Ryūzu Falls, Waterfall in Oku-Nikko, Japan
Ryūzu Falls is a waterfall on the Yukawa River in Oku-Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It drops over a 210-metre total length of dark dacite rock in two streams that split around a central rock, with a width of 10 metres. The falls end in a foaming pool and flow away over grey and brown stones.
The waterfall formed after the final eruption of Mount Nantai, when pumice flows filled what was once a large lake in the Senjogahara area. The split water pattern developed over centuries through erosion of the volcanic rock.
The name comes from the Japanese word for dragon head, as the two streams of water parting around the central rock look like the whiskers of a dragon. Many locals visit the cascade in spring and autumn to experience the seasonal colors of the surrounding forest.
From Tobu Nikko Station, take the Tobu Bus Nikko and get off at the Ryūzu no Taki stop, a one-minute walk from the falls. Parking is free. A promenade runs along the eastern side, letting you see the steep rushing section from the side as well as from the observation deck facing downstream.
The cascade is the first spot in the Oku-Nikko region to display autumn colors, when the trees along the slope turn bright orange and red. In late May, Togoku azaleas bloom along the rocks and form red and purple flower clusters around the falling water.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,243 contributors worldwide.
