Kegon Waterfalls — Attraction in Nikko

A Captivating Visit to Kegon Waterfalls in November

Nestled in the heart of Nikko National Park, Kegon Waterfalls is one of Japan's most striking natural attractions. My visit in November was nothing short of magical, as I witnessed the beauty of autumn foliage combined with the season's first snowfall. From the mesmerizing waterfall to the vibrant fall colors and delicious local cuisine, this experience was an unforgettable journey into nature and culture.

Arrival and First Impressions

As I approached Kegon Waterfalls, the crisp November air hinted that winter was approaching. The sky was overcast, adding a peaceful, almost mystical feel to the landscape. Surrounding the waterfall, the towering cliffs were dusted with the season’s first snow, while the lower forest remained a riot of autumn colors. The vibrant reds, oranges, and golds of the leaves created a stunning contrast against the snow-covered peaks in the distance.

The waterfall itself, standing at 97 meters (318 feet), was a sight to behold. The water cascaded powerfully down into Lake Chuzenji below, sending mist into the cool air. The combination of the autumn colors and the first snow made the view even more striking, as nature seemed to be transitioning between two seasons at once.

Autumn Foliage: A Feast for the Eyes

November is an ideal time to visit Kegon Waterfalls for autumn foliage, and I wasn’t disappointed. The surrounding trees—maples, oaks, and ginkgoes—were still ablaze with vibrant colors, though many leaves had already fallen. The forest paths leading to the falls were carpeted with these fallen leaves, creating a beautiful natural walkway. The contrast between the fiery colors of autumn and the soft whiteness of the snow on the cliffs added a magical touch to the scene.

At the main observation deck, I paused to take in the panoramic views. The snow-dusted mountains provided a dramatic backdrop to the waterfall, and the mist rising from the falls enhanced the serene atmosphere.

The First Snowfall: A Serene Touch

One of the highlights of my visit was experiencing the first snowfall of the season. As I was leaving the observation area, the snow began to fall softly, adding a peaceful, almost surreal element to the surroundings. The snow, light and powdery, covered the ground and rocks, blending beautifully with the autumn leaves still hanging on the trees.

The sight of the trees, their branches adorned with snow and remaining autumn foliage, felt like nature’s final gift before the winter chill fully set in.

Local Cuisine: A Warm Embrace

After exploring the falls, I treated myself to some local cuisine. The area around Lake Chuzenji is known for seasonal dishes, and I couldn’t resist trying the carrot soup, a warming comfort food for the chilly day. The soup, made with locally grown sweet carrots, was rich and velvety, offering a perfect balance of flavors.

For the main course, I enjoyed fresh fish, a specialty of the region. Grilled to perfection, the fish had a delicate, tender texture and was complemented by pickled vegetables and rice. The meal, paired with a cup of warm sake, made for a cozy and satisfying conclusion to my visit.

Conclusion

Kegon Waterfalls in November was a truly magical experience. The awe-inspiring waterfall, combined with the vibrant autumn colors and the quiet beauty of the first snow, created an unforgettable scene. The local cuisine added a delightful cultural touch to the journey, making it a perfect blend of nature and tradition. For anyone seeking a peaceful yet stunning escape into nature, Kegon Waterfalls is an essential...

I went to Kegon falls (although my main objective was Ryuzu falls). It was magnificent, but it is not easy to go unprepared so here are a few things I learned which hopefully will be of help to you. The closest stop to Kegon falls is Chuzenji. When you get off, go right (opposite direction of the lake). You will be at the falls in 7 or 8 minutes on foot. Near the falls are many souvenir shops. Most of them have same prices but sometimes they have slight differences. But their prices are still better than Tokyo. You can walk from Kegon falls to Ryuzu falls. The trail is gorgeous but it will take you some 3 hours (maybe more, depending on your pace) so keep that in mind and go early if that's your objective. Alternatively you can take the bus. The ticket from Tobu station to Chuzenji is 1150y, which means the round trip is 2300y. The 2-day free pass for unlimited bus use between Tobu station and Chuzenji is 2300y so trust me, take the pass. You will need it. If you want to continue on the bus to Ryuzu falls you will pay an addition 490y (one way). To sum up: move freely with the pass up to Chuzenji. Beyond that point you pay the additional infare cash depending on how far the station is. If you come from Utsunomiya by train (which was my case), you will have to get out of Nikko train station, turn right and walk for some 20 minutes to find Tobu station. You can buy the pass there. Both A and C line buses go to Chuzenji so you can take the one that you find. Nikko specialty is yuba (tofu skin) and it's delicious. I tried it in both ice cream and croquettes and they were amazing. There is also Yuba ramen but I didn't have time to try it. Check out several restaurants because there is a whole range of prices. I put pictures of the bus schedule to give you an idea. The station Shinkyo is also a nice scenic spot to hop off the bus to take pictures of the bridge. But I don't think it's worth it to pay to cross it. But it's up to you! I hope this...

Our visit to Kegon Falls in Nikko, Japan during the winter season left us utterly amazed and in awe of the magnificent beauty that nature has to offer. As we approached the falls, we were immediately captivated by its sheer grandeur and the powerful rush of water cascading down from a height of 97 meters.

What made the experience even more special was how well the area had been developed and made accessible to tourists. Pathways and viewing decks were thoughtfully constructed to allow visitors to fully appreciate the mesmerizing sight of the waterfall. We were able to get up close to the falls as we marveled at the awe-inspiring force of nature right before us.

It was also our first encounter with snow and snowfall. The trees were adorned with delicate blankets of snow, transforming the entire landscape into a breathtaking scene straight out of a storybook.

In the midst of this picturesque setting, we couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the beautiful creation of God. The harmonious combination of the roaring waterfall, the peaceful snow-covered surroundings, and the ethereal snowfall filled our hearts with a profound appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

Our visit to Kegon Falls will forever hold a special place in our memories, serving as a reminder of the stunning beauty that can be found in even the harshest of winter landscapes. It was a humbling experience that left us with a renewed sense of wonder and gratitude for the incredible creations of God that exist...