Nikko · Irohazaka road and Chuzenji Onsen

Kegon Falls

How to get there and what to see · facts checked 2026-10-24

Water from Lake Chuzenji plunges about 97 m down a rock face. An elevator takes you down to a viewing platform near the base.

Nearest station: About 50 minutes by bus, then a 5-minute walk
Hours: Elevator: 1 Mar–30 Nov 8:00–17:00; 1 Dec–28 Feb 9:00–16:30 (last entry 20 minutes before closing)
Admission: Elevator (return): adults ¥600, elementary students ¥400, younger children free. The upper deck is free

What to see

One of Japan's three great waterfalls, about 97 m high, with Nachi (Wakayama) and Fukuroda (Ibaraki).
Elevator platform: a one-minute ride 100 m down through rock leads to a viewing platform near the base.
Free upper viewing deck: with a ramp for wheelchairs (steep, so a helper is needed).
Twelve small falls: thin cascades beside the main fall, which freeze into blue ice in January and February.

Seasons

Fresh green in May, swallows around the falls in June, autumn colour in fall and ice in winter.

History

Tradition says the monk Shodo Shonin found it about 1,200 years ago. It was designated a Place of Scenic Beauty in 1931 and chosen as one of Japan's 100 geological sites in 2007. The elevator opened in 1930 and is now its third generation.

Getting there

About 50 minutes by bus from JR Nikko or Tobu-Nikko Station toward Chuzenji Onsen, then about 5 minutes on foot from the "Chuzenji Onsen" stop.

Address：2479-2 Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi (elevator)

Directions in Google Maps →Official website →

Before you go

The elevator runs every day but may stop in bad weather. At times, such as at night, the water flow may be stopped depending on the water level.

Lake Chuzenji area (about 50 min by bus)

Tap a red pin to open that sight's page.

Nearby sights

← Nikko guide: trains from Tokyo

Sources

Hours, prices and history come from the official websites and public tourism pages listed here. They can change, so check the official site before you go.