Nikko: Ryuzu Waterfall

Ryuzu Waterfall (竜頭ノ滝, Ryūzu no Taki) is located a short distance from the northern shore of Lake Chuzenji. The name, which translates as “Dragon Head Falls”, is derived from the waterfall’s resemblance to a dragon’s head and the fact that the water is running over lava rock left from Mount Nantai’s eruption. The waterfalls are especially popular in early October when the surrounding trees burst into red and yellow.

There is a hiking trail that leads from the waterfall upstream to the Senjōgahara Marshland and Yudaki Falls. The round trip takes about three hours, but there is always the option to take a bus back.