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  1. Home
  2. Places
  3. Nikko
  4. Ryuzu Waterfall
A waterfall flows through a lush forest filled with vibrant autumn foliage in shades of red, orange, and green, with a metal railing visible in the bottom right corner.
A small waterfall cascades over rocks surrounded by vibrant autumn trees with red, orange, and yellow leaves. The water flows into a clear stream, creating a tranquil forest scene.
A waterfall flows through a lush forest filled with vibrant autumn foliage in shades of red, orange, and green, with a metal railing visible in the bottom right corner.
Waterfall flows through a lush forest with vibrant autumn foliage in shades of red, orange, and green. Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the colorful leaves and misty water below.
A small waterfall flows over rocks surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage, including red, orange, and yellow leaves, and green pine trees. The water cascades down into a clear stream below under an overcast sky.
A scenic waterfall flows through a forest with vibrant autumn foliage, featuring red, orange, and yellow leaves surrounding the cascading water under a partly cloudy sky.
Nikko

Ryuzu Waterfall

4.3 (9366)Scenic SpotHiking AreaTourist AttractionNational ParkParkSports Activity LocationPoint Of InterestEstablishment
Last updated Apr 1, 2026

Ryuzu Waterfall is a natural marvel in Nikko National Park. The name “Ryuzu,” meaning “Dragon’s Head,” comes from the way the water cascades down, splitting over a 210-meter-long lava flow, forming what looks like a dragon’s head. This unique formation occurred due to ancient volcanic activity from Mount Nantai, which has shaped the landscape for centuries.

Ryuzu is one of the first waterfalls along the Yukawa River, which originates from Lake Yunoko. The water from the falls eventually flows into Lake Chuzenji, creating a connection between these natural sites. Ryuzu is smaller compared to nearby Kegon Waterfall, but its charm lies in its accessibility and the close-up view it offers.

Autumn is the peak time for visiting Ryuzu Waterfall. The area around the falls is surrounded by dense maple forests, and when the leaves change color, the scene becomes a spectacular display of red, orange, and yellow. This seasonal beauty attracts photographers and nature lovers who seek to capture the vivid landscape.


Phone
+81 288-22-1525


Overview

Address
Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661, Japan
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Phone

+81 288-22-1525

Explore tours near Ryuzu Waterfall

Tamozawa Imperial Villa
8 hours
Private Nikko Day Tour with Local Guide & Private Vehicle
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
10 hours
Exploring Nikko's Natural Splendors: A Private Full-Day Tour with English-Speaking Guide

Traveler reviews

May 2026. A very pleasant, romantic and photogenic place! This is not a typical waterfall where water falls freely from a great height into the depths. It is an approximately 210-meter long and relatively wide cascade of smaller wild waterfalls flowing down volcanic rock. Along this entire cascade there is a comfortable, well-maintained path with wooden walkways, where you will find several great vantage points for taking beautiful photos. The place is fantastically accessible. By Tobu Bus from Chuzenji Onsen Station (stop no. 26) you are right at the waterfall at Ryūzu-no-taki Station (stop no. 37) in just 10 to 12 minutes. This can be used perfectly logistically: if you take your time to see Chuzenji Temple, walk around the lake and visit Kegon Waterfall, and you still have some time left before returning to Nikko, come here. It is definitely worth it. Keep your eyes peeled! During our bus ride to the waterfall, we encountered a wild monkey (Japanese macaque) right on the road. The driver had to slow down significantly to avoid a collision. It is amazing to see how close to the roads the wildlife of the national park lives here. Right at the foot of the waterfall is the historic teahouse and rest area Ryuzu no Chaya. They have a nice indoor snack bar where you can enjoy great coffee by the large windows with a direct, breathtaking view of the roaring confluence of the waterfall. And if you have some time before the return bus arrives, right next to the cafe there is a souvenir shop with a huge selection of very interesting local products and sweets. I highly recommend it as a relaxing and beautiful stop
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Monika Křtěnová
Aug 8, 2026
Absolutely stunning waterfalls and scenery. I was mesmerized by the steady sound of water. There are a lot of steps that you have to navigate but it's definitely worth it to see the majestic views. When we went there were a lot of dragonflies as well, which added to the charm of the location. I really enjoyed visiting!
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Emma L
Jul 16, 2026
Glamourous scenery of the waterfalls and the mountains. It is near Chuzenji lake and there are many parking spaces there. Many restaurants and souvenir shops at the bottom, which is were the main waterfall view is. Many steps will take you along the waterfall to the top, arguably the bottom bit is the best part. It doesn’t get as crowded.
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A Lui
Aug 6, 2026
Beautiful! We parked at the Ryuzu Falls lower car park and walked up to the top and back down. Lovely walk along the rapids with lots of stairs. We enjoyed this much more than Kegon Falls.
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TheSydneysurfer
Apr 25, 2026
Stunning, nobody was there, don't understand it. Easy little 370m hike to 3 lookouts. Used our rental car to get there, easy drive, why is this place abandoned.
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Eric Ware
Jun 2, 2026

Places & attractions near Ryuzu Waterfall

A large traditional Japanese temple with bright red wooden beams, gold accents, and ornate architectural details, surrounded by greenery. People walk up the steps toward the entrance under a sunny sky.

Rinno-ji Temple

Visitors walk through a traditional Japanese wooden gate surrounded by tall trees, entering a temple complex. A large stone monument with inscriptions stands to the right of the path.

Futarasan Shrine

Close-up of hands carving a design into a wooden block with a chisel, with wood shavings scattered around.

Nikko-bori Wood Carving Experience

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

Places & attractions near Ryuzu Waterfall

A large traditional Japanese temple with bright red wooden beams, gold accents, and ornate architectural details, surrounded by greenery. People walk up the steps toward the entrance under a sunny sky.

Rinno-ji Temple

Visitors walk through a traditional Japanese wooden gate surrounded by tall trees, entering a temple complex. A large stone monument with inscriptions stands to the right of the path.

Futarasan Shrine

Close-up of hands carving a design into a wooden block with a chisel, with wood shavings scattered around.

Nikko-bori Wood Carving Experience

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


More about Ryuzu Waterfall from our blog

A bustling crowd walking towards Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura, Japan. The main torii gate and pavilion of the shrine are visible amidst lush greenery. Colorful banners and signs flank both sides of the pathway, under a clear sky.

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