How can I get to Kegon Waterfall?

You can reach Kegon Waterfall by taking a train to Nikko Station and then a bus to the waterfall. Alternatively, if you’re driving, there is a parking area nearby. From the parking area, it's a short walk to the waterfall.

What is the best time to visit Kegon Waterfall?

The best time to visit Kegon Waterfall is during autumn (October to November) when the surrounding foliage turns vibrant colors. Spring and summer are also great times for lush greenery, while winter offers a serene, icy view.

Are there any nearby attractions to visit after seeing Kegon Waterfall?

Yes, nearby attractions include Lake Chuzenji, which offers beautiful scenery and recreational activities, and the historic Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. Both are worth visiting to complete your trip to the area.

How long does it typically take to visit Kegon Waterfall?

A visit to Kegon Waterfall usually takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you spend enjoying the view and taking photographs. You might need more time if you plan to explore the surrounding area or visit nearby attractions.

A tall waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff surrounded by vibrant autumn trees with red, orange, and yellow leaves, under a bright sunlit sky.

A tall waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff surrounded by autumn trees, with a bright rainbow arching through the mist at the base under a clear blue sky.

A tall waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff surrounded by a dense forest with vibrant autumn foliage in shades of red, yellow, and green under a clear blue sky.

A tall waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush, green vegetation and trees, with mist rising where the water crashes into a pool below.

Tall waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff surrounded by autumn trees with red, yellow, and orange leaves. Mist rises at the base and a stream flows through a lush, scenic valley under a partly cloudy sky.

Nikko

Kegon Waterfall (Kegon no taki)

4.7 (221)Natural FeatureEstablishment

Last updated May 30, 2026

Kegon Waterfall (Kegon no taki) is one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. It’s about 97 meters tall, making it a powerful sight to behold. Lake Chuzenji feeds the waterfall, and the water plunges straight down into a basin below. This waterfall is awe-inspiring in autumn when the surrounding trees turn brilliant shades of red and yellow. It’s a popular spot for visitors throughout the year because the view is stunning in any season.

Kegon Waterfall was formed over 20,000 years ago due to the eruption of Mount Nantai, which created Lake Chuzenji. The waterfall’s name, “Kegon,” comes from one of the most important scriptures in Buddhism, the Avatamsaka Sutra, symbolizing the waterfall's deep cultural and spiritual significance.

For those interested in a closer look, there’s an elevator that takes you down to an observation deck at the base of the waterfall. Here, you can experience the full force of the water and its misty spray, making for a memorable visit.

Overview

Address

Kegon Falls, Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661, Japan

Places & attractions near Kegon Waterfall (Kegon no taki)

A waterfall cascades down rocks surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage in shades of green, yellow, orange, and red.

Kirifuri Waterfall

A deep blue lake surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage, with a tall, cone-shaped mountain in the background under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Lake Chuzenji, Nikko

Three people in traditional Japanese attire are on stage. The center person wears an elaborate green and gold kimono and headpiece, flanked by two others in red robes, kneeling before a painted gold folding screen.

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura

A traditional Japanese temple with red walls and ornate roofing stands among vibrant autumn trees with green, yellow, and orange foliage. Pine branches and part of another roof appear in the foreground.

Chuzen-ji Temple

Places & attractions near Kegon Waterfall (Kegon no taki)

Kirifuri Waterfall

Lake Chuzenji, Nikko

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura

Chuzen-ji Temple

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

windy n cold during last visit on April 2026. Make sure you check the weather condition before go. Wonderful experience ❤️ worth to buy the ticket to view at deck

Derrick

May 1, 2026

Kegon Falls is truly one of Japan’s top three most beautiful waterfalls, and it absolutely lives up to its reputation. Located in the scenic Nikko National Park, the waterfall drops an impressive 97 meters from Lake Chuzenji, creating a breathtaking curtain of water surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush greenery. The viewing area is well designed—you can admire the falls from the upper deck for free, or take the elevator down to the base for a small fee, where the roar of the water and the cool mist make for an unforgettable experience. Each season offers its own beauty: fresh green in spring, powerful flow in summer, fiery autumn foliage, and even frozen cascades in winter.

Very beautiful and long waterfall! We took the elevator to go 100m down and see it more closely from a lower angle. The cost of the elevator is 600¥ per adult and it’s cash only.

Kegon Falls can be seen from view point but need to pay an elevator fee to view the falls from the base. I managed to get a photo from the base from some people in the same tour. We enjoyed the food there while enjoying the view.

Beautiful waterfalls and worth the small cost to take the elevator down 100 metres to the bottom for the views. The ride up the mountains is amazing as well