Waterfall Tours in Japan: the 13 Best Trips

1.Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji & Toshogu Temple

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

Review of Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and Shinkyo Bridge, with practical advice on price, timing, seasons, and value.

“The place looks amazing on automn. Don't miss visiting the main Shrine. Make sure to have tickets in advance, so that you can join the tour with the guide. Ours was Bert, and honestly he was one of the "highlights" of the tour. Kind, knowledgeable, funny enough and organized - the exact combination you need to enjoy the trip. The driving takes quite some time, so prepare yourself for every stop and do fast what you're planned. The bus had huge windows, so another +.”

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2.Tokyo: Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Waterfall Tour

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

Review of Tokyo’s Nikko day trip to Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and Shinkyo Bridge, with practical tips on timing and value.

“Tina was a great guide. I appreciated how she gave us her personal food recommendations for the stops we were at, as well as around Tokyo Station (where we were dropped off). The trip itself was paced nicely. I felt like I had enough time at each location. I highly recommend booking this day trip! It was a nice escape from the busy city of Tokyo.”

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3.Nikko, Kegon Waterfall & Chuzenji Lake from Tokyo

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

Review of Nikko from Tokyo, with Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, bus transport, timing, value, and practical tips.

“We had an amazing tour to Nikko filled with history, stunning scenery, and insights into Japanese culture. Our guide Jorge was knowledgeable, attentive, and passionate, making the experience truly special. Everything was well organized, and we felt well taken care of throughout the day. Highly recommended!”

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

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

Escape Osaka for Katsuoji Temple, Daruma dolls, Minoh Falls, and a scenic forest walk on this practical full-day tour.

“Warren was a wonderful guide. This tour was the highlight of our trip, would absolutely recommend.”

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5.From Osaka/Kyoto:Mount Koya, Wakayama & Nachi Waterfall Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 30 reviews

Review of the 12-hour Mount Koya, Wakayama, and Nachi Waterfall tour, with itinerary details, value advice, walking tips, and guide insights.

“I had a great day trip with Faizan. I booked the trip last minute with the goal of seeing Nachi Falls. Faizan was very flexible with the schedule, was patient as I took many photos at Nachi Falls, and even stopped at some other beautiful spots for photos along the coast. This was one of my most memorable days in Japan!”

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6.Osaka: Minoh Waterfall & Katsuo-ji Temple Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 27 reviews · 4 hours · from $47Best value

Review of Osaka’s Minoh Waterfall and Katsuo-ji Temple tour, with forest walking, Daruma dolls, costs, transport, and practical tips.

“Toshi was an excellent guide! He took us to several spots on the way to the waterfall that were unique, local favorites. He was extremely personable and made sure we had fun together. Minoh falls and Katsuoji were beautiful and having Toshi there only improved the experience!”

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7.Tokyo: Nikko Day Tour Shrines, Lake Chūzenji & Kegon Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 26 reviews

Review of a private Tokyo to Nikko day tour with UNESCO shrines, Lake Chūzenji, Kegon Falls, Edo Wonderland, and hotel pickup.

“We had a wonderful day trip to Nikko with Umer. He suggested starting at 7 am to avoid Tokyo traffic, and thanks to his planning everything went smoothly. Coming from Shibuya it still took about 2.5 hours each way, so I recommend choosing a location with easier access to gain more time at the destination. Umer was upfront about time expectations and managed the itinerary very well, ensuring we could enjoy most of the highlights without feeling rushed. He’s not only a skilled and safe driver, but also very attentive and professional, which made the whole experience comfortable, enjoyable, and truly memorable.Read more”

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8.Osaka: Mino Forest Walk and Giant Waterfall with Local Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $79

Escape Osaka for Mino Forest, a 33-meter waterfall, local snacks, yuzu cider, and a traditional Japanese lunch with a friendly guide.

“We enjoyed that were able to improvise and see the insect museum for my husband and I while my granddaughters went ahead to waterfall. Really recommend the insect museum, especially the butterfly Pavillion.”

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9.Get to know Minoo from Osaka. Katsuoji Temple, Ryuanji Waterfall and Ryuanji Temple

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 6 hours · from $76

Explore Katsuoji Temple, Minoo Falls, daruma culture, forest trails, and momiji tempura on a small Spanish-guided tour from Osaka.

“Este templo ha sido un sueño y todo eso se lo debemos a nuestro guía Manuel nos explicó cada detalle de el además de resolvernos cualquier duda relacionada a la historia de Japón, fue un grandioso guía además de ser un excelente fotógrafo, se los recomiendo ampliamente si lo que desean es pasar un bello día en un templo en donde todavía se puede sentir la tranquila que transmiten los templos”

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10.Tokyo: Nikko Kegon Falls Lake Chuzenji Toshogu Temple & More

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 12 reviews · 10 hours - 1 day

Review of a private Tokyo to Nikko day trip with Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, luxury transport, and Edo Wonderland.

“My family and I booked a 10 hour day trip to Nikko, Tochigi, Japan with Get Your Guide. Mr. Cheema was our designated driver and tour guide. He contacted us the night before. He was on time on the day, and was extremely courteous. Mr. Cheema took us to all thr designated spots on the itinerary. Mr. Cheema was a very safe and careful driver. He even helped my family and I take pictures. As far as I know this is the only company that does pick up from the Kanagawa region. My family and I will definitely book with Mr. Cheema again. We plan to book with Mr. Cheema…”

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11.From Tokyo: Nikko Customize private Tour With English Driver

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 11 reviews

Review of Nikko’s private 10-hour tour from Tokyo, with Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and an English-speaking driver.

“We had a great day. The pick up from the hotel went smoothly, a quiet beautiful drive through a beautiful landscape, after which we had more than enough time at the different parts to visit the temples and shrines. We enjoyed it a lot. Thank you for the lovely day.”

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12.Kobe: Guided Tour of Nunobiki Waterfalls and Herb Garden

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 3 hours · from $120

Review of Kobe’s Nunobiki Waterfalls and Herb Garden tour, with ropeway views, hiking tips, pricing, guides, and practical advice.

“Turen var smuk og der var ro til at man kunne nyde naturen og omgivelserne”

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13.Itoshima Scenic Tour｜Totoro Forest, Falls & Ocean View Spots

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 7 reviews · 10 hours · from $67

Review of Itoshima’s 10-hour tour from Fukuoka, with waterfalls, Totoro Forest, seafood, salt-making, and coastal photo stops.

“Our tour guide Gloria was wonderdul! Explained the important things to note about the places we visited😁 The driver drove with a smooth ride & we felt safe 👍”

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