travel from tokyo to nikko

Getting Here & Around

Getting to nikko.

Nikko, an area rich in nature, culture and history, is only two hours away from Tokyo and close to many of Japan's other prime travel destinations. Limited express trains depart for Nikko from two major stations in Tokyo: Shinjuku and Asakusa. The journey from either station takes about two hours. A journey on rapid and local trains from Asakusa adds about 30 minutes but the fare is about half that of the limited express. Opt for a Tobu travel pass to save money on the round-trip journey. An alternative is taking the shinkansen from Tokyo or Ueno stations to Utsunomiya, then changing to the JR Nikko Line. This routing is more expensive and requires a transfer, but is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Highway buses to Nikko depart from Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and Yokohama.

Getting around Nikko

Buses are the most popular way of getting around Nikko. Buses here aren’t like traffic-bound urban buses; they weave along the scenic, rural roads with ease. Regular buses run frequently between the city's train stations and major tourist sites as often as every 15 minutes. Buses traveling further afield do not run as frequently, but it’s easy to avoid waiting around with a little bit of planning. Tobu runs the bus network in Nikko, and offers a variety of routes. One recommended route is the World Heritage Sightseeing Bus, which runs in a loop around some of Nikko’s beautiful shrines and temples. These buses run frequently from Nikko and Tobu-Nikko stations, and offer a convenient way to see multiple sights in a short time. In the Kinugawa area, buses link Kinugawa-Onsen Station and the surrounding hot spring resorts with theme parks and Yunishigawa Onsen. Some buses cover larger areas, including routes that connect Nikko and Okunikko with Kinugawa Onsen. Tobu offers affordable travel passes which allow unlimited use of their buses, available for purchase at the Tobu-Nikko Tourist Center and the Nikko Station ticket office. Taking the bus is easy. Stops are numbered, so you don’t need to worry about reading Japanese — just hit the “stop” button when your stop is up next. Fares depend on distance traveled. Tobu Bus Nikko Kotsu Bus

Trains are the best way to get to Nikko from most places, but they are not ideal for getting around the region’s mountainous terrain. However, there are a few destinations to which trains offer the best route. The neighboring onsen towns of Kinugawa and Kawaji attract visitors from all over Japan and across the world. It is an easy journey of 35 to 45 minutes by train from Tobu-Nikko Station. The area offers hikes and beautiful natural vistas, the marvels of Tobu World Square and Edo Wonderland, open-air hot spring baths and a wide variety of accommodation. The train makes it easy to relax in Kinugawa Onsen during the day, and be back to central Nikko or even Tokyo by evening. Similarly, the charming, historic town of Imaichi is just a 10-minute train journey away. Enjoy the town’s well-preserved traditional crafts by learning to make your own soba noodles, and sample freshly-brewed sake on the sake brewery tour. Tobu Railway

Rental Cars

Renting a car is a great way of exploring Nikko at your own pace. Driving offers the freedom to leave the tourist trail and discover the region’s best-kept secrets: distant ryokan, pristine onsen and hidden waterfalls. Renting a car from one of the nationwide chains is straightforward. Major train stations — Nikko, Tobu-Nikko, Kinugawa Onsen and Shimo-Imaichi — are all close to rental car locations. Tourists from most countries only need an International Driving Permit and their driver’s license, but be sure to check the requirements before traveling. Beside that, it’s as simple as booking online and picking up your vehicle before you start your adventure. The mountain roads are considerately designed, with frequent signage in both English and Japanese, clear markings, and extra roadway for taking tight corners. Gas stations are reasonably frequent, but it’s worth planning ahead if you’re going anywhere especially remote. Traffic is uncommon, and plenty of parking is available. Driving makes moving between the major sites easy, and provides the ability to visit areas that are otherwise hard to reach. Remote destinations, such as Urami Falls, are visited only by infrequent buses but offer serene natural beauty to those willing to make the drive. Nippon Rent-a-Car Nissan Rent-a-Car

Nikko’s taxis offer the freedom of driving without the hassle. Standard taxis are plentiful outside of the area's more major train stations. Outside of major areas, it can be hard to find taxis to hail on the street. However, it’s easy to summon a taxi to pick you up wherever you are, using their telephone dispatch service or the handy Japan Taxi app. Taxi drivers may only speak limited English, but will certainly be familiar with the names of major attractions. If you’re going somewhere more specific, or to your accommodation, it’s useful to have the address written in Japanese. Most taxi drivers also have a translation service on speed dial, so there’s no reason to fear the language barrier. Sightseeing taxis are a great way to travel between the region’s attractions in comfort, with the maximum flexibility of accompanying you as you visit multiple destinations and taking you straight to each destination. Be sure to look at the example routes and estimated costs, available online, before choosing your own route and booking in advance using the phone service. Nikko Kotsu Taxi

