Question 1

How do I get there from Nikko Station?

Accepted Answer

Take a Tobu bus from Nikko Station on the JR Nikko Line or Tobu Nikko Line, get off at the Chuzenji Onsen stop and walk about 5 minutes. The bus takes about 40 minutes as it climbs the Irohazaka road. Drivers also use the Second Irohazaka.

Question 2

Can I bring a pet?

Accepted Answer

Pets may not be taken in the lift. They may be taken to the free viewing platform above the falls, but please be considerate of other visitors.

Question 3

Are Lake Chuzenji and other sights nearby?

Accepted Answer

Lake Chuzenji and Chuzenji temple (Tachiki Kannon) are within walking distance. Taking the Tobu bus down the Irohazaka road brings you to the World Heritage area with Nikko Toshogu, Rinnoji and Futarasan Shrine. Combining a visit with Yudaki and Ryuzu Falls in Oku-Nikko is also popular.

Question 4

How long should I allow?

Accepted Answer

Allow about 30-45 minutes to take the lift down to the viewing platform, see the falls and come back. Combined with Lake Chuzenji and Chuzenji temple (Tachiki Kannon) nearby, you can spend about half a day.

Question 5

How much does the lift cost?

Accepted Answer

The lift is charged as a return fare: 570 yen for adults, 340 yen for elementary school students and free for pre-school children. No booking is needed; entry is first come, first served. Please do not bring pets.

Question 6

When is it busiest?

Accepted Answer

Spring (Golden Week), summer (Obon) and autumn (the foliage season from mid-October to early November) are especially busy. Traffic on the Irohazaka road also builds up in the autumn colours, so we recommend an early visit or public transport.

Question 7

Does the view change with the season?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each season looks different. In the fresh greenery of May the flow is strong and dramatic; in June house martins dart about; from mid-October the autumn colours contrast with the falls; and in January and February the thin side streams known as the Twelve Falls freeze into a magical blue ice.

Question 8

Can I see the falls without using the lift?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is a free viewing platform at the top of the falls where you can look down on them without using the lift. The view from the platform near the plunge pool, reached by lift, is quite different in impact, so we recommend the lift if you want to feel the spray.

Question 9

Can I enjoy it in the rain?

Accepted Answer

In wet weather the flow increases and the falls can be even more dramatic. Please do not take food or drink into the lift. The viewing platform is outdoors, so bring a raincoat or umbrella.

Question 10

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There are several paid car parks around Lake Chuzenji. They often fill up in peak periods, so we recommend the Tobu bus.

Question 11

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

2479-2 Chugushi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

Question 12

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Lift, return: adults 570 yen, elementary school students 340 yen, pre-school children free. The free viewing platform above the falls costs nothing.

Question 13

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 14

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

They vary by season. Please check the official website (kegon.jp).

Question 15

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 40 minutes by Tobu bus from Nikko Station on the JR Nikko Line or Tobu Nikko Line, alighting at the Chuzenji Onsen stop, then about 5 minutes on foot, via the Irohazaka road.

Question 16

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Essentially open all year round (operations may pause depending on water levels and other conditions).

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