travel from tokyo to nikko

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Tokyo to Nikkō: Getting There and Back

Planning a trip from Tokyo to Nikkō? With awesome nature year-round, grand shrines, and waterfalls, it’s a no-brainer for a day trip or overnight adventure. 

We’ve got a whole guide to Nikkō for you, but first you’ve got to get there. Located in Tochigi Prefecture about 120 km north of Tokyo, Nikkō is best accessed by rail. Read on to find out more about these options, including which trains are the fastest and cheapest.

How to get from Tokyo to Nikkō

By far the simplest, cheapest (and most popular) way of getting from Tokyo to Nikkō is by train. The area is served by JR and Tobu lines, with trains leaving Tokyo at least once an hour. The trip takes about two hours and discount passes are available to knock the trainfare down.

In particular, we recommend the Nikkō World Heritage Area Pass, which you can buy online from Viator and Klook (we suggest you compare prices).

The Nikkō World Heritage Pass is a two-day pass that costs just ¥ 2,120 . It includes round-trip travel from Asakusa Station to Tobu-Nikkō Station and unlimited train rides within the Central Nikkō area — including to Edo Nikkō Wonderland. Considering most other rail options cost at least ¥ 1,400 one-way (for the slowest trains), this pass is undeniably good value.

Note: The Nikkō World Heritage Area Pass does not cover bus travel to Nikkō’s mountainous area where you’ll find Lake Chunzenji and Kegon Falls, and you’ll have to pay extra to get on the limited express trains.

Comparing Tokyo to Nikkō transport options

Discount passes for nikkō.

Tobu offers two main passes to save you a few yen:

• The Nikkō World Heritage Area Pass — a two-day pass for ¥ 2,120 . It includes a round-trip train ride (though you need to pay extra for the limited express trains), unlimited train rides in the Nikkō area, and unlimited rides on designated local buses. Available to buy online from Viator and Klook .
• The Nikkō All Area Pass  — a four-day pass for ¥ 4,780 (slightly less in the off-season). It includes the train and bus bits, plus unlimited rides on a bunch more bus routes so that you can max out the sightseeing.

The above passes need to be picked up from Asakusa Station, so allow yourself extra time to do this. Alternatively, you can now buy digital versions of the same passes. The price is the same, however, you won’t need to pick up physical tickets. Instead, just show the digital ticket to the station staff when boarding.

However, if you do opt for the digital ticket, we recommend getting a Japanese SIM card or pocket WiFi so that you can easily access it.

What is the difference between the two Nikkō passes?

Apart from the amount of days each covers — The Nikkō World Heritage Area Pass covers two days and the Nikko All Area Pass covers four — there is also a difference in what destinations you can visit on each.

Both provide round trip tickets from Asakusa Station to Tobu-Nikko Station, plus access to the World Heritage loop bus. The 2-day World Heritage Pass is useful for those whose primary interest is the shrines and temples of Nikkō, but if you are planning on going further afield to Lake Chūzenji and Kegon Falls, then you’ll need the Nikko All Area Pass or a separate bus pass. This is the Tobu Bus Chūzenji Onsen Pass ( ¥ 2,300 ) and can be bought online or at the station when you arrive.

Different types of trains from Tokyo to Nikkō

Two railway companies have services between Tokyo and Nikkō. One is Japan Rail (JR), which has a Shinkansen line that will get you part of the way to Nikkō. The other is the Tobu Railway company which operates the Tobu-Nikkō Line — this can get you from Asakusa to Nikkō without the need for a transfer.

These rail options all take around 2 hours, but there is quite a lot of variance in price, with the Tobu-Nikkō Line the most affordable option. Tobu Railway also has a few different discount passes available, making it stand out as the better option.

