Kegon Falls, Nikkō National Park

Name: Kegon Falls
Address: Chugushi, Nikko, Nikkō National Park, 321-1661, Japan
Telephone: +81 288-55-0030

#1 among attractions in Nikkō National Park

Natural attraction, Top attraction, Waterfall

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jordy Meow / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Jranar / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Bgabel at q373 shared / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / ContributorQ / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Orbixx / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Daderot / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / ContributorQ / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the verdant embrace of Nikkō National Park, Kegon Falls stands as one of Japan's most iconic and enchanting natural landmarks. This majestic waterfall, tumbling down a staggering 97 meters, is the highest and most famous of the many waterfalls in Nikkō. It draws nature enthusiasts and travelers from across the globe, eager to witness its serene beauty and the surrounding lush scenery.

Kegon Falls is fed by the waters of Lake Chūzenji, which was formed thousands of years ago when Mount Nantai erupted and blocked the river. The falls are particularly awe-inspiring during the autumn months, when the surrounding foliage bursts into vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange, creating a breathtaking tapestry that frames the cascading water.

Visitors can enjoy Kegon Falls from a free observation platform at the top, which offers a panoramic view of the falls in their entirety. For those wishing to get a closer look, there is an elevator (for a fee) that descends through the rock to a lower observation deck, placing you near the base of the waterfall for a truly immersive experience.

The falls are accessible year-round, with each season offering a unique perspective. In winter, the falls can partially freeze, creating stunning ice sculptures that cling to the surrounding cliffs. Spring brings with it the fresh green of new leaves, while summer offers a cool respite from the heat with the falls' refreshing mist.

To make the most of your visit to Kegon Falls, it is advisable to allocate at least an hour to fully embrace the site and its surrounding natural wonders. The area is also home to a number of hiking trails for those looking to explore deeper into Nikkō National Park.

Local name: 華厳滝 Width: 23 ftHeight: 318 ftCoordinates: 36°44'16"N, 139°30'7"E

Address

Chugushi, NikkoNikkō National Park 321-1661 Japan

Contact

+81 288-55-0030

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Nikkō National Park

Day trips

Kegon Falls – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Nikkō Tōshō-gū, Futarasan jinja, Ryūzu Falls, Tamozawa Imperial Villa.

5.5 miE
Ornate circa-1636 shogun shrine complex
Nikkō Tōshō-gū, Nikkō
142 min walk • Nikkō Tōshō-gū is a resplendent Shinto shrine nestled in the verdant forests of Nikkō, Japan, a city that harmoniously blends natural beauty with historical significance. This shrine, which is part of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikkō," a UNESCO World Heritage...
5.4 miE
Mountain-top 8th-century Shinto shrine
Futarasan jinja, Nikkō
139 min walk • Futarasan Jinja, a serene Shinto shrine nestled in the lush greenery of Nikkō, Japan, offers a spiritual retreat for visitors and a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage. This historic shrine, established in 767, is dedicated to the deities of Nikkō's...
3.1 miNW
Picturesque twin waterfalls and an eatery
Ryūzu Falls, Nikkō National Park
80 min walk • Ryūzu Falls, nestled in the verdant surroundings of Nikkō National Park, Japan, is a captivating natural wonder that draws visitors from around the globe. Known in Japanese as "Ryūzu no Taki," which translates to "Dragon Head Waterfall," this scenic cascade is...
5.1 miE
Park, Scenic walking areas, Museum
Tamozawa Imperial Villa, Nikkō
130 min walk • Tamozawa Imperial Villa is a former imperial summer residence in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It was constructed for Emperor Taishō in 1899 and served as a hide-out for emperor Hirohito during World War II. The former imperial residence is now open for the public as museum and garden.
5.6 miE
Park
Shōyō-en, Nikkō
143 min walk • Shōyō-en is a Japanese garden located next to the Sanbutsudō Hall of Rinnō-ji Temple in Nikkō. It was constructed in early Edo period, but reformed in the beginning of 19th century. The garden was given its name by a Confucian scholar Issai Sato.
2.4 miW
Natural attraction, Nature, Lake
Lake Chūzenji, Nikkō National Park
61 min walk • Lake Chūzenji, also called Sea of Happiness, is a scenic lake in Nikkō National Park in the city of Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It was created 20,000 years ago when Mount Nantai erupted and blocked the river.
0.8 miE
Tram, Transport, Aerial tramway
Akechidaira Ropeway, Nikkō
20 min walk • The Akechidaira Ropeway is Japanese aerial lift line in Nikkō, Tochigi, operated by Nikkō-Kōtsū. The Tōbu Group company mainly operates bus lines in the city. The observatory has a view of Kegon Falls, Lake Chūzenji, and Mount Nantai. The line opened in 1933, and reopened in 1950.
5.5 miE
Botanical garden
Nikko Botanical Garden, Nikkō
140 min walk • The Nikko Botanical Garden is a botanical garden operated by the Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, and located at 1842 Hanaishi, Nikkō, Tochigi, Japan, on rolling terrain with streams and ponds at 647 meters above sea level.
5.7 miE
8th-century temple with museum and garden
Rinnō-ji, Nikkō
146 min walk • Rinnō-ji is a Tendai Buddhist temple in the city of Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
1.7 miN
Natural attraction, Nature, Volcano
Mount Nantai, Nikkō National Park
44 min walk • Mount Nantai is a stratovolcano in the Nikkō National Park in Tochigi Prefecture, in central Honshū, the main island of Japan. The mountain is 2,486 metres high.
5.5 miE
36°45'23"N • 139°35'56"E
Shrines and Temples of Nikkō, Nikkō
141 min walk • The UNESCO World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples of Nikkō encompasses 103 buildings or structures and the natural setting around them. It is located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The buildings belong to two Shinto shrines and one Buddhist temple.