Tokyo'to Nikko Kegon Falls Elevator and View

title: "Tokyo'to Nikko Kegon Falls Elevator and View" date: "2025-09-22" youtube_id: "qf8c3s_oQdM" duration_seconds: 1015 channel: "Only in Japan Go" type: video_summary people:

• John Daub
• Kanae Daub
• Leo
• Greg Lam places:
• Kegon Falls
• Nikko
• Nikko National Park
• Toshogu Shrine prefecture: Tochigi city: Nikko neighborhood: "" transport:
• Driving from Tokyo (2-2.5 hours)
• Rental car season: Early autumn (late September) topics:
• Day trip from Tokyo
• Nature scenery
• Waterfall viewing
• Japanese national parks
• Autumn foliage (upcoming) food:
• Lemon milk drink (Tochigi specialty)
• Lemon milk cake
• Lemon milk chips
• Lemon milk candy japanese_terms:
• Akiya (vacant house/guesthouse) tags:
• nikko
• kegon-falls
• tochigi
• waterfall
• day-trip
• tokyo
• autumn
• nature
• japan-travel
• family-trip locations:
• name: Kegon Falls name_ja: 華厳の滝 type: waterfall address: Nikko National Park, Nikko, Tochigi prefecture: Tochigi notes: Famous 100-meter waterfall reached by special elevator, main attraction of Nikko
• name: Nikko National Park name_ja: 日光国立公園 type: park address: Nikko, Tochigi prefecture: Tochigi notes: Japan's oldest national park featuring waterfalls, shrines, and natural beauty
• name: Nikko name_ja: 日光 type: city address: Nikko, Tochigi prefecture: Tochigi notes: Historic city famous for Toshogu Shrine and natural attractions like Kegon Falls
• name: Toshogu Shrine name_ja: 東照宮 type: shrine address: Nikko, Tochigi prefecture: Tochigi notes: UNESCO World Heritage shrine complex, final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu
• name: Greg's Guesthouse (Akiya) name_ja: "" type: guesthouse address: Nikko, Tochigi prefecture: Tochigi notes: Friend Greg Lam's newly opened guesthouse property in Nikko

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# Tokyo'to Nikko Kegon Falls Elevator and View

## Overview

John Daub embarks on a family day trip from Tokyo to Nikko, featuring one of Japan's most spectacular natural landmarks — Kegon Falls (華厳の滝). This video captures the breathtaking experience of viewing the 100-meter waterfall from a special elevator that descends into the cliff face, offering visitors an up-close perspective rarely seen elsewhere. Traveling with his wife Kanae and their young son Leo, John documents not only the awe-inspiring scenery but also the emotional moment of Leo witnessing his first waterfall — a memory that clearly leaves a lasting impression on the young boy.

The journey extends beyond a simple sightseeing excursion. John reveals that family friend Greg Lam has opened a guesthouse in Nikko, giving the Daub family reason to extend their visit overnight. This allows John to share practical insights about the two-to-three-hour drive from Tokyo, the cost of visiting Kegon Falls (600 yen for adults), and the surprisingly cool temperatures in Nikko even in late September. The video serves as both a stunning visual tour of one of Japan's "best day trips from the city of Tokyo" and a heartfelt family adventure creating new memories in nature.

## Highlights

- [00:00:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=31s) — Leo's first-ever encounter with a waterfall, his mesmerized reaction as he gazes at the 100-meter drop
- [00:01:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=95s) — The Nikko National Park Kegon Falls elevator experience, including ticket prices (600 yen adults)
- [00:03:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=186s) — Walking the long cliffside walkway after the elevator descent, approaching the viewing platform
- [00:04:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=251s) — Google Earth 3D perspective showing the dramatic cliff placement of the elevator and waterfall's true scale
- [00:05:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=318s) — John explains the geology: Japan's volcanic origins create mountains, water, and mineral-rich beauty
- [00:09:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=558s) — The crystal-clear, blue-tinted water visible from the viewing platform
- [00:10:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=623s) — Introduction of Greg Lam's new guesthouse project, transforming an *akiya* (vacant house) in Nikko
- [00:12:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=750s) — Seasonal insight: leaves still green, autumn colors about a month away
- [00:15:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=908s) — Tochigi's famous lemon milk (柠檬牛乳) specialty products and recommendations

## Timeline / Chapters

**00:00 — Arrival at Kegon Falls**
John arrives at the famous Kegon Falls in Nikko, one of Japan's most celebrated waterfalls. The sound of rushing water fills the air as he sets up his camera.

**00:31 — Leo's First Waterfall Experience**
Leo, John's young son, sees a waterfall for the first time. His face shows pure wonder and amazement as he cannot take his eyes off the 100-meter drop.

