Kegon Falls & Lake Chuzenji
Japan's most famous waterfall — a 97-metre drop from the overflow of Lake Chuzenji into the Daiya River gorge. Lake Chuzenji itself sits in a volcanic caldera at 1,269 metres with mountain views of Nantai Volcano. In autumn, the colours of the lake's surrounding beech and maple forests rival any in Japan.
2–3 hours
¥600 (elevator, adult)
Elevator: 8:00–17:00 (Apr–Nov); 9:00–16:30 (Dec–Mar); waterfall always visible from upper viewpoint
Late October (peak foliage), May–June (snowmelt flow)
Bus from Nikko Station (about 50 min to Chuzenji/Kegon Falls)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
97-metre drop — Japan's most photographed waterfall, especially in October when maples surround it
- 2
An underground elevator descends to a second viewpoint at the base of the falls
- 3
Lake Chuzenji at the top was formed when a Nantai eruption dammed the valley — crystal clear
Local Tips
The 97m drop is most dramatic during spring snowmelt (April–May) and after typhoon rains in autumn. The elevator (¥550) descends to an observation platform at the base of the falls — the view upward at the white column of water is outstanding. Lake Chuzenji above the falls and the Nikko Toshogu shrines complete a classic Nikko day.
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