Kegon Falls

華厳滝

Water from Lake Chuzenji plunges 97 meters over a cliff. It is one of Japan's Three Great Waterfalls, and an elevator takes you down to a viewing platform at its base.

Kegon Falls is the only outflow of Lake Chuzenji. The lake's water drops vertically about 97 meters over a lava cliff. Along with Nachi Falls in Wakayama and Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki, it is known as one of Japan's Three Great Waterfalls. The name comes from the Buddhist Avatamsaka Sutra. Along both sides of the main fall, more than ten small streams, known as the Twelve Falls, seep out of the rock crevices.

There are several ways to view it:

① Free observation deck: next to the Kegon Falls parking lot, where you can see the upper part of the waterfall from above.

② Paid elevator: descend about 100 meters to the viewing platform at the base, where you can look straight up at the full falls with mist sweeping over you. Adult admission is about ¥570 to ¥600 (check current prices).

③ Meakandaira Observatory: a view of the waterfall, Lake Chuzenji, and Mount Nantai together.

In winter, when temperatures drop below freezing, the smaller falls on either side freeze into icicles.

Getting there: take a bus from Tobu-Nikko Station for about 45 minutes to the Chuzenjionsen stop, then walk for about 5 minutes. It is best combined with Lake Chuzenji and Ryuzu Falls on a day trip to Okunikko.

Note: Okunikko is 5 to 8°C colder than the town, so bring a jacket even in spring and autumn.

Kegon Falls

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