Ryuzu Waterfall (Head of the Dragon)

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Ryuzu waterfall is a great starting point for several hikes;  Senjogahara (to Yumoto Onsen), Takayama and Sainoko (Lake Sai) and Senjugahama.

It is located on the bus road and on the main road to Senjogahara, Yumoto Onsen and Lake Yu.  Due to it’s location, there can be traffic jams there as it becomes the bottle neck.

Ryuzu waterfall is one of the most photographed places in Nikko throughout the year. Yet in October, the autumn leaves there make it the #1 most photogenic location to see fall foliage in Nikko.

Ryuzu Waterfall green leaves Ryuzu Waterfall falls leaves Ryuzu Waterfall autumn leaves Ryuzu Waterfall no leaves

Above, the photographs are made from the bridge, the same bridge that the traffic uses.  So, not only is it packed with cars, the bridge and road can be crowded with people trying to make photographs of the water cascading over the stones toward Lake Chuzenji.

Below are photographs from inside the restaurant shop area.  Just like being on the bridge, you may have to line up to get a position to make a photograph when it gets crowded.

There are sets of tables and chairs all around in different areas of the restaurant and shop.  These tables are in front of the viewing area looking toward the waterfall.

in front of the viewing area looking toward the waterfall

Good luck trying to get the 5 seats in the restaurant that have an amazing view directly in front of the waterfall.

Good luck trying to get the 5 seats in the restaurant that have an amazing view directly in front of the waterfall.

Some tables and stools inside.

Some tables and stools inside. Some tables and stools outside.

One of the stingiest places to buy coffee in all of Nikko, but one amazing location.  Not only are the cups tiny, the woman that serves it to you heavily resists giving you “extra” milk to put in. prepare yourself.

One of the stingiest places to buy coffee in all of Nikko you can even pray at Ryuzu Waterfall

The entire walk is a boardwalk and has stairs.  Every kind of person can safely do it.  The boardwalk following the cascading waterfall from top to bottom.  There are several lookouts, observation areas and places to rest.

ryuzu waterfall observation area ryuzu waterfall boardwalk view from the ryuzu waterfall boardwalk Ryuzu waterfall cascading on stones Ryuzu Waterfall signpost

Ryuzu Waterfall means “Dragon’s head” in Japanese.  Be sure to search for it from the boardwalk.

Ryuzu Waterfall Dragons head

Soon you will be at the top of Ryuzu waterfall and almost at the same altitude as Senjogaha (1400m on the south side, 1410m on the north)

From here you can do the Senjogahara hiking trail to the north,

visit Kotoku Marsh,

or head to Sanbonmatsu Park for lunch and a great view of Nantai Mountain.