**01:35 — The Elevator Experience**
John explains the special elevator that descends into the cliff to reach the lower viewing platform. Ticket prices: 600 yen for adults, children free until age 5. The elevator goes down approximately 100 meters.

**02:36 — Walking the Cliffside Path**
After the elevator descent, visitors walk along a long cliffside walkway with stairs, about a three-minute walk to the main viewing platform. The sound of the waterfall grows louder.

**03:06 — Main Viewing Platform**
John reaches the gift shop area and the dramatic viewing point of Kegon Falls. He notes the waterfall is even more impressive when viewed from Google Earth in 3D.

**04:11 — Google Earth Perspective**
Using Google Earth, John demonstrates the true scale of Kegon Falls — the elevator building sits on the cliff edge, descending down to a platform where visitors can view the falls up close.

**05:18 — Geology of Japanese Waterfalls**
John explains that Japan's volcanic, geologically active nature creates the conditions for beautiful waterfalls. He compares Nikko favorably to Kagoshima for natural attractions.

**07:06 — Family Photo Attempt**
John attempts a family photo at the waterfall, but Leo is too excited to stay still. Live chat viewers send warm comments about the scenery.

**08:11 — Nikko School Trip Memories**
Kanae reveals she has visited Nikko approximately five times on school trips from Tokyo. Leo confirms it's his first time and says he likes the waterfall.

**09:18 — Temperature Difference and Climate**
John notes Nikko is approximately 10 degrees Celsius cooler than Tokyo. He recommends visitors bring sweatshirts even in summer due to the chillier mountain climate.

**10:23 — Greg Lam's Guesthouse Project**
John introduces Greg Lam, a family friend who is opening a guesthouse in Nikko — an *akiya* (vacant house) renovation project. The family will spend the night there.

**10:57 — Drive Time from Tokyo**
John shares that the drive from Tokyo takes approximately 2 hours without stops, or 2.5-3 hours with a service area break.

**11:59 — Tomorrow's Plans: Toshogu Shrine**
Plans for the next morning include visiting Toshogu Shrine (often mistakenly called a temple), the UNESCO World Heritage shrine complex dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

**13:03 — Autumn Foliage Expectations**
John notes the leaves are still green in late September and advises autumn color seekers to wait about a month for peak foliage.

**15:08 — Gift Shop and Tochigi Lemon Milk**
The gift shop offers souvenirs including T-shirts, socks, and classic gashapon machines. John highlights Tochigi's famous lemon milk (柠檬牛乳) products — drinks, cake, chips, and candy.

**17:17 — Departure**
John thanks viewers, mentions plans to return in the morning to explore more of Nikko, and says goodbye.

## Japan Travel Tips

- **Getting There:** Drive from Tokyo (approximately 2 hours without stops, 2.5-3 hours with breaks). There is some construction on the route. Alternatively, take the shinkansen or train to Nikko.
- **Best Time to Visit:** Kegon Falls is a year-round destination. For autumn foliage, plan approximately one month later (late October). Late September features lush green scenery.
- **What to Bring:** Pack a sweatshirt or light jacket regardless of season — Nikko is consistently about 10°C cooler than Tokyo, especially near the waterfall with its mist and cool air.
- **Ticket Information:** The Kegon Falls elevator costs 600 yen for adults. Children under 5 are free. Plan for a 3-minute walk from the elevator to the main viewing platform.
- **Stay Overnight:** John strongly recommends spending at least one night in Nikko rather than just a day trip. There are various accommodations including traditional ryokan and newer options like guesthouses.
- **Try Local Specialties:** Tochigi Prefecture is famous for lemon milk (柠檬牛乳) products — drinks, cakes, chips, and candy. These are must-try regional specialties available at local shops and convenience stores.
- **Combine Attractions:** Pair Kegon Falls with Toshogu Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage) for a comprehensive Nikko experience. The shrine typically opens early morning.

## Japanese Language & Culture Notes

- **Kegon Falls (華厳の滝, Kegon-no-taki):** One of Japan's most famous waterfalls, located in Nikko National Park. The name derives from the Buddhist concept of Kegon (花厳), representing the splendor of Buddhist天堂.
- **Nikko National Park (日光国立公園):** Japan's oldest national park, established in 1934. The park encompasses not only waterfalls but also lakes, shrines, and mountain scenery.
- **Toshogu Shrine (東照宮):** Often confused as a temple, this is actually a Shinto shrine. It was built in 1617 and is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
- **Akiya (空き家):** Literally "empty house." Refers to vacant properties in rural Japan, many of which are being converted into guesthouses and short-term rentals as part of regional revitalization efforts.
- **Lemon Milk (柠檬牛乳, Remon Gyuunyuu):** Tochigi's signature regional product — a sweet, creamy milk drink flavored with lemon. It has become a beloved local specialty with various spin-off products.
- **Climate in Nikko:** The area's elevation and forest coverage create a noticeably cooler microclimate compared to Tokyo, making it a popular summer retreat and autumn leaf-viewing destination.

