Kegon Falls: Nikko's Great Waterfall
How to visit Kegon Falls in Nikko: the 97 metre drop, the elevator to the base, Lake Chuzenji, the Irohazaka road, autumn colour and buses from Nikko.
Quick answer
- What it is: a waterfall where Lake Chuzenji drains into a gorge, high in the mountains above Nikko.
- Height: about 97 metres.
- Famous for: being one of Japan's three most famous waterfalls.
- Time needed: about 1 hour, more with Lake Chuzenji.
- Best time: mid to late October for autumn colour.
- Map: Open Kegon Falls in Google Maps
Kegon Falls drops in one long white column into a gorge of dark volcanic rock. Around it, a dozen smaller falls seep out of the cliff face.
Why Kegon Falls is a wonder
The falls are the only outlet of Lake Chuzenji, which formed when an eruption of Mount Nantai blocked a river. The water falls over a cliff of hardened lava.
In winter, the smaller side falls freeze into blue icicles while the main fall keeps flowing.
Two ways to view it
A free viewing area near the top gives a view from above. For the best view, a paid elevator drops about 100 metres through the rock to a platform near the base.
From there, you feel the spray and hear the roar of the water.
What to see
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower viewing platform | The full falls from near the base | 20 minutes |
| Upper viewpoint | The falls from above, free | 10 minutes |
| Lake Chuzenji | A wide mountain lake | 1 hour |
| Irohazaka road | 48 hairpin bends up the mountain | by bus |
| Akechidaira Ropeway | A view of the falls and lake together | 40 minutes |
When to go
- Mid to late October: red and gold leaves around the falls.
- June: strong flow after the rainy season starts.
- January and February: frozen side falls.
- Weekday mornings: shorter traffic jams in autumn.
Our tip: Combine Kegon Falls with the shrines and temples of Nikko, our wonder number 11, on a long day trip. In autumn, start early, as traffic on the Irohazaka road gets very slow.
Getting there
- From Nikko Station: a bus to Chuzenjiko Onsen takes about 45 to 50 minutes.
- From Tokyo: about 2 hours by train to Nikko, then the bus.
- On foot: the falls are about 5 minutes from the Chuzenjiko Onsen bus stop.
Visiting safely
- Stay behind the railings at all viewpoints.
- Dress warmly. It is much colder than in Nikko town.
- Allow extra travel time in autumn.
- Check the elevator's current fee and hours before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Kegon Falls?
About 97 metres.
Is there an elevator at Kegon Falls?
Yes. A paid elevator goes down to a viewing platform near the base.
How do you get to Kegon Falls from Nikko?
By bus to Chuzenjiko Onsen, about 45 to 50 minutes.
When is the best time to see Kegon Falls?
Mid to late October for autumn colour.
Shirahige Shrine
A vermilion gate rising from the waters of Japan's largest lake.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.