Japan · Nikko, Tochigi
Kegon Falls
華厳滝
Draining Lake Chuzenji at the edge of Nikko National Park, the falls became infamous in early 20th-century Japan as the site of a widely publicized student suicide that briefly turned the spot into a grim cultural touchstone. An elevator descends through the cliff to a platform at the base for a straight-on view.
Draining Lake Chuzenji at the edge of Nikko National Park, the falls became infamous in early 20th-century Japan as the site of a widely publicized student suicide that briefly turned the spot into a grim cultural touchstone. An elevator descends through the cliff to a platform at the base for a straight-on view.
Kegon Falls drops 97 metres (318 ft) on the Daiya, inside Nikko National Park. It is a plunge-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Nikko, with HND the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Autumn foliage (Oct-Nov) and fresh spring snowmelt give the most dramatic viewing conditions.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Autumn foliage (Oct-Nov) and fresh spring snowmelt give the most dramatic viewing conditions.
Entry: Elevator to base viewing platform ~¥570
Getting there
- Base townNikko
- AirportHND
- CountryJapan
- RegionNikko, Tochigi, Asia
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
36.7414, 139.5011
Quick answers
How tall is Kegon Falls?
Kegon Falls drops 97 metres (318 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall on the Daiya.
When is the best time to visit Kegon Falls?
Peak flow is May to June and October to November. Autumn foliage (Oct-Nov) and fresh spring snowmelt give the most dramatic viewing conditions.
What can you do at Kegon Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Kegon Falls?
The usual base is Nikko, and the closest airport is HND. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Elevator to base viewing platform ~¥570.
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