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.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting Yudaki Falls, including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive. I’ll also share how to reach Kodaki Falls, a smaller waterfall just a short hike away!
Yudaki Falls Complete Guide
Yudaki Falls stretches about 60 meters down the mountainside. It flows down a gradual slope that fans out as it cascades down the mountain.
The name “Yudaki” translates to “Hot Water Falls,” though it isn’t actually hot. It flows from Lake Yunoko into the Yukawa River, eventually making its way to Lake Chuzenji.
At the base of the waterfall is a wooden observation platform with benches so you can relax and take in the view of the waterfall.
When we visited Yudaki Falls there were only a few other people around, and we even had a few moments to ourselves while we hung out on the deck looking out at the falls.
From here, it’s just a 20-minute walk to Kodaki Waterfall, so we recommend visiting both to fully experience the area.
How to get to Yudaki Falls
The most convenient way to get to Yudaki Falls is to drive and park nearby, then take a short walk to the falls. That’s what we did, and we were surprised to find the area mostly empty, with only a few other visitors around.
If you’re using public transportation, you can take a bus from Nikko to the Yutaki Iriguchi bus stop (#44), which is just a short walk from the falls.
There are two parking options:
- Free Parking: Located at the top of the falls, right off the road. From here, you can enjoy the view from above before hiking down a short trail to the base of the falls where the observation platform is located.
- Paid Parking: A little more convenient and located close to the base of the falls. Parking fee is 500 yen.
If you’re up for an adventure, you can also reach Yudaki by hiking through the trails that crisscross the Senjogahara Marshland. The boardwalk paths through the marsh give you a chance to experience the area before reaching the falls.
How to find Kodaki Falls
The easiest way to get to Kodaki Falls is by going through the gate next to the Yutaki Rest House. This trail goes directly to Kodaki Falls.
The gate is located just to the left, right before the building. It’s kind of hard to spot if you’re not looking for it, so I’ve included a view below to help you find it.
Another way to get to Kodaki Falls is to walk along the trail beyond Yudaki Falls, which is the route we took. However, this path can be a bit tricky since it branches off and connects to the Senjogahara Marshland trails. If you choose this route, be sure to keep left when the trail splits to stay on the path to Kodaki Falls.
Yudaki Falls: Our Experience
Our trip to Yudaki Falls took us high into the mountains above Nikko, even higher than Lake Chuzenji. We originally set out to see just one waterfall, but somehow, we ended up seeing two. Funny how that works. I’ll explain how that happened below.
After paying the parking fee, we pulled into the lot. At first, I was a little skeptical. The place was nearly empty, with only a few other vehicles around. It felt almost too quiet.
But as we walked through the area and past a few stores, we started to hear the rushing sound of the falls.
It was a short walk, and once we were there, we stepped onto the platform and stood there, alone, just taking in the sight of the falls.
It was a massive waterfall. But unlike other waterfalls, it doesn’t plunge straight down. Instead, the water glided down the hillside at an angle, fanning out as it flowed. If we’re being technical, it’s more of a long, sloping cascade than a traditional waterfall. But that didn’t make it any less impressive.
From the viewing deck, I noticed a small trail branching off, so we decided to check it out.
The trail led us onto a network of boardwalks crisscrossing through the marshland.
At first, we weren’t quite sure where we were going, so we just followed the path. Some sections were completely soaked, with small streams weaving through the landscape.
I’m glad that there were boardwalks. Otherwise, we would have had a hard time venturing deeper into the wetlands.
Along the way, we passed a sign with a bear warning—complete with a bell attached. We gave it a ring while we kept moving and crossed our fingers. I’ve run into a bear while hiking before. I’d rather not see one on the trail again.
Kodaki Waterfall
The trail started downhill for a bit until we spotted a small bridge crossing the river. We noticed a tiny waterfall along the riverbank, quietly tucked away in the woods. It was as if it had been hidden there all along. This was Kodaki Waterfall, the less popular waterfall just downstream of Yudaki.
Though Kodaki Falls was much smaller, it had a quiet, unassuming charm to it. The falls cascaded over a rocky surface into a basin beneath the forest canopy. A wooden bridge crossed the river, where we paused to take in the view.
After crossing the bridge, we climbed a short set of steps, giving us a different perspective of the waterfall. It was neat to see it from above, though I wish I could have gotten a bit closer.
The trail looped back to the Yudaki Falls paid parking lot, right where we had started. We hopped back into our van and drove off, 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 Yudaki Waterfall in Nikko! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
