Kegon Falls Free Viewing Area

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Lonely Planet Nikko Guide.

For the most up-to-date details, check Shrines and Temples of Nikko before you go.

Most tourists pay for the elevator to reach the lower deck near the bottom of the falls. However, you can learn how to visit Kegon Falls free by using the upper observation platform. This upper area provides a wide view of the waterfall and the surrounding forest for no cost.

The path to the free viewing deck is clearly marked and easy for most travelers to find. It is located right next to the gift shops and the main parking area for the falls. You should bring a camera to capture the scale of the water against the steep mountain walls.

During the winter months, the waterfall partially freezes and creates a stunning wall of blue ice. This natural phenomenon attracts many photographers who want to see the unique winter beauty of Japan. The free viewing area remains open during the winter so you can enjoy this sight for free.

Visiting in the early morning allows you to see the sun rising over the distant mountain peaks. The light creates beautiful rainbows in the mist that rises from the base of the waterfall. You will find that the morning air is very fresh and perfect for a peaceful nature walk.

• Essential details for visiting Kegon Falls for free.
  • View: Upper observation deck
  • Cost: Zero yen entry
  • Time: 15 minutes walk
  • Best: Early morning light

Hiking Senjogahara Marshland Trails

Senjogahara Marshland is a vast plateau that sits high above the sea level in the Nikkō mountains. It was once a large lake that slowly turned into a marsh over many thousands of years. Today, it offers some of the best hiking opportunities for nature lovers visiting the Tochigi region.

You can follow the Senjogahara marshland free hiking route to explore the entire area on foot. The trail consists of well-maintained wooden boardwalks that keep your feet dry and protect the plants. This flat path makes it an ideal choice for families or travelers who prefer easy walking trails.

The marshland changes colors throughout the year and offers a different experience during every single season. In the summer, you will see green grasses and small white flowers blooming across the open fields. The open landscape provides a great view of Mount Nantai towering over the northern part of Nikkō.

Bird watchers often visit this area to see rare species that live in the high mountain wetlands. You should bring binoculars to get a better look at the birds resting on the distant trees. The peaceful sounds of nature will help you relax as you walk through this quiet outdoor space.

There are several rest areas with benches where you can stop and enjoy a small packed lunch. Please remember to carry all of your trash back with you to keep the marshland clean. This area is a protected natural monument and depends on visitors to follow the local park rules.

• Key facts about hiking the Senjogahara Marshland route.
  • Path: Flat wooden boardwalks
  • Length: Six kilometers long
  • Time: Two hours walk
  • Level: Easy for everyone

The Mystical Kanmangafuchi Abyss Path

Kanmangafuchi Abyss is a scenic gorge formed by the lava from an ancient eruption of Mount Nantai. The rushing water of the Daiya River has carved beautiful shapes into the dark volcanic rocks over time. This location is famous for its long row of stone statues that line the river bank path.

You can use the Kanmangafuchi Abyss walking path guide to navigate this spiritual and natural site. The statues are called Jizo and they wear red hats and bibs to protect the local children. Legend says that the number of statues changes every time you try to count them by hand.

The walking path is shaded by tall trees which keep the area cool even during hot summers. You can hear the sound of the river as you walk past the mossy stones and statues. This spot is located just a short walk away from the main heritage area of Nikkō city.

Many travelers visit this spot in the late afternoon when the light creates a very mysterious atmosphere. The green moss on the rocks looks very bright against the dark blue water of the river. It is one of the most peaceful places to visit if you want to escape the crowds.

There is no entrance fee to walk through the abyss and enjoy the beautiful riverside scenery today. You can spend as much time as you like taking photos of the statues and the water. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes because the ground can be a little uneven in some places.

Yudaki Falls and Lake Yunoko Views

Yudaki Falls is located at the southern end of Lake Yunoko in the Oku-Nikko area of Japan. The water flows down a steep slope of volcanic rock for about seventy meters into the forest. This waterfall is unique because you can stand very close to the base of the falling water.

You can find the Yudaki Falls free viewing platform access near the local rest house area. The platform allows you to feel the power of the water as it crashes into the pool. It is a great place to visit after hiking around the nearby Lake Yunoko nature trail path.

Lake Yunoko itself is a peaceful body of water surrounded by dense forests and high mountain peaks. The lake is famous for its clear water and the sulfur springs that flow into the northern side. You can walk the entire loop around the lake in about one hour at a very steady pace.

The area is especially beautiful during the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom around the lake shore. In the summer, the high altitude keeps the temperature much cooler than the lower city of Nikkō. Many locals come here to enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

There are small shops nearby where you can buy local snacks like grilled fish or hot dango. These snacks are very affordable and provide a great way to taste the local flavors of Nikkō. Visiting this area is a perfect way to spend a full day exploring the free nature spots.

Best Season for Free Nature Spots

Choosing the right time for your visit can greatly enhance your experience of the free nature spots. Each season brings a new look to the waterfalls, forests, and marshlands of this beautiful region. You should plan your trip based on the type of natural scenery that you enjoy the most.

Many people believe that the best time for Nikko autumn foliage is during late October. The leaves turn bright shades of red, orange, and yellow across the entire mountain landscape of Nikkō. This is the most popular time to visit, so you should expect more people on the trails.

Spring is also a wonderful time to visit when the fresh green leaves begin to appear everywhere. The melting snow from the mountains makes the waterfalls even more powerful during the month of May. You can see many wild azaleas blooming along the hiking paths in the higher elevation areas.

Summer offers a green escape from the heat of the bigger cities like Tokyo or nearby Utsunomiya. The trees provide plenty of shade and the mountain breeze keeps the air feeling very fresh today. It is a great season for long hikes through the marshlands and around the deep mountain lakes.

Winter is the quietest season and offers a peaceful look at the snow-covered landscapes of the park. You can see frozen waterfalls and white mountains while enjoying the calm atmosphere of the winter season. Just remember to wear warm clothes and sturdy boots if you plan to walk on the snow.

Budget Planning for Nikkō Nature

Planning a budget-friendly trip to Nikkō is easy if you know where to find the free attractions. You can save a lot of money by focusing on the natural beauty of the national park. Most of the best hiking trails and scenic viewpoints do not require any paid entry tickets.

You should check for free parking near Nikko nature attractions if you are driving a car. Some parking lots near the main waterfalls may charge a fee during the busy tourist seasons. Finding free spots can help you save money for other parts of your Japan travel adventure.

Using a bus pass can also be a great way to save money on local transportation costs. The Nikkō All Area Pass covers many of the buses that go to the top nature spots. This is often cheaper than paying for each bus ride individually during your multi-day mountain trip.

You can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy a picnic in the beautiful outdoor areas. There are many scenic spots with tables where you can sit and eat while enjoying nature. Buying snacks at local convenience stores is much cheaper than eating at the busy tourist restaurants.

Always carry a reusable water bottle that you can refill to stay hydrated during your long hikes. This helps the environment and saves you from buying plastic bottles at the vending machines nearby. Following these simple tips will make your trip to Nikkō both affordable and very memorable indeed.