Travel Passes

Travel passes, available exclusively to international visitors, make it cheaper and easier to get around Nikko. Instead of having to purchase individual tickets for each mode of transportation, these fixed-price passes provide unlimited use of trains and buses. They also provide discounts at some popular stores and restaurants. If you’re planning a stay in Nikko, these passes can make travel smoother and save you money. Keep in mind that most cannot be purchased in Nikko — and are easier to buy abroad — so make sure to do your research before coming to Japan. Two companies offer travel passes which work in Nikko. JR offers the nationwide Japan Rail Pass, and JR East sells a number of passes covering a smaller area. These passes include unlimited travel on the JR network, which is useful for getting to Nikko, but they are not very practical for getting around the area. Tobu, another company, sells passes that are more useful for Nikko-specific travel. The World Heritage Area Pass covers the Tobu train journey from Tokyo to Nikko and provides free use of the buses within the core sightseeing area. It is valid for two days. The All Area Pass also includes the train from Tokyo and buses within the World Heritage Area, and adds unlimited travel on Tobu buses and trains throughout the rest of Nikko. This pass is valid for four days and is recommended for those who want to get off the beaten track and explore the less-seen, rural side of Nikko.

JR Tokyo Wide Pass

Unlimited travel on all JR East trains in the Kanto region—including shinkansen—and the Tokyo Monorail for three consecutive days.

Three consecutive days

JR East Pass (Tohoku area)

Unlimited travel on all JR East trains—including shinkansen and limited express trains—in Kanto and Tohoku. This pass is recommended for those traveling around Tokyo and Nikko, and then on towards Tohoku.

Use valid for any five days during the 14-day period starting on the date of issuance.

Domestic prices: Adults: 20,360 yen, Children: 10,180 yen Overseas prices: Adults: 19,350 yen, Children: 9,670 yen

JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata area)

Unlimited travel on all JR East trains—including shinkansen and limited express trains—in Kanto, Niigata and Nagano. This pass is recommended for those traveling around Tokyo and Nikko, and then on towards Nagano and Niigata.

Domestic prices: Adults: 18,330 yen, Children: 9,160 yen Overseas prices: Adults: 17,310 yen, Children: 8,650 yen

Tobu Railway

Nikko pass all area.

One round-trip to Nikko from Tokyo, plus unlimited travel around the Nikko area, including World Heritage shrines and temples, Lake Chuzenji and the Okunikko area, and Kinugawa Onsen.

Four consecutive days

April to November: Adults: 4,600 yen, Children: 1,180 yen December to March: Adults: 4,230 yen, Children: 1,060 yen

Nikko Pass World Heritage Area

Recommended for those who want to explore World Heritage shrines and temples, as well as relax at Kinugawa Onsen. One round-trip train journey from Tokyo included.

Two consecutive days

Adults: 2,040 yen, Children: 610 yen

Nikko: Getting there and around

Getting to nikko.

Nikko is located about 125 kilometers north of Tokyo and makes a good one or two day trip from Tokyo. Nikko is connected with Tokyo by Tobu Railway and Japan Railways (JR):

¥ 1,400 - 3,340

The Tobu terminal station in Tokyo for trains to Nikko is Tobu Asakusa Station, which can be accessed by subway (Ginza and Asakusa subway lines). Travelers have the option between the fast and expensive limited express trains and slower but cheaper express and local trains.

There are 1-2 limited express trains per hour between Asakusa and Tobu-Nikko Station, which take about two hours and cost 3050 yen one way (3340 yen in case of the newest Spacia X train sets). Some connections require a transfer at Shimo-Imaichi Station. By express and local trains, the one way journey costs only 1400 yen, but takes at least half an hour longer and requires 1-3 transfers of trains along the way.

Tobu is offering various passes , which include the round trip from Tokyo to Nikko and unlimited use of buses in the Nikko area. Note that the passes do not cover the supplement fee required on limited express trains (1650-1940 yen one way). The Japan Rail Pass and other JR passes are not valid on these Tobu trains.

¥ 4,090

Direct limited express trains, cooperated by Japan Railways (JR) and Tobu Railway, connect JR Shinjuku Station with Tobu Nikko Station. The one way journey takes two hours and costs 4090 yen. All seats are reserved.

