Winter Schedule for the Kegon Falls Elevator

To plan your trip, review Nikkō travel info.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Nikkō travel info.

Operations continue daily throughout the cold winter months. Maintenance crews check the lift safety every morning before opening. Visitors should arrive early to avoid the largest afternoon crowds. Most people spend about thirty minutes at the observation deck.

Sunset in Nikkō happens early during the peak winter season. The last ticket is often sold thirty minutes before closing. You should check the Nikko Official Guide for daily weather updates. This ensures the elevator is running before you travel up.

Ticket Prices and Booking Tips for 2026

Adult tickets for the elevator cost 570 yen in 2026. Children can ride the elevator for a fee of 340 yen. These prices cover the round-trip journey to the base. You can purchase tickets at the main station near the falls.

No advanced booking is required for the elevator ride. However, large tour groups may cause short waiting times. Bring cash as some ticket machines might not accept credit cards. Keep your ticket safe for the return trip back up.

The elevator descends 100 meters down through solid rock. This journey takes about one minute to reach the base. The lower observation deck has three levels for different views. It is much colder at the bottom near the spray.

Best Time to See the Frozen Falls

Mid-January to late February is the best time for ice. The waterfall freezes into beautiful blue pillars during this period. Temperatures must stay below freezing for several days for ice. This creates a unique natural sculpture in the Nikkō mountains.

Morning light provides the best photography conditions for the ice. The sun hits the falls directly around 10:00 AM. This makes the blue ice glow against the dark rock. Check our best time to see frozen Kegon Falls guide for details.

Late afternoon brings shadows that hide the intricate ice details. The wind also picks up near the end of the day. Wear thermal layers to stay warm while taking your photos. The spray from the falls can freeze on your camera lens.

How to Reach the Elevator in Winter

Take the Tobu bus from Nikko Station toward Chuzenji Onsen. The bus ride takes about 50 minutes through winding roads. These roads are cleared of snow regularly for tourist safety. Use a digital pass to make the payment process easier.

Get off the bus at the Chuzenji Onsen bus stop. The elevator entrance is a short five-minute walk away. Follow the clear signs pointing toward the waterfall viewing area. Read about how to get to Kegon Falls winter for more.

Walking paths can be very slippery during the winter months. Wear boots with good grip or use ice spikes. The path from the bus stop is mostly flat ground. Be careful of falling snow from the surrounding trees.

Facilities Near the Kegon Falls Elevator

There is a small gift shop near the elevator entrance. You can buy local snacks and warm drinks there. Many visitors enjoy hot "yuba" which is a local specialty. It is a great way to warm up after viewing.

Public restrooms are available near the main ticket office. These facilities are heated during the cold winter months. There is also a small rest area with benches inside. You can wait there if the weather turns bad.

Several small restaurants serve hot noodles just outside the gates. Most are open during the standard elevator operation hours. They provide a cozy place to eat lunch near the lake. Try the local trout if you want a traditional meal.