Kirifuri Waterfall is a massive two-tiered waterfall located just outside of Nikko. Its second tier slopes gently, creating multiple cascades of water that veer off in opposite directions. I’ve never really seen any other waterfall like it.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Kirifuri Falls in Nikko, including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
Kirifuri Waterfall Complete Guide
Kirifuri Falls is one of Nikko’s three most famous waterfalls. It’s known for its two-tiered drop that cascades 80 meters down a rocky cliffside.
The name Kirifuri translates to “falling mist,” which perfectly describes the fine mist that rises from the waterfall as it crashes against the rocks below.
Unlike some of Nikko’s other waterfalls, you can’t get too close to Kirifuri Falls. The best viewpoint of Kirifuri Falls is from an observation deck above the waterfall. If it’s foggy during your visit, you might not be able to see the falls in the distance.
The observation deck is a 10-minute walk from the parking lot. I’ll explain how to get there below.
How to get to Kirifuri Waterfall
The most convenient way to get to Kirifuri Falls is to drive and park nearby, then take a short walk to the waterfall’s observation deck.
From the parking lot, it’s about 300 meters to the Kirifuri Waterfall lookout point. The lookout point has an observation deck where you can see the waterfall from above. It’s a unique perspective to a unique waterfall!
If you’re using public transportation, you can take a bus from Nikko to Kirifuri Falls. Ride the bus from Nikko to the Kirifuri no taki bus stop (#97). It’s about a 15-minute bus ride, and from there, it’s just a short walk to the falls.
Kirifuri Waterfall: Our Experience
Our trip to Kirifuri Falls was part of a day of hiking at the Kirifuri Plateau. Since the waterfall was along the way, we decided to stop and check it out before continuing our adventure.
As we drive along the road to the waterfall, we passed three parking lots. They look to be used for overflow during the busy seasons.
Fortunately, since we visited in spring, the area was quiet, and we were able to park right near the entrance.
At first, I was confused because there was no waterfall in sight, but we quickly found the trail leading to the waterfall’s observation platform.
The path went through a small wooded area with uneven stone walkways but was easy to navigate. After following the pathway for 10 minutes, we reached the wooden viewing platform.
The observation platform was big and had two tiers extending from the ridge. We had a clear view of Kirifuri Falls on the opposite mountainside. Even from a distance, the waterfall was so powerful that we could hear it roaring.
The waterfall had two tiers.
The upper tier started as a river before spilling over the edge, splitting into two white streams that crashed into the basin below. From there, the water gathered and then scattered into multiple cascades.
The second tier of the waterfall was so interesting because it split off into multiple, sometimes horizontal directions before gathering back together in the river below. I’ve never seen another waterfall like it.
We stayed on the platform for a while, just watching the water twist and tumble down the mountainside. The way it split into so many streams made it seem like it was constantly shifting and reshaping itself. After taking it all in, we made our way back to our van, ready to continue to Kirifuri Plateau.
Kirifuri Waterfall Video
I put together a short video so you can get an idea of what Kirifuri Falls looks like. You can watch it below.
Where to stay in Nikko
There are four areas that we recommend staying in Nikko:
- Central Nikko
- Nikko Station
- Kinugawa Onsen
- Okunikko / Lake Chuzenji
Central Nikko
If you want to make the most of your time in Nikko, staying in Central Nikko near the world heritage shrines and temples is the most convenient option.
Central Nikko gives you easy access to the main sightseeing spots, bus routes, and plenty of dining options. This makes planning your daily adventures more straightforward. However, keep in mind that most accommodations here lean toward the luxury side, so budget-friendly options are limited.
Nikko Station
If you’re looking for convenience without breaking the bank, staying near Nikko Station is a great alternative. This area offers more budget-friendly accommodations, such as guesthouses and small hotels, while keeping you close to transport links. From here, you can hop on buses to the shrines, waterfalls, and other attractions, or walk to some of Nikko’s restaurants and shops.
Kinugawa Onsen
For a more relaxing experience, consider staying in Kinugawa, a nearby onsen town designed with tourists in mind. Kinugawa is known for its large hot spring hotels situated along the river. It’s well-connected to Nikko by bus, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds—soaking in the onsen and exploring Nikko’s attractions.
Okunikko and Lake Chuzenji
If you’re a nature lover, the Lake Chuzenji and the Okunikko area is the perfect base. The area is surrounded by hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. You could easily spend a couple of days here just exploring the outdoors.
Our Free Nikko Google Maps Locations
Do you need a handy map with all our Nikko locations? We’ve got a Google Map with all the Nikko locations in this post (plus a LOT more). Sign up in the box below and we’ll deliver it right to your inbox, plus our top tips to help you plan your Nikko adventure.
Are You Following Our Nikko Blog Series?
We spent 5 days in Nikko and found so many things to do there — from imperial architecture and cultural immersion to epic waterfalls and outdoor adventures. To help fellow travelers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Our ultimate guide to Nikko: 18 Incredible Things to Do in Nikko: Complete Travel Guide
- How to plan your Nikko trip: 2 Days in Nikko: The Perfect Nikko Itinerary
- Our Nikko waterfalls guide: 7 Best Waterfalls in Nikko: Complete Guide
- Kanmangafuchi Abyss is the cutest little off-the-beaten-path spot in Nikko
- The Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa is a beautifully preserved retreat of Japan’s imperial family, now open as a museum
I hope you enjoyed our guide to Kirifuri Falls in Nikko! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