Because the trains between Shinjuku and Nikko partially use the tracks of Tobu Railway, the Japan Rail Pass does not fully cover the expenses of the journey. However, thanks to a special agreement, the JR Tokyo Wide Pass , JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass , JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass do cover the entire trip.

¥ 5000 - 5500

Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen (from Tokyo or Ueno Station) to Utsunomiya Station and transfer to the JR Nikko Line. With a good connection at Utsunomiya, the one way trip takes about 100 minutes. Due to its relatively high cost (about 5000-5500 yen one way), this option is attractive to holders of a JR pass .

From early June to late October (June 1 to October 27, 2024), there are infrequent bus connections between Nikko and Oze , allowing tourists to combine the two destinations or enter/leave Nikko through the backdoor via Gunma Prefecture . Buses operate between Yumoto Onsen in Okunikko and Kamada at the entrance to Oze . The one way ride takes one hour and costs 2150 yen. At Kamada it is possible to transfer to buses to Numata or Oze.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates .

Getting around

Nikko has two railway stations, Tobu-Nikko Station and JR Nikko Station, which lie 200 meters apart from each other. All of Nikko's famous shrines and temples are clustered together in one area, about two kilometers northwest of the railway stations. You can access them by bus in ten minutes (350 yen one way or 600 yen for a day pass) or on foot in about 30-40 minutes by walking up Nikko's main street.

Two bus lines can be used to access the shrines and temples:

Buses in the direction of Lake Chuzenji stop at "Shinkyo" and "Nishisando" bus stops along the way, from where the shrines and temples are a 5-10 minute walk. Furthermore, there is the World Heritage Meguri loop bus, that circles around town every 10-20 minutes and stops a little bit closer to the shrines and temples. Get off at the "Omotesando" stop for Toshogu and Rinnoji or the "Taiyuin-Futarasanjinja-mae" stop for the Taiyuin and Futarasan Shrine . The buses are covered by the Nikko Passes .

Buses further connect central Nikko with the Okunikko area, including Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto Onsen in Nikko National Park. A one way trip to Lake Chuzenji takes about 50 minutes and costs 1250 yen; to Yumoto Onsen it takes about 80 minutes and costs 1950 yen.

These buses are covered by the Nikko All Area Pass . Alternatively, a 2-day pass for unlimited rides between Nikko and Lake Chuzenji is available for 2300 yen at Tobu Nikko Station, while a 2-day pass for unlimited rides between Nikko and Yumoto Onsen is available for 3500 yen.

Be aware, that during the autumn leaf season in October, traffic between central Nikko and Okunikko (Lake Chuzenji) can be very heavy, and buses can incur heavy delays, especially on weekends. If possible, avoid visiting Nikko on weekends and visit during the week.

Map of central Nikko:

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Tokyo to Nikko by train: Access and itinerary

Tokyo to Nikko by train: Access and itinerary

July 2, 2024

Nikko is a historic and scenic retreat in the heart of Japan , nestled in the mountains north of Tokyo. Located at the entrance to Nikko National Park, the town offers beautiful mountain vistas, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Boasting a range of hiking opportunities , the Nikko area has also been sacred to the religions of Buddhism and Shinto for many centuries. The town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and is perhaps most famous for Toshogu, one of the most intricately decorated shrines in Japan.

The town of Nikko is perhaps most famous for Toshogu, one of the most intricately decorated shrines in Japan. Built in 1617, Toshogu also serves as the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo period, also known as the Tokugawa shogunate. This shogunate was the last feudal military government in Japan, and it lasted from 1603 to 1868. In this form of government, the leaders were all from the Tokugawa clan and were called shoguns.

Nikko lies in the Tochigi prefecture, 150 km north of Tokyo, and along the Romantic Road , a favorite vacation route among the Japanese people that has been largely overlooked by foreign tourists. Now you can experience one of the Romantic Road’s prime destinations with the convenience of your Japan Rail Pass .

Table of Contents

1.1 With the Tohoku Shinkansen
1.2 With the JR Tobu line
1.3 From Narita Airport
2.1 Toshogu shrine
3 Getting around Nikko

How to get from Tokyo to Nikko with the Japan Rail Pass

Nikko is one of many interesting day trips from Tokyo made possible using your Japan Rail Pass since traveling time is less than 2 hours from Tokyo by train.

With the Tohoku Shinkansen

To get from Tokyo to Nikko, simply take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen (“Yamabiko” or “Nasuno Trains”) from Tokyo Station or Ueno Station to Utsunomiya ; then, take the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station. Train prices without the Japan Rail Pass are ¥2,590 (23 USD) one way.

