Ryuzu Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Nikko. It’s located just behind a tea house, where you can stand on its deck to get a view of its twin cascades any day of the year.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Ryuzu Falls in Nikko, including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
Ryuzu Waterfall Complete Guide
Ryuzu Falls is one of Nikko’s three most famous waterfalls. It’s known for its twin cascades that resemble a dragon’s head—hence its name, which means “Dragon Head Waterfall.” Unlike some of Nikko’s other waterfalls, Ryuzu Falls is easily accessible, making it an easy stop for any Nikko itinerary.
The best place to view Ryuzu Falls is from its observation deck behind the teahouse.
If you want to explore the area, head up the stairs next to the teahouse, where a paved walking path follows the river. This short trail gives you a closer look at the upper rapids as they rush down toward the falls.
Best of all, Ryuzu Falls is completely free to visit, making it a great stop if you’re exploring Nikko National Park. It’s close to other sights like Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and Senjogahara Marshland, so you can easily fit it into a day of sightseeing around Oku-Nikko.
How to get to Ryuzu Waterfall
Ryuzu Waterfall is located in Oku-Nikko, so it’s an ideal stop while visiting the Lake Chuzenji area.
There are two parking lots near the waterfall. If both lots are full, you can park at the Ryuzu Falls upside parking lot. From there, it’s just a short walk down a paved pathway along the river to the falls.
If you’re using public transportation, you can take a bus from Nikko to the Ryuzu no taki bus stop (#37). The bus ride takes about an hour, and from the bus stop, it’s just a short walk to the waterfall.
The map location provided below is accurate for Ryuzu Waterfall, so you can use it for navigation.
Once you arrive, head to the tea house nearby for the best view of the waterfall.
Ryuzu Waterfall: Our Experience
I’ll admit, when we first arrived at Ryuzu Waterfall, we made a rookie mistake.
We headed straight up the pathway along the river, known as the Ryuzu Cascade Terraces, and were left scratching our heads.
Where was the waterfall?
We followed the path all the way to the top, and although seeing the rushing rapids was neat, it was not quite what we were expecting.
After a few minutes of confusion, we realized that we must have taken the wrong route. The waterfall wasn’t anywhere in sight.
We turned around and retraced our steps, deciding to go back down the path in search of Ryuzu Falls.
To our surprise, the waterfall was hiding right behind the tea house in the parking lot. We might’ve missed the sign, but it was a bit of a shock to find such a dramatic waterfall tucked behind something so unassuming.
We walked up the stairs, and once we reached the viewing deck, we spotted the waterfall. The twin cascades split off from the river and tumbled down a rocky cliffside into the river below.
While Ryuzu Falls is famous for its dramatic autumn foliage surrounding it, we were there in spring. The trees were bare, making the scenery feel a bit underwhelming compared to the pictures we’d seen. But on the bright side, the low season meant we had the viewing deck nearly to ourselves, so we could enjoy the waterfall without the crowds.
To cap off our visit, we grabbed some soft serve ice cream at the gift shop. Honestly, it was the best ice cream we had while in Japan and the perfect sweet treat after a quiet and beautiful stop at Ryuzu Waterfall.
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
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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 Ryuzu Waterfall in Nikko. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
