Kegon Falls

Kegon Falls is a waterfall in Nikko, Japan, where water plunges 97 meters (318 feet) down a wall of volcanic rock formed by ancient lava flows. The main stream is 7 meters (23 feet) wide and splits into smaller cascades that gather in a shallow pool surrounded by forested cliffs.

The falls came into existence around 20,000 years ago when Mount Nantai erupted and blocked the river with lava, creating Lake Chuzenji upstream. The water then found a new path downward and carved the present cascade through the cooled volcanic rock.

This natural formation ranks among Japan's three most important waterfalls alongside Nachi Falls in Wakayama and Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki Prefecture.

An elevator descends 100 meters (328 feet) to a viewing platform at the base, where visitors stand close to the falling water and feel the spray. The facility operates from 8 AM to 5 PM between March and November, while in winter only the upper observation deck remains open.

During winter months, the falling water freezes completely and turns the cascade into a white column of solid ice with delicate icicles and layers. The frozen state often lasts into early spring and creates a completely different natural display than in warmer months.

Location: Nikko

Elevation above the sea: 1,269 m

Height: 97 m

Width: 7 m

Part of: Daiya River, Top 100 Geological Sites in Japan

Website: https://kegon.jp

GPS coordinates: 36.73801,139.50197

Latest update: December 14, 2025 22:33