4 Japan Waterfall Tours Worth the Detour

1.Nikko: Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji & Toshogu Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,577 reviews · 11 hours · from $89Our pick

Leave Ginza by air-conditioned coach for Nikko’s cedar forests, ornate Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji. An English and Spanish guide such as Melody, Jorge, or Beru explains the culture, keeps meeting times clear, and helps with lunch. Choose carefully: shrine admission and lunch depend on the option, and winter weather can change the route.

“Enjoyed the Nikko trip on such a beaitiful autumn day. Tour guide Fran was great in Spanish & fluent English translation re historical events . He was courteous and ensured I was comfortable & safe with my mobility issues . Many thanks to our experienced driver Kikuchi-San -skilfulness & driving safely Many thanks for a wonderful day at Nikko”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Tokyo: Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Waterfall Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,266 reviews · 10h 30m · from $84Best value

Spend about 10.5 hours traveling from Tokyo to Nikko with an English- and Chinese-speaking guide. Visit Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and, from October 1, 2025, Shinkyo Bridge. Expect a comfortable coach, a long day on the road, included shrine admission, and free time for food and photos.

“Overall, my wife and I were happy with the tour and value it provided for us. My wife stumbled upon this tour and wanted to see the waterfall. Seeing that we would be difficult to see on our own compare to along of tour that could be done on your own (in term of transportation), we initially book the tour. Being on the tour, our guide Annie was super amazing and insightful from beginning to end (plus she knew some good spots for pictures)!!! Being on this tour, we absolutely got our value worth and more!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Nikko, Kegon Waterfall & Chuzenji Lake from Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,240 reviews · from $89Top rated

Ride from Ginza to Nikko with a bilingual Spanish and English guide, then visit Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji. Guides such as Jorge, Melody, Eric, and Bert are praised for clear explanations and helpful tips. The day lasts about 11 hours, though traffic can stretch it to 13.

“We had Ejima san as our driver and Melody as our guide. Both were professional and friendly. Melody offered a very pleasant experience. She explained everything very clearly and gave us interesting information about Japan. She spoke gRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Osaka: Minoh, Katsuoji Temple, & Minoh Falls Full-day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 172 reviews · 6h 30m · from $135

Escape Osaka for a 390-minute guided outing to Katsuoji Temple and Minoh Falls. You’ll see Daruma-filled gardens, ride local trains and buses, pause at a 33-metre waterfall, and walk through Minoh Park with an English-speaking guide such as Warren or Adam. Bring lunch, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and rainwear.

“A wonderful day. Highlight was the beautiful Minoh Falls where we had lunch at their foot & the lovely serene leisurely relatively flat 2 km walk back to the station along the river valley which was filled with breathtaking autumn colours & the constant peaceful sound of crystal clear water cascading over rocks & boulders. Katsuoji temple set in its beautiful mountain setting with its thousands of quirky daruma figures scattered everywhere was also very memorable. Great value for money & Adam, our guide, was very knowledgeable & did a great job of organising the day being flexible, accomodating & setting just the right pace. Would thoroughly recommend this tour,…”

Check availability →Read our full review