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Winter Scenery · Tokyo & Around

Kegon Falls Frozen Waterfall

NikkoFrozen waterfall & icicles❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb
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Overview

Overview

One of Japan’s three most famous waterfalls, where the water of Lake Chuzenji plunges down a cliff about 97 m high. In midwinter the thin falls around it freeze, and the whole waterfall is adorned with pale blue ice.

Address
Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661
Official website
https://www.kegon.jp/
Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonUsually January to February
December
January
February

How much the falls freeze depends on how cold the winter is. Check the news on the official website for the latest conditions

Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.

Highlights

Highlights

From January to February, the thin falls on either side of the main fall, known as the Juni-daki (Twelve Falls), freeze and the whole waterfall is wrapped in blue ice. Spray freezes into icicles around the plunge pool, sparkling like a giant chandelier.

📷 Best views
Observation platform (elevator)

The frozen Juni-daki and the main fall straight ahead, from a platform near the plunge pool

Hours

Opening hours

Winter (December 1 – February 28)9:00–16:30

Last entry 20 minutes before closing

In winter, hours can change and services can be suspended because of the weather. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Admission & fares

Observation platform elevator round tripAdults ¥600, elementary school students ¥400

Free for children under elementary school age. Group rates available

ParkingPrefectural Kegon No. 1 and No. 2 parking lots (paid)

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓It is higher than the area around Nikko Station and feels much colder
  • ✓The observation platform is open until 16:30 (winter). If you arrive late in the afternoon, you will have less time to look
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Chuzenji Onsen bus stopAbout 5 min on foot
From major stations & airports
  • JR Nikko Station: Bus bound for Chuzenji Onsen (About 50 min)
Driving & winter roads
Prefectural Kegon No. 1 and No. 2 parking lots (paid). Oku-Nikko has snow and ice in winter, so cars need studless winter tires or chains
Getting back
  • It gets dark early in winter, so check the return bus times before heading to the observation platform
Open in Google Maps ↗
Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures
January normals for Oku-Nikko (Lake Chuzenji shore): high -0.3°C, low -7.9°C; February: high 0.6°C, low -7.8°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
What to wear & bring
It can stay below freezing all day. Bring a down jacket, gloves, a hat and thick socks. The area around the falls ices over, so wear non-slip shoes
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Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Kegon Falls Frozen WaterfallPR

PRSee more places to stay near Kegon Falls Frozen Waterfall on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Nikko

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Attractions

Attractions in Nikko

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EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura

Tokyo & Around ・ Nikko / Kinugawa

A cultural theme park that recreates an Edo-period townscape. Stroll through a town where staff dressed as villagers go about their lives, watch plays and ninja shows, and experience Edo culture firsthand. Popular with international visitors, it's a place to both watch and join in.

Theme park

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Tokyo & Around ・ Kinugawa

A miniature theme park in Kinugawa Onsen that recreates famous buildings and World Heritage Sites at 1/25 scale. With 102 structures from 22 countries and regions, you can feel like you're traveling around the world in about half a day. Dogs are also welcome.

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Winter Scenery

Winter Scenery in Tokyo & Around

Frozen waterfall & icicles

Misotsuchi Icicles

Tokyo & Around ・ Chichibu, Saitama

❄ Best season: Mid Jan – Mid Feb

✦ Illumination
Frozen waterfall & icicles

Ashigakubo Icicles

Tokyo & Around ・ Yokoze, Saitama

❄ Best season: Mid Jan – Late Feb

✦ Illumination
See all winter scenery spots →

Seasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-06

PRKlookNikko Toshogu Shrine & Kegon Falls Day Bus Tour from TokyoDeparts from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station. An approximately 10-hour tour visiting Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, Kegon Falls and Lake ChuzenjiView