Tobu-only routes: The cheapest option

¥ 3,050 1 hour 50 mins

Tobu Railway operates several different services between Asakusa Station and Tobu-Nikkō Station. The Limited Express trains will get you there the fastest in just 1 hour and 50 minutes, for ¥ 3,050 one-way. You’ll have a choice between the Kegon, Revaty, and Kinu; opt for the Kegon or Revaty if your schedule allows, as it’s faster and more direct (the Kinu requires a quick transfer at Shimo-Imaichi Station, but is slightly cheaper at ¥ 2,850 ).

Note that seats need to be reserved on the Limited Express trains and you’ll have to pay extra if you have one of the Nikkō passes (as this only covers ¥ 1,400 each way of the price). You can do that at the station or here .

You can opt to take a local or express train instead — this slashes the price to only the basic fare of ¥ 1,400 but can add 30+ minutes to the journey.

The Spacia X: Limited Express luxury and speed

¥ 3,540 1 hour 50 minutes

For a unique experience, a few times a day you can take the Tobu-operated Spacia X train, which runs along the same route as their other limited express routes. While pricier than other limited express services, you’re looking at no transfers and a beautifully designed series of train carriages. While we’ve listed the price for the standard seats, you can also book box seats, sofas, or even the entire cockpit car for a special occasion.

The Spacia X is popular, and seats need to be booked in advance. Two outbound trains are available on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings, while four are available for the rest of the week.

JR-only routes: For JR Pass holders

¥ 5,680 Just under 2 hours

If you want to use your JR Pass to get from Tokyo to Nikkō, take the JR Tōhoku Shinkansen from Tokyo or Ueno Station to Utsunomiya Station. Then transfer to the JR Nikkō Line, which will deposit you at JR Nikkō Station (a short walk from Tobu-Nikkō). The whole trip takes just under 2 hours and costs around ¥ 5,680 for reserved seating without the JR Pass, making it a poor choice for other travelers.

Pro tip:  It’s also possible to take local or rapid trains on the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku to Utsunomiya, then transfer to the JR Nikkō Line. This takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours and costs ¥ 2,750 one-way.

JR + Tobu routes: For Tokyo-Wide and JR East Pass holders

¥ 4,090 Just under 2 hours

You can also take a train from Shinjuku or  Ikebukuro  to Tobu-Nikkō Station. JR East runs direct limited express trains on this route, partnering with Tobu Railway for part of the journey. Because of the line sharing, the JR Pass doesn’t cover 100% of the fare — but if you have a JR Tokyo Wide Pass or one of the other JR East regional passes, you’re all sorted.

The Limited Express trains run just once a day at 9:34 am (with a second on weekends at 7:31 am), and get you to Nikkō in just under 2 hours. The fare is approximately ¥ 4,090 one way and seats need to be reserved.

Buses from Tokyo to Nikkō

Guided tours from Tokyo to Nikkō

A number of guided tours take you from Tokyo to Nikkō. For example, this top-rated bus tour includes a visit to Tōshōgū Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls. Prices start from ¥ 9,450 per person.

If you’re in a group, a private Nikkō tour with an English-speaking driver (not guide per se) is recommended.

You get to hit up all the famous spots like Tōshōgū Shrine and Lake Chūzenji, but in the quiet comfort of a private vehicle. A group of up to four people costs ¥ 64,000 all in, while a group of up to 13 can be accommodated in a minivan for ¥ 71,795 total.

If you would prefer a driver who can be more of a guide, this private English-speaking driver tour costs ¥ 90,000 – ¥ 150,000 for up to 13 passengers.

Where to stay: Accommodation in Nikkō

You’ll find lots more suggestions for overnight accommodation in our guide to Nikkō , but quick picks include Nikkō Akarinoyado Villa Revage (mid-range) or the very popular Nikkō Park Lodge (cheap-cheap) near Tobu-Nikkō Station.

If possible, spending the night in Nikkō is recommended — it gives you more time to explore the highlights (and hidden areas) of Nikkō and makes for a more relaxing experience overall.

Pro tip:  There’s more to Tochigi Prefecture than just Nikkō! Ashikaga City  is well worth adding to your itinerary.

