Popular 半日・1日ツアー in 華厳滝 (Kegon-taki)

Kegon Falls is located within Nikko National Park, surrounded by rich natural and cultural attractions. We recommend visiting Lake Chuzenji, Nikko's largest lake, known for its beautiful lakeside scenery, perfect for strolls and boat tours. Additionally, taking the Akechidaira Ropeway offers panoramic views of Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and Mount Nantai from above. If time permits, you can also explore the World Heritage sites of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple to immerse yourself in history and culture. These sites are relatively close to each other, making them suitable for a day trip.

To travel from Tokyo to Kegon Falls, you typically need to take a train to Nikko first, then transfer to a bus. You can take the JR Limited Express 'Nikko' from Shinjuku directly to Tobu Nikko Station, which takes about 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a Tobu Railway Limited Express from Asakusa, also taking about 2 hours. After arriving at Tobu Nikko Station or JR Nikko Station, transfer to a Tobu Bus heading towards Chuzenji Onsen. The bus ride takes approximately 40-50 minutes, and you should alight at the 'Kegon Falls Entrance' stop. The entire journey usually takes about 3 to 3.5 hours, with convenient transportation options.

Both are among Japan's three most famous waterfalls. However, considering a day trip from Tokyo, Kegon Falls would be a more convenient and fulfilling choice. Kegon Falls is located in the Nikko area, surrounded by attractions like Lake Chuzenji, Akechidaira Ropeway, and the World Heritage 'Shrines and Temples' (Nikkō Tōshō-gū, Futarasan-jinja, Rinnoji-tera), which can be combined for a rich day tour. Fukuroda Falls, on the other hand, is in Ibaraki Prefecture, with fewer surrounding attractions, making it more suitable for a trip focused solely on admiring the waterfall. Therefore, Kegon Falls, combined with its nearby attractions, offers a more comprehensive travel experience.

Kegon Falls offers a different charm in every season. Spring (April-May) is characterized by lush new greenery and vibrant life. Summer (June-August) boasts abundant water flow, providing a refreshing and spectacular experience, ideal for escaping the heat. In winter (December-March), you might witness the unique sight of partially frozen 'ice falls.' However, the most popular viewing season is autumn (late October to early November) when the surrounding foliage turns golden yellow and orange-red, creating a colorful spectacle that complements the majestic waterfall. The peak of the autumn foliage is usually in late October.

The elevator-style observation deck at Kegon Falls typically operates between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, though actual hours may vary slightly by season. It's advisable to check the current season's information before your visit. Dining options around the falls are diverse. The shores of Lake Chuzenji offer many restaurants and cafes with scenic views, serving Japanese set meals, Western cuisine, or light meals. Near Tobu Nikko Station or JR Nikko Station, you'll find numerous eateries offering local specialties like yuba (tofu skin) dishes and fried foods, allowing you to choose according to your preference.

For a half-day trip: After arriving in the Lake Chuzenji area, take the elevator to the Kegon Falls observation deck to experience the waterfall's grandeur up close and stroll along the surrounding paths. Afterwards, visit the shores of Lake Chuzenji to enjoy the scenery or relax at a lakeside cafe. This route allows you to fully appreciate the waterfall's magnificence and the lake's tranquility. For a full-day trip: In addition to the half-day itinerary, start early. In the morning, take the Akechidaira Ropeway for a high-altitude view of Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. In the afternoon, explore Lake Chuzenji by boat or wander along its shores, visiting other attractions like the Chuzenji Temple's Tachiki Kannon hall, to enrich your itinerary.

If you plan a day trip to the Nikko area that includes Kegon Falls, the following route is recommended: Morning: Upon arrival at Tobu Nikko Station or JR Nikko Station, take a bus to the World Heritage 'Shrines and Temples' area to visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple, immersing yourself in history and culture. Lunch: Have lunch in Nikko city. Afternoon: From Nikko Station or the 'Shrines and Temples' area, take a bus towards Chuzenji Onsen to reach Kegon Falls. Use the elevator to access the observation deck to view the waterfall and take a walk along the shores of Lake Chuzenji. Evening: Take a bus back from the Lake Chuzenji area to Nikko Station to catch your train back to Tokyo.

Kegon Falls is located in a mountainous area, with two main accommodation zones nearby. One is along the shores of Lake Chuzenji, offering many hot spring inns and resort hotels with tranquil environments. Some rooms provide lake or mountain views, and being close to Kegon Falls allows for convenient viewing in the morning and evening. The other is in Nikko city (around Tobu Nikko Station and JR Nikko Station). This area has a wider variety of lodging options, from business hotels to traditional inns, with excellent transportation convenience. It's ideal for visiting World Heritage sites like Nikko Toshogu Shrine and offers more dining and shopping choices.

Kegon Falls offers many excellent photography spots due to its magnificent scenery: Elevator-style observation deck: This is the classic viewpoint for capturing the waterfall's majestic plunge from high up. Akechidaira Ropeway: While on the ropeway or at the Akechidaira observation deck, you can frame Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and Mount Nantai together for a grand panoramic shot. Falls' basin path: This path allows you to look up at the waterfall from different angles. In winter, you might capture the unique sight of the 'ice falls.' Lakeside at Lake Chuzenji: From certain angles along the lake, you can get distant views of the falls or combine the waterfall with the lake scenery for a harmonious natural landscape.

A half-day trip to Kegon Falls primarily focuses on the waterfall itself and its immediate surroundings. You can: Take the elevator to the waterfall's basin observation deck: Experience the grandeur of one of Japan's three famous waterfalls up close, feeling the mist. Stroll along the shores of Lake Chuzenji: Enjoy the natural scenery of the Nikko region by the lake, breathe in the fresh air, or sample local snacks at lakeside shops. View Kegon Falls from different angles: Besides the observation deck, you can also get distant views from the free viewing area near the bus stop, appreciating different perspectives of the scenery. Sample local snacks: The area around Kegon Falls offers local snacks like grilled dango and grilled miso fish, adding flavor to your trip.