Taking the Tobu Bus from the Station

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

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Shrines and Temples of Nikko.

Most buses depart every twenty minutes during the busy daytime hours for your travel convenience. You can check the digital display boards to find the next scheduled departure time easily. The staff members at the station often speak English to assist international tourists with their questions. Always confirm that your bus is heading toward the lake to avoid any wrong directions.

The boarding process is very simple if you follow the lines marked on the pavement clearly. Have your payment method ready before you step onto the bus to keep the line moving. You will enter through the rear door and exit through the front door of the bus. This system helps manage the flow of passengers during the crowded winter peak travel times.

Sitting on the left side of the bus provides the best views of the mountain range. You can see the changing landscapes as the bus leaves the city and enters the forest. The large windows on the Tobu bus offer great opportunities for taking early morning travel photos. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Japanese countryside while you travel toward the high waterfalls.

Understanding Bus Fares and Travel Pass Options

The one-way bus fare for an adult traveler costs exactly one thousand two hundred fifty yen. You can pay this amount using a prepaid IC card like Suica or Pasmo very easily. Simply tap your card on the reader when you enter and exit the mountain bus. This method is much faster than searching for small coins while the bus is moving.

Many visitors prefer to purchase a Chuzenji Onsen Free Pass at the station ticket office instead. This special pass costs two thousand three hundred yen and lasts for two consecutive calendar days. It allows for unlimited travel between the station and the lake area during your winter stay. You will save money if you plan to visit multiple attractions in the Nikko national park.

You must show your physical pass to the driver every time you exit the bus vehicle. The drivers are very polite and will wait for you to find your pass in your bag. Keep the pass in a safe place so that it does not get lost in the snow. Replacing a lost travel pass requires you to pay the full price for a new one.

Credit cards are generally not accepted for paying fares directly on the Tobu bus lines today. You should carry enough cash or ensure your IC card has a high balance before boarding. There are several convenience stores near the station where you can charge your digital cards easily. Planning your budget ahead of time will make your journey to the falls much smoother.

How to Get to Kegon Falls from Nikko Station Safely

Knowing how to get to Kegon Falls from Nikko station safely involves understanding the mountain road conditions. The road features forty-eight sharp turns known as the famous Irohazaka Winding Road. This path provides an exciting experience as the bus climbs high into the misty mountain peaks. You should hold onto the handrails if you are standing during this part of the journey.

Heavy snowfall often creates slippery conditions on the mountain roads during the cold winter months of 2026. Tobu buses use high-quality winter tires to maintain grip on the icy surfaces of the winding road. Always check the Nikko winter travel guide 2026 for the latest weather alerts and updates. Stay informed about road closures that might happen during extreme winter storms or heavy snowfall.

The scenery along the road is absolutely breathtaking when the trees are covered in white snow. You will see deep valleys and frozen streams as the bus reaches higher altitudes in the park. Many travelers enjoy taking videos of the winding turns from the large windows of the bus. This route is considered one of the most beautiful driving roads in all of Japan.

Motion sickness can occur for some passengers due to the many sharp curves on the mountain road. It is helpful to look at the horizon or sit near the front of the bus. Avoid reading your phone or books while the bus is navigating the steep Irohazaka winding path. Taking slow and deep breaths will help you feel more comfortable during the fifty-minute ride.

Arriving at the Falls and Using the Elevator

You should get off the bus at stop number twenty-four which is named Chuzenji Onsen station. The bus terminal is located only a few hundred meters away from the main waterfall entrance. Follow the large signs written in English to find the path leading toward the viewing areas. The walk takes less than five minutes and is mostly on flat and paved ground.

Visiting the falls requires you to purchase a ticket for the famous 100-meter deep elevator ride. This experience is essential when visiting Kegon Falls in winter for the best possible views. The cost for a round-trip ticket on the elevator is six hundred twenty yen for adults. Check the Kegon Falls elevator operating hours to ensure you arrive before the daily closing time.

The elevator journey takes about one minute to reach the bottom of the deep stone gorge. You will feel the temperature drop as you descend into the cool heart of the mountain. The staff will guide you toward the tunnels that lead directly to the primary viewing platform. This experience is very unique and allows you to see the geological layers of the cliff.

The lower observation deck has three different levels for viewing the massive wall of falling water. You can see the main falls and several smaller streams flowing through the dark rock faces. The sound of the crashing water is very powerful and echoes throughout the entire stone canyon. Take your time to explore each level for the best possible views of the scenery.