Ryuzu Falls
竜頭の滝
A waterfall with a drop of about 10 meters where the water flowing out from the Senjogahara marshland splits in two as it cascades over a rocky slope, resembling the split head of a dragon. Located along the road to Yumoto Onsen, it's a popular rest stop with an adjacent teahouse.
The origin of "dragon head" falls
As the stream flows down the gently sloping rock face, it's said to be split in two by a rock partway down, and the way each stream flows resembles a dragon's two horns or head — the source of the falls' name. Compared to Kegon Falls' single straight drop, Ryuzu Falls' shape spreading across the rock face has a distinctive charm of its own.
A teahouse for a relaxing rest
A teahouse stands right beside the falls, where visitors can enjoy warm udon or dango rice dumplings while gazing at the cascading water. It's a favorite rest stop for hikers walking the Senjogahara-Yunoko course.
Access from Senjogahara
Located along the walking course connecting Senjogahara and Lake Yunoko, the falls make a convenient stop combined with a Senjogahara hike. During the autumn-leaf season, the mountainside above the falls is dyed red and yellow, creating a particularly beautiful scene.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
The volume of water increases with snowmelt, adding to the powerful sight.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
The teahouse's cold sweets and the coolness of the spray make it a favorite summer stop.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
One of Oku-Nikko's leading autumn-leaf spots, with a beautiful contrast between the falls and the fall colors.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The falls sometimes freeze, and the surrounding area is blanketed in snow.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 20-30 minutes (longer if resting at the teahouse)
- Crowd levels
- Crowded during the autumn-leaf season, calmer otherwise
- Best time to visit
- Recommended as a rest stop during a Senjogahara-Yunoko hike
| Address | Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open access for viewing (24 hours) |
| Admission | Free |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 5 min walk from Tobu-Nikko Station (About 75 minutes by Tobu Bus bound for "Yumoto Onsen," get off at "Ryuzu-no-taki," then a 5-minute walk)