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Tochigi Prefecture
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Things to Do in Nikko
Kegon Falls

Kegon Falls, Nikko: Hours, Address, Kegon Falls Reviews: 4/5

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Kegon Falls

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Kegon Falls
4
1,644
#8 of 259 things to do in Nikko
Waterfalls
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9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
65 within 3 miles
Sushi Kurosaki
25
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Lakehouse
15
0.2 mi$$$$ • International
The Dining Nantai
24
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese
The Lobby Lounge
7
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe
Shizen Shokuno Mise Kiribana
14
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese
Kegonnotakitsumikko
12
436 ftCafe
The Japanese Restaurant by The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko
6
0.2 mi$$$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Kaiseki
Moon Bow
8
0.1 miCafe
The Bar
4
0.2 mi$$$$ • Bar • Wine Bar
Nikko Tamari Shihompo Tsuruya Chuzenji
11
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Japanese - Traditional Cuisine
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Attractions
120 within 6 miles
Oku-Nikko Information Center
4
0.1 miVisitor Centers
Tochigi Prefectural Nikko Natural Science Museum
10
0.1 miSpeciality Museums
Kegon Shrine
1
0.1 miReligious Sites
Chuzenji Spa Tourist Information
3
0.2 miVisitor Centers
Chuzenji Dam
4
0.2 miDams
Lake Chuzenji
985
0.4 miBodies of Water
Mikoishi
6
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Akechidaira Observation Area
188
0.7 miObservation Decks & Towers
Irohazaka Route
343
0.8 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Chuzenji Temple
94
0.7 miReligious Sites
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,644 reviews
Excellent
637
Very good
699
Average
256
Poor
38
Terrible
14
Hiroaki Kaneko
Tokyo, Japan2,715 contributions
One of the most popular tourist spots in Nikko, the splash from the waterfall makes it cool even in the middle of summer
言わずと知れた日光を代表する観光スポットの一つです。落差約100mを大量の水が一気に流れ落ちる様は、遠くから見ても見応えがあり、常に観光客が絶えず訪れるスポットの一つでもあります。
華厳の滝を鑑賞する展望設備は2か所あり、1か所は有料で専用のエレベーターで入口より約100m下の『観瀑台』まで降ります。もう一つは入口付近の展望台で、滝を眼下に見下ろすことが出来、こちらは無料で利用可能です。『観瀑台』では、滝より距離があるにもかかわらず滝の水しぶきを直に感じることが出来るため、例え真夏の日中であってもひんやりとしています。長居しすぎると髪や服がかなり濡れてしまうこともあるので注意が必要です。
いずれの季節も見応えがありますが、紅葉のシーズンは人が多すぎて、『観瀑台』へ降りるのに時間がかかりすぎたりうまく写真に収められなかったりと、少しガッカリするかもしれません。逆に冬は観光客もそれほど多くなく、雪に覆われた滝の美しい景色が見られます。運がいいと、氷瀑を見ることが出来るかもしれません！

It's one of the most famous tourist spots in Nikko. The sight of a large amount of water flowing down about 100 meters drop is spectacular even from a distance, and it's one of the spots that is always visited by tourists.
There are two observation decks where you can view Kegon Falls, one is a pay-per-use elevator that takes you down to the viewing platform about 100 meters below the entrance. The other is a viewing platform near the entrance, where you can look down on the waterfall, and it is free of charge. At the waterfall viewing platform, you can directly feel the spray of the waterfall even though it's far away from the waterfall, so it's cool even in the middle of the summer day. Be careful not to stay too long, as your hair and clothes may get very wet.
All seasons are worth seeing, but during the season of autumn leaves, you may be a little disappointed because there are too many tourists and it takes too long to get down to the viewing platform and take pictures. On the other hand, in winter, there are not so many tourists and you can see the beautiful scenery of the waterfall covered with snow. If you're lucky, you might even get to see an ice fall!
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bengmeliamo
Osaka, Japan552 contributions
Awesome expensive but worth it
Couples
During Covid19 closed down time, we had the place ourselves pretty much. There were only 2 other parties besides us.
Must buy about 600 yen ticket to ride the elevator which takes you about 100 meters down from the ground level. Getting out of the elevator, it's chilled suddenly and misty. Walked though the tunnel, there he is, so beautiful!
There are not much spaces to walk around just to look from the front of it and admire the beauty.
When you visit other water falls, you can understand why this is male waterfall.
Written May 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter S
Brookfield, CT28 contributions
Worth your time if in the area.
I was not expecting much from Kegon Falls - we were there near the end of fall and much of the foliage at the top of the mountain was already gone. It was right down the road from our ryokan but we decided to drive over anyway as it was chilly and we were going to head down the mountain afterward. The grounds have quite a few small food stalls and gift shops and it was not too busy when we went in mid-November. Seeing the top of the falls was free assuming you were not paying for parking and that was pretty impressive on it's own. There was an extra charge for the long elevator ride to the bottom, but the view from below was even better than expected! Overall a good 1.5-2 hours spent in total, some decent snacks, and a few small items purchased for my kids back home.
Written November 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tatami53
Tokyo, Japan27 contributions
Tourist trap
Perhaps if you visit here on a day when the weather is perfect and there is no crowd, it might be something to do if you are in the area. But quite frankly, I did not find it to be the awesome experience that everyone else here is raving about. You have to spend ¥600 (about USD 4.58) to get into an elevator with a bunch of other people and descend into the bowels of the earth so you can get to a vantage point and see the waterfall. Once you are there, you can see the waterfall. That's it. You pay for an elevator ride to see it.

