In Tochigi Prefecture, near the UNESCO World Heritage town of Nikko, is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful areas. Up in the mountains above the town is alpine Lake Chuzenji. This large lake collects water from all over the surrounding area, and the only way it ever leaves is via Kegon Waterfall.

Kegon Waterfall, also known as Kegon Falls, is a 100-metre (328-ft) single waterfall that gushes in a straight drop from Lake Chuzenji. The volume changes (and is now controlled by a sluice gate), but flow rates of 1 to 2.5 tons per second are standard. The wetter the season, the more likely it will be on the higher side.

There are several places to view Kegon Waterfall. The Kegon Waterfall Free Observation Deck has an okay view from about the same height as the top of the waterfall. Some trees obstruct the view, but you can still make out and especially hear the impressive deluge of water.

If you want a view from the bottom, you can pay ¥570 for adults to access the Kegon Waterfall Paid Observation Deck via an elevator (the only way to do so). You can stay there for as long as you like – there are food vendors and souvenir stalls. You can see the waterfall from different angles and heights on three levels.

To get to Kegon Waterfall, you first have to get to Nikko. Several coaches and buses go to the falls from the train station (either JR’s Nikko Station or Tobu Tetsu’s Tobu-Nikko Station – next to each other). Look for a bus to Lake Chuzenji (Google Maps also works well for picking the next bus). You can pay with IC cards, credit cards, and cash. A one-way trip will cost ¥1,250 per adult ticket. Alternatively, you can buy a transport ticket for the Nikko area, which goes from Nikko to the beginning of Lake Chuzenji, for ¥2,200. This allows you to ride the bus as often as you would like.

One of the things that Tochigi Prefecture is known for is gyoza, and some food sellers at Kegon Waterfall have a unique take on it. They take a gyoza, fry it, and put it in a potato-based croquette. It is somewhat difficult to see in the photo above as the croquette’s insides and the gyoza are the same colour. It was an interesting experience! If you like croquettes and gyoza, you will probably also like them.

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