Kirifuri Falls
A stunning 75m two-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush trees, offering a beautiful scenic walk and vibrant autumn colors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful fall colors
Kirifuri Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 75m two-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush trees, offering a beautiful scenic walk and vibrant autumn colors.
"The autumn colors look majestic, and the walk to the falls is scenic and enjoyable."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path has uneven stones & stairs. Good walking shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable trek.
🍁 Chase Autumn Colors
Late November is prime time for vibrant maple leaves. The fall foliage here is truly majestic!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kirifuri Falls' Two Tiers
Main waterfall
Witness the impressive 75-meter cascade split into two distinct tiers, a breathtaking display of nature's power.
Scenic Autumn Foliage
Path to the falls
Experience a vibrant tapestry of red and orange maple leaves during the autumn months, creating a magical atmosphere.
Observation Deck View
Near the falls
Enjoy panoramic views of the waterfall and its surroundings from the dedicated observation deck.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Autumn's Spectacle
Navigating the Path to the Falls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path has uneven stones & stairs. Good walking shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable trek.
🍁 Chase Autumn Colors
Late November is prime time for vibrant maple leaves. The fall foliage here is truly majestic!
🚗 Parking & Bus Info
Free parking available. Last bus around 3 PM, so plan accordingly if relying on public transport.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The observation deck offers great photo ops, especially with the two-tiered falls.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path has uneven stones & stairs. Good walking shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable trek.
🍁 Chase Autumn Colors
Late November is prime time for vibrant maple leaves. The fall foliage here is truly majestic!
🚗 Parking & Bus Info
Free parking available. Last bus around 3 PM, so plan accordingly if relying on public transport.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The observation deck offers great photo ops, especially with the two-tiered falls.
🧺 Picnic Spot
Benches near the entrance are perfect for a meal or snack with a view.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the majestic beauty of Kirifuri Falls, especially during autumn when the foliage is at its most vibrant. The two-tiered cascade and the scenic walk to the observation deck are highlights, offering a refreshing natural escape. Some find the path challenging due to uneven terrain and stairs, and bus schedules require careful planning.
"Ok, I don’t mean to discredit its beauty but I am stating this from my experience only, I saw nothing in the fog. The fog was so heavy that afternoon I can only hear the running water of what could’ve been a beautiful waterfall scene. It does live up to its name as a “foggy waterfall”, haha.
I do appreciate the short walk from the carpark / bus stop to the waterfall viewing deck was quite easy, with some changes of paving materials, long logs, dirt, slabs, rocks…
The road signs are also very clear."
Mandy Fu
"Visited on 17.11.25. The view of the waterfall was stunning. However, the autumn colours faded as leaves started falling."
Martlet
"The view is amazing and highly recommended, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour altogether.
Just over 300m to the observation deck.
Look for the sign near the bus stop for the trail, it's on the east side of the restaurant.
Google maps tried to take me on an small trail, this is not needed and there is little indication of where it goes."
Chris
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kirifuri Falls is accessible by car or bus. If driving, there is free parking available near the falls. For public transport, take a bus from Nikko Station towards Yumoto Onsen and alight at the Kirifuri Falls bus stop. Be mindful that the last bus service can be as early as 3 PM, so check schedules in advance.
Yes, there is free parking available near the falls, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, you can reach Kirifuri Falls via bus from Nikko Station. The recommended stop is Kirifuri Falls. However, it's crucial to check the bus schedule as the last bus often departs early in the afternoon.
Look for the sign near the bus stop on the east side of the restaurant. Google Maps might suggest less-traveled paths, so the marked trail is more reliable.
Yes, Kirifuri Falls is a popular natural attraction for day trips from Nikko, especially during autumn for its scenic beauty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to visit Kirifuri Falls. Access to the falls and the observation deck is free of charge.
Kirifuri Falls is a natural attraction and is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best viewing experience.
No advance booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit Kirifuri Falls spontaneously.
While the falls are a natural site, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours. The last bus service can be around 3 PM, which might influence your departure time if using public transport.
Visiting in the late afternoon, around 3 PM, is possible and can offer a less crowded experience with beautiful lighting. However, ensure you have transportation arranged as bus services may cease.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk to the observation deck is about 10 minutes, and you can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour enjoying the view and surroundings.
The path to the observation deck is approximately 300 meters and involves uneven stone walkways and stairs. It's a scenic walk, but requires comfortable footwear.
The walk to the falls involves stairs and uneven terrain, which might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. However, the scenic path and the impressive waterfall can be enjoyed by most.
You'll see a beautiful 75-meter waterfall with two tiers, an observation deck for viewing, and a scenic path lined with trees, especially vibrant during autumn.
There are restaurants located near the parking area, and benches are available near the entrance of the walk, suitable for picnics.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The observation deck provides excellent vantage points for capturing the two-tiered waterfall. The scenic path leading to the falls also offers beautiful framing opportunities, especially with the autumn foliage.
Late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing your photographic experience. The autumn colors are particularly photogenic during this time.
You can capture wide shots of the entire waterfall, close-ups of the cascading water, and scenic views of the surrounding forest, especially during the fall season.
Experiment with different levels from the observation deck. The path itself offers opportunities for shots looking towards the falls through the trees.
Absolutely! The walk to the falls is lined with beautiful trees, offering great opportunities for nature photography, particularly during the autumn months.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Despite the path, the sight of the two-tiered waterfall and the surrounding trees, especially vibrant in autumn, can be captivating for kids. There are benches near the entrance to the path, perfect for a short rest or a picnic. Ensure you plan your visit around bus schedules if relying on public transport, as the last bus can depart early.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
While not an extensive hiking trail, the path offers a pleasant immersion in nature. The two-tiered waterfall is a significant draw, and the observation deck provides excellent views. Consider visiting on a weekday or in the late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Natural Beauty of Kirifuri Falls
During the autumn season, Kirifuri Falls transforms into a vibrant canvas of color. The maple leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange, creating a breathtaking contrast with the white water and green foliage. This makes late November a particularly magical time to visit, as highlighted by travelers who describe the autumn colors as majestic.
The accessibility to the falls is via a well-maintained, though sometimes uneven, path. This walk, approximately 300 meters long, takes about 10 minutes and leads to an observation deck. While the path has stairs and stone walkways, the journey itself is part of the experience, with the sound of the flowing water accompanying you.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
The walk to the observation deck, though short, involves uneven terrain and stairs. Therefore, wearing comfortable and sturdy footwear is highly recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Travelers have noted that relying solely on GPS navigation might lead to less-defined trails, so looking for the designated signs near the bus stop is a more reliable approach.
For those looking to make a day of it, there are restaurants near the parking area, and benches are available along the path, making it a suitable spot for a picnic. While the falls themselves are the main attraction, the scenic walk and the surrounding natural beauty contribute significantly to the overall visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit