What this area is like
The road climbs the Irohazaka switchbacks to Lake Chuzenji and the 97-metre Kegon Falls. Further on, Senjogahara marshland has boardwalk trails. Autumn colours start here in early October.
In peak autumn, the Irohazaka road can be jammed for hours; start early or stay overnight.
Choose your next step
Places to see in this area
Kegon Falls
A 97 m waterfall where Lake Chuzenji pours over a cliff, one of Japan’s three great waterfalls.
- Access
- Tobu bus from JR or Tobu Nikko Station to Chuzenji Onsen (about 40 minutes), then about 5 minutes on foot.
- Hours
- Elevator: March–November 8:00–17:00; December–February 9:00–16:30.
- Fee
- Elevator to the base platform, return: adults ¥600, elementary ¥400.
- Address
- 2479-2 Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi
Take the elevator down: the view from the base platform is far more impressive. In January and February the smaller falls freeze blue.
Lake Chuzenji Sightseeing Cruise
Boats circle the lake below Mount Nantai, stopping near the former embassy villas on the south shore.
- Access
- A short walk from the Fune-no-eki Chuzenji bus stop.
- Hours
- Mid-April to November, 9:00–17:00. No service December to mid-April.
- Fee
- Hop-on hop-off ticket: adults ¥1,850, children ¥930.
- Address
- 2478-21 Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi
Get off at the Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park for a lakeside walk and the autumn colours.
How to plan your time here
- The road up the Irohazaka hairpins is beautiful but slow in autumn. Start early and see Kegon Falls before the cruise.
- Senjogahara marsh beyond the lake offers easy boardwalk hikes in summer and autumn.
Information checked 26 October 2026. Plans are JapaLens editorial suggestions, not on-site reviews. Hours and fees can change; check the official page before you go.