Nikko is one of the top destinations in Japan, and it’s easy to see why. There are so many things to do in Nikko, such as visiting its world heritage temples and shrines, hiking through lush forests, and soaking in hot springs.
However, Nikko is also a waterfall paradise. There are countless waterfalls to explore. So when we spent 5 days in Nikko, we made it a mission to see as many waterfalls as possible.
What makes Nikko’s waterfalls unique is their dramatic drops, serene forest surroundings, and ever-changing beauty with the seasons.
7 Best Waterfalls in Nikko
Some of the waterfalls below include a link to a more detailed guide, where you’ll find extra photos, directions, and tips on what to expect at each waterfall. I hope you enjoy our list of the best waterfalls in Nikko!
Kegon Waterfall
Kegon Falls is widely regarded as one of Japan’s most beautiful waterfalls, plunging 97 meters from Lake Chuzenji into a rocky basin below. As the most famous waterfall in Nikko, and one of the ‘Three Great Waterfalls of Japan’ it draws countless visitors throughout the year.
Kegon Falls is best visited in late summer, autumn, or winter. During the rainy season and post-typhoon months, the falls surge, while autumn surrounds the cascade in a fiery display of color. During winter, the waterfall partially freezes, forming intricate ice formations around it.
There are a couple of ways to enjoy Kegon Waterfall.
The most straightforward way is to head to the observation deck which overlooks the falls from above.
But most visitors opt to take the elevator down to the paid observation deck, where they can witness the full power of the falls up close. However, when we visited in spring, we decided not to enter the facility and ride the elevator—because, to our surprise, the waterfall was barely flowing.
The spring thaw hadn’t fully replenished the lake’s outflow, and for our first few days in Nikko, Kegon Waterfall was effectively ‘turned off’. While the towering rock face was still impressive, it was a stark contrast to the raging torrents seen in peak seasons.
Ryuzu Waterfall
Ryuzu Falls is an easy and accessible waterfall to visit in Nikko. It’s located near Lake Chuzenji and just off the main road. This twin-tiered waterfall gets its name—Ryuzu, meaning Dragon’s Head—from the way the rushing water splits around a rock, resembling a dragon.
When we first arrived at Ryuzu Falls, we mistakenly followed the walking path upstream. While the path had nice views of the river’s cascading rapids, it didn’t quite showcase the main falls.
We walked back down the path and found that the best view of Ryuzu Waterfall was actually right near the parking lot! We went up the stairs to the café and store and found an observation area with the perfect vantage point to enjoy the twin falls.
Read our full blog post: Ryuzu Waterfall in Nikko: Complete Guide
Kirifuri Falls
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.
Getting to Kirifuri Falls is not the most convenient because it’s located a bit outside of Nikko. However, Kirifuri Falls is considiered one of the “Three most famous waterfalls in Nikko” so in my opinion the adventure there is worth it. Better yet, the falls has its own bus stop, so you can catch the bus directly to its parking lot.
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!
Read our full blog post: Kirifuri Waterfall in Nikko: Complete Guide
Urami Waterfall
Urami Waterfall was our favorite waterfall in Nikko, and it completely caught us by surprise since it’s not well known.
Getting to Urami Falls is an adventure in itself. It’s tucked deep in a valley above Nikko, and the route there takes you through areas with no cell signal.
The hike to Urami Falls is short but steep. It’s only 0.5 km long but the first part of the trail climbs up a rocky slope. It’s not overly strenuous, but worth noting.
But once we got there, we were blown away. Urami Falls isn’t just a single cascade—it’s an entire cliffside with dozens of delicate streams trickling down, creating a mesmerizing wall of water.
Read our full blog post: Urami Waterfall in Nikko: Complete Guide
Yudaki Waterfall
Yudaki Waterfall is a massive waterfall cascading down the mountain at a 45-degree angle. Located at the edge of the Senjogahara Marshland, just above Lake Chuzenji, this huge cascade is one of our favorite waterfalls in the Nikko area.
Unlike other waterfalls, Yudaki doesn’t plunge straight down. Instead, the water glides down the hillside at an angle, fanning out as it flows. If we’re being technical, it’s more of a long, sloping cascade than a traditional waterfall. But that doesn’t make it any less impressive.
At the base of the waterfall is a wooden observation platform with benches so you can relax and take in the view of the cascade. From Yudaki Waterfall, it’s just a 20-minute walk to nearby Kodaki Waterfall, so we recommend visiting both to fully experience the area.
Read our full blog post: Yudaki Falls in Nikko: Complete Guide
Kodaki Waterfall
Kodaki Falls might not be the biggest or most famous waterfall in Nikko, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
Located along a trail about 20 minutes from Yudaki Falls, it sits within the Senjogahara Marshland, so I recommend stopping there to fully experience the area.
The trail to Kodaki winded through the trees before leading us to a small wooden bridge crossing the river. That’s where we spotted it—a tiny waterfall quietly tucked away in the woods, almost as if it had been hiding there all along.
Though it was much smaller than Yudaki, Kodaki Falls had a quiet, unassuming charm. Water cascaded over a rocky ledge into a basin beneath the forest canopy. We paused on the bridge to take in the view and enjoy the stillness of the moment.
Otaki Waterfall
Otaki Waterfall is one of the spots that made me realize that there is epic nature everywhere in Japan. While it’s a bit out of the way from central Nikko, if you have a car and are exploring Nikko National Park, it’s absolutely worth the visit.
When we arrived at the mapped location for Otaki Falls, we were initially confused. There was no parking lot or clear signage marking the spot. Instead, we found a small pull-off area and some wooden signs pointing toward the trail.
The hike down to the waterfall was short and easy, taking about 10 minutes through a forested path. At the bottom, we reached a small stream with the waterfall rushing down from above.
As I approached the falls, water poured into a crystal-clear stream and flowed down the valley. I couldn’t help but think this would be an awesome place to go camping. It was one of the most pristine pieces of nature I’ve ever witnessed.
Read our full blog post: Otaki Waterfall in Nikko: Complete Guide
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 the best waterfalls in Nikko! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
