While we didn't stay at The Ritz-Carlton on Lake Chuzenji, stopping there for lunch is a highlight. The hotel sits perched over the lake with incredible views of both the water and Kegon Falls. The lake itself is stunning - this massive volcanic crater lake sitting 1,269 meters up in the mountains. Each season transforms the view completely, and the hotel's position gives you a perfect vantage point to watch the weather roll across the water.

The lake itself is massive - this volcanic eruption 20,000 years ago created an 11.62 square kilometer mirror that reflects the changing seasons. Each season transforms it: cherry blossoms create pink frames in spring, autumn sets the surrounding mountains on fire with color, and winter freezes parts of the surface into natural ice sculptures.