Originally I came to #Nikko (日光) just to see the summer green forest, and maybe enjoy an off-season hot spring to relax a bit. But unexpectedly, the biggest surprise—more shocking than the hot springs and forests—was the waterfalls here. The most famous Kegon Falls (华严瀑布) is so beautiful. It’s so massive, yet hanging in the wide mountain valley like a floating silk ribbon… The moment I stood at the observation deck, the roaring sound of water hit my ears, and the mist instantly splashed straight onto my face. Transport notes From Tokyo city (Naka-Akabane area), take the Tobu line to Tobu-Nikko Station. From **Kasukabe to Tobu-Nikko Station**, you need to buy an additional limited express ticket. Seats are reserved, so to avoid not getting suitable departure times, it’s better to book online in advance: [https://www.tobu.co.jp](https://www.tobu.co.jp) From Tobu-Nikko Station Buy a **2-day bus pass to Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖)**. You can also ask station staff for a timetable (photo 14) — it’s very detailed and useful. Take the bus up to **Akechidaira Station (明智平)**, then buy a ropeway ticket to the observation deck for lake + waterfall views (go on a sunny day!). Be careful on the bus ride up — it’s not recommended to use your phone… motion sickness hits hard. Even someone who never gets carsick got defeated by the 48 curves of Irohazaka. Chuzenji Lake & Kegon Falls (close-up view) After getting off the Akechidaira ropeway, continue a few minutes by bus to **Chuzenji Onsen Station (final stop)**. Walk west for lake views, or east for Kegon Falls. Buy a ticket at the entrance (¥900 round trip) and take the elevator down 100m to the viewing platform.
Kegon Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Kegon Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Kegon Falls famous?
Kegon Falls is one of Japan's three most beautiful waterfalls and gained tragic notoriety in 1903 when a student inscribed a philosophical poem on a tree before jumping, sparking a wave of copycat suicides. The 97-meter plunge from Lake Chuzenji is considered one of the finest examples of natural beauty in Nikko National Park.
Can you swim at Kegon Falls?
No. Swimming is not permitted at Kegon Falls due to safety concerns and the waterfall's viewing structure. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Kegon Falls?
Pets are generally allowed on-leash in Nikko National Park outdoor areas, but restrictions may apply near the waterfall observation deck. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Kegon Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Free to view from the upper platform; paid elevator fee (around 550-570 yen) to access the lower observation deck at the base of the falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Kegon Falls?
Paid parking is available near the Kegon Falls observation elevator entrance, with several lots in the immediate area. The walk from parking to the elevator entrance is very short, under 5 minutes. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Kegon Falls?
No hike required - roadside/elevator access. The main viewing platform is accessed via a paid elevator that descends 100m to the base observation deck. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Kegon Falls hike difficulty
Roadside (no hike). The falls are accessed by elevator from the parking area, though there are stairs and walkways at the observation platforms. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Kegon Falls?
May to June for spring snowmelt creating high flow, or October to early November for spectacular autumn foliage surrounding the falls. Winter can offer frozen ice formations but some facilities may close. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Kegon Falls
From the parking area, walk to the elevator building entrance. Purchase tickets for the elevator which descends 100 meters to the lower observation platform. At the base, follow the viewing platform walkways to see the falls from multiple angles. Return via the same elevator to the top.
Kegon Falls official website
Attractions near Kegon Falls
- •Lake Chuzenji - scenic volcanic lake at the top of Kegon Falls, offering boat tours and lakeside walks
- •Toshogu Shrine - ornate UNESCO World Heritage shrine complex in Nikko, about 30 min drive away
- •Ryuzu Falls - another beautiful waterfall near Lake Chuzenji, quieter alternative with walking trails
- •Akechidaira Plateau - ropeway observation platform with panoramic views of Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls
- •Nikko National Park - surrounding protected area with hiking trails, hot springs, and mountain scenery
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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