About Kegon Falls

Kegon Falls is one of Japan’s most beautiful waterfalls. Located in the rural highlands of Tochigi Prefecture it is tucked away from the sprawling Tokyo Metropolis. The waterfall was created 15,000 years ago when volcanic activity from Mount Bandai blocked the Daiya River. The 97 meter high waterfall is fed exclusively by the Daiya River which is the only outflow for Lake Chuzenji ko. The water level of the lake largely determines the flow of the river.

The waterfall is thought to have been discovered by Shodo Shonin a monk in the 8th century. He named it after the Buddhist Kegon Sutra which is referred to as the Flower Garland Sutra in English. The Sutra is a foundational text of the Kegon School of Buddhism. The name Kegon is a Sanskrit word meaning “Garland” or “Wealth”.

Kegon Falls (kegon no taki) in addition to Nachi Falls (nachi no taki) in Wakayama Prefecture and Fukuroda Falls (fukuroda no taki) in Ibaraki Prefecture make up the Three Great Waterfalls in Japan. There are a number of observation decks that provide stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding area.

Best Places to View Kegon Falls

Kegon Falls Upper Observation Deck

The Upper Observation Deck is a free two story structure that gives a wonderful up close view of the waterfall.

Kegon Falls Lower Observation Deck

The Lower Observation Deck is accessible via the Kegon Falls Elevator Office. The trip consists of a short elevator ride followed by a long underground tunnel cut into the cliffside. You can appreciate the size and power of the waterfall from the lower deck.

In addition to the main waterfall, there are numerous smaller waterfalls coming out of the cliffside. The largest of which is Nirvana Falls which is behind the observation deck.

Akechidaira Ropeway Observation Deck

The Akechidaira Ropeway is a popular spot to view Kegon Waterfall and Lake Chuzenji. It is accessible directly from the #2 Irohazaka or by backtracking from town. Traffic going up #2 Irohazaka can get really backed up during the holidays. We suggest going early if possible.

We recommend buying tickets and getting a time card as soon as possible. When you buy tickets for the ropeway, you get a time card that determines when you can ride the ropeway. If the area is crowded, this could take some time.

When its your time, go to the reception area and the attendant will show you to a descending staircase that leads to the ropeway. From the base lodge it is a short three minute cable car ride to the top. The view from the observation deck on a clear day gives stunning views of Irohazaka, Kegon Waterfall, Lake Chuzenji, and Mount Nantai.

*Note: Even on rainy or cloudy days the waterfall can be visible. We’ve found that the clouds move rather quickly and brief glimpses of the waterfall can be made.

The Best Times To Visit Kegon Falls

Spring

The flow of the waterfall is at its highest thanks to the spring snow melt.

Mid – Late October

The fall colors in autumn are breathtaking. The Nikko Area is awash with beautiful hues of red, orange, and yellow. The Irohazaka roads are particularly beautiful during this time.

The Nikko Area has many attractions including Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, Shinkyo Bridge, Lake Chuzenji, Mount Nantai, Kirifuri Highland, & Nikko National Park.

Unique Reasons to Go to Kegon Falls

• One of the Three Great Waterfalls in Japan
• One of Japan’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls
• One of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls

Admission Fee & Hours

Kegon Falls Admission Fee

Elevator Round Trip: ¥570/Adults, ¥340/Children (Elementary School)

Kegon Falls Hours

March ~ April: 9:00 ~ 17:00

May ~ November: 8:00 ~ 17:00

December ~ February: 9:00 ~ 16:30

Akechidaira Ropeway Admission Fee

One Way: ¥600/Adults, ¥300/Children

Round Trip: ¥1,000/Adults, ¥500/Children

Akechidaira Ropeway Hours

Operating Hours: 9:00 ~ 15:30

Last Flight to Observation Deck: 15:10

Last Flight to Lodge: 15:30

How To Access Kegon Falls

By Public Transportation

• From Tokyo (Ueno Station) take a JR Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen Nasuno bound for Koriyama transferring at Utsunomiya Station to a Nikko Line train bound for Nikko Station getting off at Nikko Station *Quickest (1 hour 44 minutes, ¥5,270 one way per person) Note: JR Pass Compatible

• From Tokyo (Ueno Station) take a Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line train bound for Kita-Kasukabe Station transferring at Kitasenju Station to a Nikko-Kinugawa Kegon Limited Express Train bound for Tobu Nikko Station getting off at Tobu Nikko Station. *Cheapest (1 hour 52 minutes, ¥3,230 one way per person) Note: Partial JR Pass Compatible (Nikko-Kinugawa Kegon Limited Express Train Not Included)

To Kegon Falls Lower & Upper Observations Decks

• From JR Nikko Station head towards the exit: Bus Stop 1A take a Yumoto Onsen (via Chuzenji Onsen) bus (湯元温泉(中禅寺温泉経由)) (Tobu Bus) get off at “Chuzenji Onsen Bus Terminal” (中禅寺温泉) *Compatible with Tobu Bus Pass

• From Tobu Nikko head towards the Tobu Bus Terminal: Bus Stop 2A/2C take a Yumoto Onsen (via Chuzenji Onsen) bus (湯元温泉(中禅寺温泉経由)) (Tobu Bus) get off at “Chuzenji Onsen Bus Terminal” (中禅寺温泉) *Compatible with Tobu Bus Pass

To Akechidaira Observations Deck

• From JR Nikko Station head towards the exit: Bus Stop 1A take a Yumoto Onsen (via Chuzenji Onsen) bus (湯元温泉(中禅寺温泉経由)) (Tobu Bus) get off at “Akechihei” (明智平) *Compatible with Tobu Bus Pass

• From Tobu Nikko head towards the Tobu Bus Terminal: Bus Stop 2A/2C take a Yumoto Onsen (via Chuzenji Onsen) bus (湯元温泉(中禅寺温泉経由)) (Tobu Bus) get off at “Akechihei” (明智平) *Compatible with Tobu Bus Pass

By Car

• Kiyotaki IC (14.6 km East)

Best Kegon Falls Parking Lots

• Nikkoakechidaira Parking Lot (~57 Spaces, Fee ¥500/Vehicle, Public Restrooms) *Parking Lot for Akechidaira Ropeway

• Akechidaira Kenei Parking Lot (~33 Spaces, Free, Public Restrooms) *Parking Lot for Akechidaira Ropeway

• Kenei Kegonnotaki #1 Parking Lot (~130 Spaces, 290m to Kegon Falls, Fee ¥320/Vehicle, Public Restrooms) *Parking Lot for Kegon Falls Lower & Upper Observation Decks

• Kenei Kegonnotaki #2 Parking Lot (~56 Spaces, 100m to Kegon Falls, Fee ¥320/Vehicle, Public Restrooms) *Parking Lot for Kegon Falls Lower & Upper Observation Decks

• Okunikko Parking Lot (24 Spaces, 260m to Kegon Falls, Fee ¥300/Vehicle) *Parking Lot for Kegon Falls Lower & Upper Observation Decks