Kegon Falls and Kegon Shrine [Tochigi]

【Overview of Kegon Falls】

Kegon Falls is celebrated as one of Japan’s Three Great Waterfalls, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Nachi Falls in Wakayama Prefecture and Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki Prefecture as one of the most famous cascades in the country. The water from Chuzenji Lake plunges 97 meters down a sheer rock face in a single, breathtaking drop. Interestingly, the water volume of Kegon Falls is actively regulated by the Chuzenji Dam located upstream, meaning the amount of cascading water can fluctuate by more than tenfold depending on the season and recent weather conditions.

Looking straight ahead from the Kegon Falls parking lot, the view of Mount Nantai was incredibly beautiful.

As you walk from the parking lot toward the falls, Kegon Shrine will come into view.

【Kegon Shrine】

Kegon Shrine is a sanctuary nestled directly adjacent to Kegon Falls. It was established in June 2020 (Reiwa 2) as a subordinate shrine (Massha) of Nikko Futarasan Shrine to commemorate the dawn of a new era and to serve as a symbol bringing even greater good fortune to people.

In September 2025, marking its 5th anniversary, the shrine main building was newly reconstructed. Built from a magnificent Japanese zelkova (Keyaki) tree over 300 years old, it features a stunning wooden structure shielded by a grand protective pavilion (Ooiya) to fend off the wind and rain, elevating its majestic and solemn presence even further. Goshuin stamps for this shrine can be received nearby at Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi.

【Kegon Falls Paid Observation Deck】

At Kegon Falls, there are two main viewing areas: a free observation deck and a paid observation area that allows you to get up close and personal with the falls. If you have traveled all this way, the paid observation deck is an absolute must!

An elevator takes you down 100 meters through the bedrock in a single swoop. After stepping off the elevator, you continue down a tunnel pathway.

Upon reaching the “Kanbakudai” (Waterfall Viewing Platform) at the end, you look straight up at the basin of the falls from directly below. When the water volume is high, you can experience an incredibly intense, immersive sensation, with the rushing mist spraying right onto you.

During this visit, it was just before the rainy season, so the water volume was on the lower side, which left things feeling a little understated. If you want to witness the waterfall at its most powerful, the dam’s discharge volume is said to increase dramatically around June and July when steady rainfall hits the region.

Particularly after a heavy rain, the flow can surge from a modest 0.3 tons per second to nearly 2.0 tons per second (approximately a sevenfold increase), transforming the falls into a magnificent spectacle of roaring thunders and fierce, raging water spray.

【Kegon Falls Nearby Tourist Spots】

Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi, Chuzen-ji Temple, Shinkyo Bridge, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinno-ji Temple, Taiyuin Mausoleum, Takinoo Shrine

Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi [Tochigi]

Nikko-zan Chuzen-ji Temple [Tochigi]

Nikko Futarasan jinja Shrine [Tochigi]

Shinkyo Bridge [Tochigi]

Nikko Toshogu Shrine [Tochigi]

Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple and Taiyuin [Tochigi]

Takino’o Shrine [Tochigi]

Jiunji Temple, Kanman Gorge [Tochigi]

【Kegon Falls Access】

Admin’s Impressions

When you actually stand face-to-face with it, the sheer 97-meter drop and the wild, rugged rock formations surrounding the falls completely overwhelm the senses. However, due to my timing on this particular day, the water volume happened to be on the lower side, so I couldn’t experience the thunderous roar and intense water spray I had imagined, which left me with a small sense of regret. Looking into it later, I discovered that the water discharge is carefully regulated depending on the season and the day of the week. I learned that precisely because it is such an iconic, classic spot, timing your visit perfectly is everything. While the atmosphere was a bit more subdued and tranquil this time, I definitely want to plan a comeback trip during a high-water season for a proper rematch with the falls.

Site / Facility Scale

 (3.5)

Richness of Nature

 (4)

Accessibility

 (0.5)

Crowd Density (Tourists)

 (2)

Address of Kegon Falls

2479-2 Chugushi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture 321-1661

*Paid parking available on-site.

Bus (Public Transit): From Tobu or JR Nikko Station, take the Tobu Bus bound for “Yumoto Onsen” (approx. 30 minutes). Alight at the Chuzenji Onsen bus stop, from which the falls are about a 5-minute walk.

Kegon Falls Official Website

参考

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関連投稿(Related Posts):

Nikko-zan Chuzen-ji Temple [Tochigi] Nikko Futarasan Shrine Chugushi [Tochigi] Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple and Taiyuin [Tochigi] Tobu World Square [Tochigi]