Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji: How to Visit from Nikko
Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji are next to each other, up the Irohazaka mountain road above Nikko. Buses from Tobu-Nikko and JR Nikko stations take 40–50 min to Chuzenji Onsen, and the falls are a 5 min walk from the stop. The elevator to the viewing platform costs ¥600. Both fit into a day trip from Tokyo together with Toshogu if you start early.
Quick facts
- Height of the falls
- 97 m
- Elevator (round trip)
- ¥600 child ¥400
- Elevator hours
- 8:00–17:00 Mar–Nov; 9:00–16:30 Dec–Feb
- Bus from Nikko stations
- 40–50 min
- Lake cruise (round-lake ticket)
- ¥2,000 mid-April to November 30
- Lake altitude
- 1,269 m
Getting there from Nikko
Take a Tobu bus bound for Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen from the bus stops outside Tobu-Nikko or JR Nikko station. The ride takes 40 min to the Chuzenji Onsen terminal according to Nikko’s tourism office source, or 50 min for the lake on another of its pages source; traffic makes the difference. Kegon Falls is 5 min on foot from the Chuzenji Onsen stop source.
The NIKKO PASS All Area covers these buses; the World Heritage Area pass does not. See NIKKO PASS explained.
The Irohazaka road
The bus climbs the Irohazaka, a mountain road with 48 hairpin bends source. The Akechidaira viewpoint on the way up is about 35 min from the stations by bus. Akechidaira Ropeway is suspended from January 16, 2026 to August 31, 2027 (may be extended).
Autumn traffic
The road is at its most colorful mid-October – early November, and that is also when expect traffic jams on the Irohazaka road in peak foliage season source. On weekends in that period, start early or allow extra time for the bus back to your train.
Kegon Falls
Water from Lake Chuzenji drops 97 m down a cliff into a gorge source. The view most photos show is from the paid platform at the bottom, reached by elevator.
| Kegon Falls elevator | |
|---|---|
| Adult (round trip) | ¥600 |
| Elementary school child | ¥400 |
| March 1 – November 30 | 8:00–17:00 |
| December 1 – end of February | 9:00–16:30 |
| The ride | 100 m down in about 1 min |
Source: Kegon Falls elevator official site source.
In winter, the waterfall can freeze solid in winter source.
Lake Chuzenji
At 1,269 m, Lake Chuzenji sits below Mount Nantai, next to the Chuzenji Onsen bus terminal and the falls source.
Sightseeing cruise. Boats run mid-April to November 30 source. The round-lake ticket lets you get on and off at four piers on the day of purchase; the full loop is about 55 min of sailing.
| Round-lake cruise ticket | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Normal period | ¥2,000 | ¥1,000 |
| Busy period (summer holidays, autumn leaves) | ¥2,200 | — |
Source: Lake Chuzenji cruise official fare table source. The NIKKO PASS All Area includes the cruise.
When to go
- Autumn leaves: late September – late October around the lake, mid-October – early November on the Irohazaka road source. Higher areas turn earlier than the town.
- Spring: cherry blossoms reach the lake area late April – mid-May, weeks after the town.
- Winter: the cruise does not run, the elevator keeps shorter hours and the falls can freeze.
Can you do it in one day with Toshogu?
Yes. The usual order is Toshogu in the morning and the lake after lunch, or the other way round in foliage season to beat the traffic. Coach tours spend about 1.5 hours at the falls and the lake (tour itineraries). Our one-day itinerary shows how the timings work with the trains.
Tours that include Kegon Falls
If you would rather not juggle trains and mountain buses, these tours go from Tokyo to Toshogu and Kegon Falls in one day:
We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. How we choose tours.
Private guided day with Kanmangafuchi and Kegon
Itinerary lists Akechidaira Ropeway, which Tobu says is closed until August 31, 2027
from $322 per group up to 6
Check availability on GetYourGuideFrequently asked questions
How do I get from Nikko Station to Kegon Falls?
Take a bus bound for Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen from Tobu-Nikko or JR Nikko station. It takes 40–50 min to Chuzenji Onsen; the falls are a 5 min walk from there.
How much is the Kegon Falls elevator?
¥600 round trip for adults and ¥400 for elementary school children.
What are the Kegon Falls opening hours?
The elevator runs 8:00–17:00 from March to November and 9:00–16:30 from December to February.
How tall is Kegon Falls?
97 m.
Is the Lake Chuzenji cruise worth it?
It is the easiest way to see the lake shore and Mount Nantai. The round-lake ticket is ¥2,000 (¥2,200 in busy periods) and runs mid-April to November 30.
Can I visit Kegon Falls from Tokyo as a day trip?
Yes, with an early train to Nikko and the bus up, or on a guided day tour that includes Toshogu and Kegon Falls.
When is the best time for autumn leaves at Lake Chuzenji?
late September – late October around the lake and mid-October – early November on the Irohazaka road. Expect traffic on weekends.
Prices and hours last checked: October 25, 2026. Fares and opening hours change; confirm on the official sites linked in each table before you travel.