Yukon" at Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel (between 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM)
- Enjoy a lakeside picnic at the Chuzenji Lakeside Boathouse or other nearby spots with views of the lake
- Return the bicycle to Nikko Nature Museum by 4:30 PM (by 3:30 PM between November 11 and November 30)
For details on the plan, cancellation policy, and other information, please check the official website.
