Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji Autumn Leaves 2026
Last updated: July 28, 2026. Typical viewing times and details below are compiled from official park, temple, city and tourism-association websites (linked at the end of this page). The dates of annual night light-ups are set each year — check the official site before you travel.
At the top of Irohazaka, water from Lake Chuzenji plunges roughly 97 m over a cliff at Kegon Falls, and in mid-autumn the surrounding rock face and the lakeshore ridgelines fill with red and gold foliage.
Key Facts
| Typical peak | Mid-October to early November |
|---|---|
| Best months | October–November |
| Location | Nikko, Tochigi |
| Nearest station | Tobu Nikko Station / JR Nikko Station (then bus to Chuzenji Onsen) |
| Admission | Free to view the falls and lake from the public overlooks; the observation elevator at Kegon Falls costs 600 yen round-trip for adults. |
| Night light-up | No autumn night light-up |
| Official site | https://www.nikko-kankou.org/spot/5 |
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Highlights
- Kegon Falls dropping about 97 m against a backdrop of autumn-colored cliffs
- Lake Chuzenji, a large caldera-dammed lake ringed by turning forests, including the Hatcho-dejima peninsula
- Early-morning light, when the falls are unshadowed and rainbows are most likely
Where to See the Autumn Leaves
Kegon Falls Observation Elevator (Paid)
A paid elevator descends the cliff to a lower observation deck for a head-on view of the full drop of the falls framed by autumn foliage.
At the Kegon Falls site; round-trip fare 600 yen for adults (junior high and up), 400 yen for elementary students, free for younger children. Open 8:00-17:00 (Mar 1-Nov 30).
Lake Chuzenji shore (Free)
The lakeshore around Chuzenji Onsen gives open views across the water to the foliage-covered slopes and the Hatcho-dejima peninsula.
Around Chuzenji Onsen at the top of Irohazaka; free to walk the shoreline.
Getting There
About 50 minutes by bus toward Chuzenji Onsen from JR/Tobu Nikko Station, then a 5-minute walk from the Chuzenji Onsen bus stop. By car about 20 minutes from Kiyotaki IC.
Crowd & Timing Tips
- Because the falls and lake sit at the top of Irohazaka, the same mid-October to early-November peak brings heavy road congestion; travel early.
- Morning visits give the best chance of an unshadowed waterfall and a rainbow over the drop.
About Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji
Kegon Falls is counted among Japan's most famous waterfalls, formed where Lake Chuzenji's water spills over the edge of the plateau created by ancient volcanic activity.
See more autumn-leaf spots: Kanto Autumn Leaves 2026 · Japan Autumn Leaves Guide 2026