In the late 19C Lake Chuzenji (1 200m elevation) was very quickly adopted by Western diplomats and writers seeking respite from the heat, in close proximity to the capital. Peaceful and pleasant, and with a beautiful view of Mt Nantai, the lake was ripe for the picking, and hotels and splendid villas sprang up by the shore, in a meeting of Japanese and Western styles. To relive the pleasures of yesteryear and contemplate an exceptional landscape, hop aboard one of the tourist boats that take you out on the lake.