JR E 205 classic train on the Nikko line

With the JR Tobu line

The JR Tobu line departs from Tokyo’s Tobu Asakusa Station and offers the JR Tobu Nikko Express. This reserved seating train makes the trip in only 1 hour and 45 minutes . However, your JR Pass (with the exception of the JR East Pass, and JR East – South Hokkaido Rail Pass) is not valid on the Tobu Line portion of the trip, so you will incur a small fee of ¥1560.

Order your JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass

From Narita Airport

If traveling directly from the Narita Airport, you may take a direct highway bus from the airport to Nikko. The one-way trip lasts approximately 3.5 hours and costs ¥4500. If you prefer to use your JR Rail Pass, take the Narita Express from the airport to Tokyo Station and travel with the Tohoku Shinkansen as described above.

Buy your JR Pass

Things to do in Nikko

If you are wondering what to see in Nikko , there is no shortage of interesting locations to visit. Nikko National Park is home to thousands of tall, majestic cedar trees. Enjoy a peaceful and contemplative afternoon hiking in the shade of their boughs.

Surprisingly, foggy days produce the most interesting hiking experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the forest’s splendor. If you wish to view the koyo , or autumn colors , plan your visit for late autumn. The leaves begin changing in the mountain heights in early October, and peak around the town of Nikko in early November.

The 100-meter tall Kegon no taki , or Kegon Waterfall , is a must-see. The fall is the only outlet for Lake Chuzenji, and it is ranked as one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan.

Toshogu shrine

Toshogu Shrine is comprised of more than one dozen buildings encircled by the cedar forest. Entering the main gate, you will encounter elaborately adorned storehouses, a five-story pagoda, the ornate Yomeimon Gate, and the Crying Dragon painting in Honjido Hall .

When touring the shrine complex, you will be amazed by countless wooden carvings covered in gold leaf decorating the structures. Outside the main shrine area, you may visit the Nikko Toshogu Museum , which holds a collection of swords, armor, and other personal effects belonging to the shrine’s founder. Please note that some of the historic buildings will be under renovation until 2024.

The Nikko Edomura, or Edo Wonderland , is a historical theme park that recreates life in Japan during the Edo period, the time when the Toshogu Shrine was built. Park staff wear authentic period costumes, and visitors may rent costumes as well. You can tour the town’s Edo period architecture, visit wax museums, shop for souvenirs in historical markets, play games at the Ninja Trick Maze and House of Illusion, and view live theatrical shows.

Getting around Nikko

The attractions in Nikko lie within an area of only a few kilometers, making travel by bus an easy option. The World Heritage Meguri Bus circles the town and shrine areas 4 times an hour, and one-way tickets or 2-day passes may be purchased for buses traveling to outlying areas such as Lake Chuzenji.

The word nikko means “sunlight” in the Japanese language. You are sure to enjoy this town’s sun-like radiance if you step off the beaten path and pay a visit to beautiful and historic Nikko. For more information on travel in and around Japan, visit our travel itineraries blog. After all, your Japan Rail tickets are only a click away.

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Is Nikko Tokyo’s Best Day Trip?

June 29, 2024 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

One of the things I love most about Japan is how simultaneously big and small it is. Geographically, it doesn’t cover a huge area, but all you need to do is hop on the Tokyo Metro or Shinkansen or even a local train, in some cases, such as when you take a Nikko day trip from Tokyo.

Even if you only travel a few stations, you get off and you’re on an entirely different planet. Or, as is the case when you travel from Tokyo to Nikko, in an entirely different time.

A UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back over a millennium, Nikko is famous in more recent Japanese history as the home of 17th-century Shogun Tokugawa, whose dying wish was to be enshrined as a God there. This wish, as you will see immediately upon crossing the Shin-kyo bridge into old Nikko, was carried out.

Where to Stay if You Extend Your Nikko Day Trip

I recommend taking a Nikko Japan day trip, but it’s a lovely place to spend a night (or longer!) if you have time in your Japan itinerary. Whether you stay at the boutique Nikko Senhime Monogatari or the budget Hotori-an , you’re sure to feel right at home in Nikko.

Yet another option would be to spend the day in Nikko, then head further north into the mountains of Gunma prefecture and spend the night at Takaragawa Onsen , which some (yours truly included) argue is the best onsen in Japan. You could also go super high-end in Nikko, and book a room at the Ritz , which is on the shores of Lake Chuzenji.