The day we were there was overcast and there was a crowd. Neither enhanced what *might* be a lovely experience. That said, you can actually see the waterfall (or part of it) for free (but not as well) without taking the elevator down.

Also, to access the elevator, you have to walk down a long, somewhat narrow hallway. I found the entire experience to be claustrophobic. Also, the whole thing felt like a tourist trap.

Yes, it's pretty, but quite honestly, one should be able to see this for free. But anything that can be monetized will be. So... if you have absolutely nothing to do and you are in the area and you are totally bewitched by waterfalls, this might be entertaining for you, with the emphasis on the word "might."
Written May 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stan S
Taipei, Taiwan28 contributions
Horrible traffic in Autumn
Friends
Do not go to Nikko's surrounding mountain region during the autumn foliage season. We went there on a working Monday and had to wait 40 minutes to get on the tourist bus - standing room only. The trip to Lake Chuzenji supposes to take one hour. It took us about 3 hours as the single lane road was congested big time. We cut short our trip, got off at Kegon Fall and walked around for one hour. We then quickly got to the bus stop and tried to get back to the station. Guess what, there was a long line of people waiting for buses. This is something I do not understand, if this is the busy autumn season and they sold many bus tickets (tourist passes), how could they maintain the same stupid bus schedule (one bus every 30 minutes or so). There were many Japanese bus employees running around talking to angry passengers calming them down. However, they could not do anything. We had to wait 2 hours plus to get on one bus, took another 2 hours to get back down the mountain and missed our train of course. I am very disappointed by the Japanese way of handling emergency of this type. We were willing to pay for a taxi to get back down (10,000 yen plus) but we could not find any taxi for hire (all reserved).
Written October 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
fajaradiartha
Jakarta, Indonesia4,131 contributions
Beautiful waterfall
Couples
I arrived early in Nikko to visit Kegon Falls before the shrines. Getting here is pretty easy. After arriving in Nikko station, just wait at the bus stop for Tobu Nikko bus (or get a bus pass if you plan to stay a night in Nikko). Upon arriving, go to the ticket booth to pay for elevator access (easier and faster).

From the viewing platform you can have a great view of the waterfall, and it is indeed very beautiful.
Written July 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beng d
Yokohama, Japan302 contributions
Mighty Kegon Falls
Couples
What a beautiful sight to behold, truly beautiful. It is just a short 4-minute walk from the main bus terminal surrounded by small coffee shops. You can go do on the elevator (with a fee) to get even closer to the falls.
Written July 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JustMe-Pete
Woy Woy, Australia48 contributions
A beautiful scene - on a clear day.
Couples
We drove up, up, up a road famous amongst Japanese for it's 44 curves (22 up and 22 down). A visit to the falls we're told is one of the things every Japanese must include in their Bucket List. The nearby Chuzenji-ko is a lake of great, historical Buddist significance. Both can be seen via a cable car that leaves from the top of the 22 curves and you can thus avoid the very touristy lake area.The cable car operator was so honest he did not want to sell us a ticket until the mist cleared and the view was worthwhile.
Written June 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
elsiek
London861 contributions
The thing to do out of Nikko
Couples
Everyone says: Go to the waterfall! From bus stop 2B at the JR station we caught the bus to the Chuzenjiko Lake bus terminal (about 45 minute journey) from where it is a short walk to the waterfall. Be aware of the warning signs about the monkeys who will take any opportunity to snatch anything they think is food. There are two options to see the waterfall. From the top - Free - viewing platform. Or pay JPY550 to take an elevator 100m down for a full frontal view. Having done the elevator would have been just as happy seeing it from the top. If you are in Nikko for more than a day, explore bus pass options to save money. Combine your visit to the waterfall with a look at Lake Chuzenji. Note where bus drops you off at Chuzenjiko Lake bus terminal is not the same stop to catch the bus back. Ask the driver to point out the return stop before you leave the bus
Written May 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jim K
Perth, Australia12 contributions
Kegon Falls, Nikko
Couples
Wow, it is no wonder Kegon Falls is the top three waterfalls in Japan! We went in early April this year one early morning and took a bus from Nikko town. Bus ride was up the mountains through winding roads but what fantastic views! It was snowing and mountain side was covered in snow. Around the waterfall there was snow and the rock formation is just wonderfull to watch. Take the elevator down to the falls, cost around 500 yen but is well worth the money, do not skip this and if you do you will not know what you have missed! Just magic listening to the sound of water crashing down. Try the hot milk at the shop below.
Written May 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kegon Falls
Kegon Falls is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Kegon Falls tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 24 Kegon Falls tours on Tripadvisor