Kegon Falls (Kegon no taki) near Nikko

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Facts & Figures

Kegon Falls (Kegon no taki) belongs to the top three of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. The other two are Nachi Falls (Wakayama Prefecture) and Fukuroda Falls (Ibaraki Prefecture). The 97m high falls can be found near Lake Chuzenji within the Nikko Nationalpark. It is a wonderful travel destination and every season offers different highlights. The most popular time is during autumn (October), when the fall colors make the scenery even more beautiful. You can reach the observation deck at the base of the falls via elevator. My tip for Japan food lovers: Try out a special local dish made of tofu skin (yuba) after your visit.

• Observation deck access at the base of Kegon Falls:
• Opening Hours - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (March - April, November)
• Opening Hours - 7:30 am to 6:00 pm (May - September)
• Opening Hours - 7:30 am to 5:00 pm (October)
• Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (December - February)
• Closed - never
• Admission Fee - 570 yen (Adults), 340 yen (Children Elementary school)

My tips for local activities

How about exploring Nikko, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls with a local guide. Check out this page > for more tour details.

History

Kegon Falls came into existence when lava flows from Mount Nantai blocked the Daiya River and formed Lake Chuzenji. The only exit of the lake are the Kegon Falls. This all happened approx. 20000 years ago. The falls made it on the list of the - Eight Views - of Japan in 1927. Unfortunately the place is also know for many suicides in the past.

Sightseeing spots at Kegon Falls and nearby

Top:

Observation deck at the base - To access the platform the elevator brings you 100m down. From there you have spectacular views of the falls. The elevator was constructed in 1930.

Lake Chuzenji - The scenic lake has a circumference of 25 km and a surface area of 11.62 km². Read more >

Akechidaira Observatory - Go there if you want to have the best panoramic view of the Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. The Akechidaira Plateau can be reached via ropeway.

Festival & Events in Nikko (dates can change without notice)

May

Toshogu Shrine Grand Festival (17th - 18th)
The most important annual festival in Nikko includes a horesback archery and a procession of 1000 warriors. The festival is a re-enactment of the funeral procession of Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616) who founded the Tokugawa Shogunate in Edo (Tokyo).

October

Toshogu Shrine Autumn Festival (16th - 17th)
Is an repetition of the festival in May.