## Food & Drink Guide

| Item | Description | Location | Notes |
|------|-------------|----------|-------|
| **Lemon Milk Drink (柠檬牛乳)** | Sweet, creamy milk with lemon flavor, Tochigi's signature regional drink | Convenience stores, gift shops in Nikko | A must-try when visiting Tochigi Prefecture |
| **Lemon Milk Cake** | Regional sweet featuring lemon milk flavor | Local shops in Nikko area | Part of the expanding lemon milk product line |
| **Lemon Milk Chips** | Snack chips with lemon milk seasoning | Gift shops, convenience stores | Popular regional souvenir item |
| **Lemon Milk Candy** | Candies featuring the distinctive lemon milk taste | Gift shops | Good gift option for those who cannot try the drink |

## People

- **John Daub** — Host and narrator. An American who has lived in Japan for over 27 years, creating Only in Japan Go content. He guides viewers through the Kegon Falls experience while sharing personal family moments with his son Leo's first waterfall encounter.
- **Kanae Daub** — John's Japanese wife. Appears briefly in conversation, sharing that she has visited Nikko approximately five times on school trips from Tokyo.
- **Leo** — John and Kanae's young son. Experiences his first waterfall at Kegon Falls, displaying pure wonder and amazement at the sight of the rushing water and deep drop.
- **Greg Lam** — Family friend mentioned by John. A Canadian who is opening a guesthouse (renovating an *akiya*) in Nikko. The Daub family is testing out his new venture and spending the night there.

## Key Takeaways

1. **Kegon Falls is an essential day trip** — John describes it as "arguably the best day trip from the city of Tokyo," reachable in about 2 hours by car.
2. **The elevator experience is unique** — A special elevator descends about 100 meters into the cliff face, offering a perspective of the waterfall unavailable elsewhere.
3. **Nikko is significantly cooler than Tokyo** — Approximately 10°C difference, so bring layers even in late September or summer.
4. **Consider overnight stays** — While day trips are possible, John recommends staying at least one night to truly experience Nikko's beauty.
5. **Japan's volcanic geology creates natural beauty** — Understanding the connection between Japan's active geology and its stunning landscapes adds appreciation to visits like this.
6. **Autumn colors come later** — Late September shows green foliage; peak autumn colors are approximately one month away.
7. **Try regional specialties** — Tochigi's lemon milk products represent the kind of local food culture worth seeking out when visiting different prefectures.

## Notable Quotes

> [00:00:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=31s) **John Daub:** "For one night. They want to say hi to everybody. All right, less sugar, less sugar. He's really excited. This is the first time that he's ever seen a waterfall."

> [00:02:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=126s) **John Daub:** "So you buy your ticket. The nice man will tell you, go that way. And then we go around the corner like, oh, there's an elevator already open. We better get in there."

> [00:04:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=287s) **John Daub:** "And the elevator goes down into the, down the cliff to that platform where the purple triangle three dots appeared. And there's the waterfall. It's pretty impressive, the waterfall."

> [00:05:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=355s) **John Daub:** "One of the reasons why [Japan is full of amazing sites] is it's a volcanic, geologically active island. So there's lots of mountains, lots of water, lots of minerals coming up from the ground and it leaves a lot of beauty behind it."

> [00:09:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=558s) **John Daub:** "Oh, check this out. That is pretty far down there. Look how clean that water is. It's like a crystal blue."

> [00:10:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=657s) **John Daub:** "It's two hours usually to get to Nikko from Tokyo. So we're going to go. Greg said the check-in's around 3 o'clock but we could come early."

> [00:12:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=750s) **John Daub:** "I would say it's going to be about a month before these even start to change. You can see the colors are still green."

> [00:14:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=877s) **John Daub:** "Illumina, I think you really do just need to spend the night in Nikko. At least one night and two days."

> [00:15:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf8c3s_oQdM&t=908s) **John Daub:** "Tochigi is famous for a lemon milk drink. So when you come to Tochigi you have to have the lemon milk. It's a must."

## Related Topics

- Nikko Toshogu Shrine exploration
- Japanese national park system and nature tourism
- Day trips from Tokyo for nature lovers
- Regional Japanese food specialties
- Akiya (vacant house) renovation trend in rural Japan
- Autumn foliage hunting in Japan
- Japanese geological features and volcanic landscape

## Search Tags

#only-in-japan-go #nikko #kegon-falls #waterfall #tochigi #day-trip-from-tokyo #japan-nature #autumn-in-japan #nikko-national-park #toshogu-shrine #japan-travel #family-travel #japan-geology #lemon-milk #akiya #japan-guesthouse #remone-gyuunyu #nikko-temple #tokugawa-ileyasu #japanese-national-parks #mountain-travel-japan

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