The 13 Waterfall Tours in Japan That Earn Their Price

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

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

Travel from Ginza to Nikko by air-conditioned coach with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide. Visit Toshogu Shrine, view Kegon Falls, pause at Lake Chuzenji, and see Shinkyo Bridge from the bus. Some options include shrine admission and lunch, so check the package before booking.

“Wonderful trip with Jorge and The drivers. Really good experience. Extensive informations . We recommend this trip .”

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2.Tokyo: Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Waterfall Tour

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

Take a 10.5-hour bus trip 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. Guides such as Tina, Zoe, Jax, and Jeff add useful history and food tips.

“The bus ia very comfortable, the bus is designed with VIP seats interms of the space. Our tour leader, Jax brought us to the authenticate udon restaurant in the waterfall area. The temple and waterfall are really beautiful.”

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3.Nikko, Kegon Waterfall & Chuzenji Lake from Tokyo

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

Travel by air-conditioned bus from Ginza to Nikko with a bilingual Spanish and English guide. Visit Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji in one long day. Guides such as Jorge, Melody, Eric, and Bert are praised for clear explanations, though weekend traffic can sharply reduce sightseeing time.

“Quite expensive for what it was. The check in/meet up process was quite orderly compared to the few others. But, You're really paying for the bus ride. Really just a lake view, view of the Kegan waterfall and a walk to the bridge "on your own" after the temple/shrine.”

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

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

Spend 390 minutes beyond Osaka’s city center with an English-speaking guide such as Adam, Warren, or Justin. Ride local trains and buses to Katsuoji Temple, see its Daruma-filled gardens, visit 33-metre Minoh Falls, and walk along the river valley to Ryuan-ji. Moderate walking is required.

“Warren was a great guide. Our group was small so we were all talking amongst each other and helping with pictures. Had a great time. Definitely a disconnect from the crowds and the busy life. You also learn interesting facts about the temples and other local traditions. Would recommend.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 30 reviews

You’ll travel by coach with an English-speaking guide from Osaka, Kyoto, or Nara, choosing a Mount Koya and Wakayama route or one ending at Nachi Waterfall. Guides including Faizan, Rana, Muhammad Ahmad, Tahir, and Hamza have led flexible, photo-friendly days for groups of up to six.

“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

Meet your English-speaking guide at Hankyu Minoh Station for a gentle forest walk to 33-meter Minoh Waterfall, then continue to Katsuo-ji Temple, famous for its red Daruma dolls and mountain views. Guides such as Toshi, Sophie, and Yu have helped visitors navigate the route and transport.

“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

Spend up to 10 hours with a private English-speaking driver such as Umer, Ali, Abdul, or Aaryan, traveling from Tokyo to Nikko’s shrines, Shinkyo Bridge, Lake Chūzenji, Kegon Falls, and Edo Wonderland. You get a comfortable car, flexible stops, and a full day away from Tokyo.

“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

Meet your English-speaking guide at JR Osaka Station and ride about 30 minutes to Mino. Walk riverside paths, visit a temple and traditional house, hike through maple and cypress forest to a 33-meter waterfall, then eat at a local restaurant. Guides include Kenji, Ryoma, Ko, and Honoka.

“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

Leave Osaka with a Spanish-speaking guide such as Manuel and visit Katsuoji, the Temple of Victory, before walking through Minoo’s forest to its famous waterfall. You’ll learn about daruma, taste momiji tempura, and travel in a group limited to seven people.

“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: Spring Hitachi Seaside & Ashikaga Flower Park Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 690 - 750 minutes · from $98

Travel by bus from Tokyo or Shinjuku to Hitachi Seaside Park and Ashikaga Flower Park. You’ll see Miharashi Hill’s blue nemophila, Ashikaga’s Great Wisteria and white wisteria tunnel, with English or Korean guides such as Gilbert, Miss Park, and Miss Kim.

“Our host Gilbert was very friendly and made a good impression with the group. He was very efficient with us and left on time, which is a plus! We got time to explore places with a good amount of time to either be on our own or walk around with others. Especially for a national holiday that was on we got around effortlessly and had a lot of fun! 😊”

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

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

Travel from Tokyo to Nikko in a private Land Cruiser, Crown, or Vellfire with an English-speaking driver such as Cheema or Baba. See Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and Edo Wonderland, with a flexible route for up to six people.

“Cheema est un bon chauffeur. il nous a donné de très bon conseils pour une journée parfaite. pour ceux qui veulent aller a nikko, je conseil Cheema. un seul stop a nikko shine remplis la journée amplement. on peut rester la bas plusieurs jours”

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 11 reviews

Travel from Tokyo to Nikko in a private group of up to six with an English-speaking driver. You get about 70 minutes at each main stop, including Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, and Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park. Malik is one named driver praised for helpful local suggestions and photos.

“The whole experience was excellent! Our driver Malik was very knowledgeable about the region and made sure to recommend the right places to go and see. Thank you!”

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

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

Meet your English-speaking guide at JR Shin-Kobe Station for a half-day walk past Nunobiki’s waterfalls, dam, and forest paths. Then ride the ropeway to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden for flowers, herbs, mountain views, and Kobe Harbor panoramas. Guides have included Naoko, Kanako, and Benoit.

“the tour was fantastic! we got to see a lot of beautiful nature, all of the four waterfalls in the area, the dam, and the herb garden. Naoko-san was very patient and willing to go at my pace even though I'm a very inexperienced hiker. she was very knowledgeable about the area the herbs and how to get around. her passion for hiking and the area itself shone through making the experience feel personal and special. there is a lot of inclines and stairs so do not be fooled! be 100% to take comfortable shoes and bug spray and I highly recommend spending a lot of time at the herb…”

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