We started hiking upstream from Ryuzu Falls. At the beginning, it’s a well-maintained path with stone steps and concrete pavement. After reaching the top of Ryuzu Falls and crossing the road, you continue forward and arrive at Senjogahara. First stop is Ryuzu Falls—about 210 meters in length. Walking up along the trail, the scenery is beautiful from every angle. Then after a short drive of a few minutes, you reach Yudaki Falls, where water cascades down powerfully from Lake Yunoko—truly an impressive sight. A 400-meter walk takes you up to Lake Yunoko itself, which is also very beautiful. We even saw a few mandarin ducks leisurely swimming around. At noon, we stopped in Nikko to enjoy a local specialty: yuba (tofu skin).
Ryuzu Falls
1 photo
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
60m
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Ryuzu Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Ryuzu Falls famous?
Ryuzu Falls is famous for its distinctive shape resembling a dragon's head (ryuzu means 'dragon's head'), where the water splits around a large rock formation into two elegant cascades. It's one of the most photographed waterfalls in Nikko National Park, especially celebrated during autumn foliage season when surrounding maple trees create a spectacular red and gold frame.
Can you swim at Ryuzu Falls?
No — swimming is not permitted at Ryuzu Falls. The falls are primarily a viewing attraction. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Ryuzu Falls?
Dogs allowed on-leash on trails in Nikko National Park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Ryuzu Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Free — no entry fee or permit required to visit Ryuzu Falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Ryuzu Falls?
Free parking is available at Ryuzu Falls with a moderate-sized lot directly adjacent to the falls. The waterfall viewing area is immediately accessible from the parking area, requiring only a short walk. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Ryuzu Falls?
Roadside attraction — no hike required. The falls are visible immediately from the parking area with only a short walk of less than 100 meters. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Ryuzu Falls hike difficulty
Roadside (no hike) — the waterfall is easily accessible with paved paths and viewing platforms near the parking area, suitable for all mobility levels. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Ryuzu Falls?
Late spring (May–June) for fresh greenery and good water flow, or autumn (October) for stunning fall foliage with vibrant red and gold leaves along the river. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Ryuzu Falls
From the parking area, follow the short paved path to the viewing areas along the river. The falls split around a large rock formation creating the distinctive two-stream cascade. Multiple viewing platforms and a teahouse offer excellent vantage points. The observation deck provides the classic frontal view of the twin cascades.
Ryuzu Falls official website
Attractions near Ryuzu Falls
- •Lake Chuzenji — scenic volcanic lake at 1,269m elevation, 10 minutes drive from the falls
- •Kegon Falls — one of Japan's three most famous waterfalls, 97m high, near Lake Chuzenji
- •Yudaki Falls — 70m waterfall upstream from Lake Yunoko, popular hiking destination
- •Senjogahara Marshland — expansive highland marsh with wooden boardwalk trails, excellent hiking
- •Nikko Toshogu Shrine — UNESCO World Heritage shrine complex, ornate Edo-period architecture
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
No questions yet — be the first to ask.