Every once in a while during our travels, we stop at seemingly random places out in the middle of nowhere.
These are the kinds of spots that most people, not even locals, have ever heard of. Most of them are underwhelming.
But sometimes, we’ll land on a hidden gem that blows our minds.
Otaki Waterfall is one of those.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Otaki Falls in Nikko, including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
Otaki Waterfall Complete Guide
Otaki Waterfall is one of the spots that made me realize that there is epic nature everywhere in Japan.
Standing about 10 meters high, the waterfall cascades in a single drop over a rocky cliff into a stony basin below.
Right in front of the falls, there’s a rocky outcropping. If the river is low enough, you can step onto it and get a front-row view of the falls.
Because of its remoteness, there’s a good chance that you’ll have Otaki Waterfall all to yourself like we did.
How to get to Otaki Waterfall
Otaki Waterfall is tucked deep in the countryside within Nikko National Park, far from the usual tourist routes. As far as I know, there’s no public transportation to get there, so driving is the only real option.
The map location below for Otaki Waterfall is accurate. Once you get close, you’ll see a large wooden sign on the side of the road. There’s a small pull-off area where you can park, and behind the sign, you’ll find a trail leading down to the river.
The hike to Otaki Waterfall is just 400 meters, and it takes about 10 minutes to get there from the wooden entry sign.
While its a bit out of the way from central Nikko, if you have a car and are exploring Nikko National Park, Otaki Waterfall is absolutely worth the visit.
Otaki Waterfall: Our Experience
When we arrived at the mapped location for Otaki Falls, we were initially confused. I couldn’t tell if there was a waterfall nearby.
Instead, we found a small pull-off area and some wooden signs pointing toward the trail. At least we seemed to be in the right place.
We started down the trail. It went downhill, and it was fairly short and easy, taking about 10 minutes along a forested path. The path was covered in leaves, so it was a bit hard to follow. Fortunately, along the path were little wooden signs guiding the way.
As we reached the bottom, we came upon a small stream. Looking upstream, we finally spotted the falls.
As we approached the falls, water poured over the ridge, tumbling about 10 meters into a clear, rocky basin before continuing down the valley. The stream wrapped around patches of dry rock to create a peaceful resting area.
I hopped across a few rocks to get to the other side of the stream for a better view. I found a dry outcropping close to the falls, where I could stand and take in the beauty up close.
The water was crystal clear, and the entire scene felt like a hidden oasis. The waterfall was so charming, and I couldn’t believe we were the only ones there. It was one of the most pristine pieces of nature I’ve ever witnessed.
Otaki Waterfall Video
The name of Otaki Waterfall
At first, I was a bit puzzled by the name “Otaki Waterfall.” In Japanese, Otaki simply means “large waterfall,” which is exactly what was marked on the map. Since many waterfalls in Japan share this same title, I wondered if it had a more specific name.
I searched through the Japanese internet to find its actual name, but as far as I can tell, everyone just refers to it as Otaki Waterfall. Some sources also call it Dorobu River Waterfall or Torobe River Waterfall since it cascades from the Dorobu (Torobe) River, but beyond that, Otaki Waterfall seems to be its most common name.
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 Otaki Waterfall in Nikko! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
