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.
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.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Urami Falls in Nikko, including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
Urami Waterfall Complete Guide
Urami Waterfall is a hidden gem in Nikko, Japan. Its name means ‘behind view’. The name is a reference to a path that went behind the falls. However, due to erosion and rockfalls, that path is now gone. The area is still known for rockfalls, and we found warning signs along the current trail to urge us to keep moving along the path.
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.
During winter, the Urami Falls freezes into an icicle-covered cliffside, creating a completely different kind of waterfall.
Urami Falls also has an interesting history. Historically, Urami Falls was a popular site, inspiring haikus, and paintings. For a while, it even served as a place for Buddhist monks to undergo purification rituals by standing under the rushing water.
How to get to Urami Waterfall
Urami Waterfall is one of Nikko’s more hidden waterfalls. It’s well-known among locals but often overlooked by tourists because its kind of hard to get to.
For starters, there’s no direct public transportation to the falls. The nearest bus stop is about a 30-minute walk away. If you take the bus, be prepared to hike up a back road into a valley with no cell service.
Driving is the best way to get to Urami Falls. That’s what we did. There is a free parking area with restrooms at the trailhead to the falls.
Regardless of how you get there, you’ll need to walk at least 15 minutes from the parking area to reach the falls.
The map below for Urami Waterfall is accurate and can be used to navigate there.
Urami Waterfall: Our Experience
When we first got to the Urami Waterfall parking area I was a bit surprised. Despite being featured in tourist pamphlets and travel guides, there wasn’t a single other visitor in sight. That seems to be the case for a lot of places in Japan — once you get off the beaten path, you’ll often find these little spots all to yourself.
The trail started with a steep climb up a set of stairs, but it quickly leveled out as it hugged the cliffside.
As we moved along the trail, we saw a sign warning of rockfalls on the path. Some sections of the cliffs had protective fencing to keep loose rocks from tumbling onto the trail.
We kept moving until we reached a wooden deck that crossed the river and led to an observation platform directly in front of the falls.
At first, we were enamored by the main waterfall. It cascaded gracefully down the rocky cliffside into a pool below.
But after we stood there for a while, we noticed something else—water was trickling from all around us.
Tiny streams flowed down the surrounding cliffs, creating the feeling of being enveloped in a watery canyon. It was impossible to capture it all on camera.
We lingered for a while, enjoying the peaceful sound of flowing water. The wooden deck made for a perfect resting spot before we finally made our way back down the trail, ready for our next adventure.
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 Urami Waterfall in Nikko! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