While we do our best to ensure information is correct, it is subject to change. Post first published in October 2017. Last updated in September 2023.

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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

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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

April 30, 2021

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 .

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.

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 Rail Pass (with the exception of the JR East Pass) is not valid on the Tobu Line portion of the trip, so you will incur a small fee of ¥1560.

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.

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

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.

Related posts

Related tours & activities.

Nikko: Getting there and around

How to travel between tokyo and 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):

By Tobu Railway from Asakusa Station

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. 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.

By limited express from Shinjuku Station

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.

By Japan Railways (JR)

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 high cost (about 5000-5500 yen one way), this option is attractive to holders of a JR pass.

From Narita Airport

There are a small number of direct highway buses between Narita Airport and Nikko , taking about 3.5 hours and costing 4600 yen for the one way trip. Alternatively, take a bus from the airport to JR Utsunomiya Station (about 3 hours, 4100 yen one way, departures every 60-90 minutes) and then the JR Nikko Line to Nikko (45 minutes, 770 yen, 1-2 departures per hour). Otherwise, travel between the airport and Nikko leads via Tokyo .

Between Gunma Prefecture and Nikko

From early June to late October (June 3 to October 29, 2023), 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 1950 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

All of Nikko 's famous shrines and temples are clustered together in one area, about two kilometers from the Tobu and JR Nikko Stations. You can access them by bus (10 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 15-20 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 Tobu free 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 and Yumoto Onsen) 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:

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

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Experiences around Nikko

How To Get From Tokyo To Nikko Japan (Complete Guide)

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Home » How To Get From Tokyo To Nikko Japan (Complete Guide)

Are you looking for the best and easiest way how to get from Tokyo to Nikko Japan?

In this post, you will find all that you need to know on how to get to Nikko from Tokyo!

The majority of travelers that are visiting Japan venture out to all the usual hot spots of Japan, like Kyoto, Osaka, and other big cities that are on everyone else’s lists. 

However, there are places like Nikko that simply cannot be missed

Quick Guide: Top Train Travel Options to Get from Tokyo to Nikko

After a quick list of the train options from Toyko to Nikko? Here is quick guide.

Best choice if you are planning to explore Japan with a  JR Pass .

Tokyo Station to Nikko

• From: Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya Station transfer to take JR train to JR Nikko Station
• Duration: 1 hr 40 mins
• Price: Free with  JR Pass

Make sure to ride in the last 2 cars as the cars separate at an intermediate step.

Shinjuku to Nikko

• From: Tokkyu Limited-Express to Tobu Nikko Station
• Price: 2620 JPY (Reservations Required)

Popular if you are staying in Asakusa District

Asakusa to Nikko

• From: Tobu Railways to Tobu Nikko Station
• Duration: 1hr 45 mins
• Price: 2720 JPY (one way) or 2670 JPY for a Tobu Nikko Pass (includes return tickets, local bus tickets, and 2 Day Nikko Pass)

How to Get to Nikko from Tokyo?

Nikko is a city in Japan that is located on the western side of Tochigi.  It prides itself on having amazing autumn leaves during fall and beautiful landscapes like Kegon Falls.

The ideal option is to travel using public transport. There are different public transport options that you can choose from, including the Tokyo Nikko train and or by bus.

If you choose to travel by train from Tokyo to Nikko, it should take you approximately 2 hours

1. Tokyo to Nikko Day Trip

For those who wish to take an easier option of hopping on an organized Nikko tour from Tokyo, we have found two affordable options for you:

• Private Nikko Day Tour :   Visit the famous Toshogu shrine and Futarasan shire for good luck in friendships and partnerships.  Taste the local yuba or tofu milk (bean curd sheet) for lunch.  On this day trip to Nikko, you will enjoy tea or coffee in the temple precinct, which is made from sacred water (great for eyes and skin).
• Group Nikko Day Tours from Tokyo :  A very popular tour! Enjoy a full-day trip to Nikko National Park from Tokyo. See the impressive wood carvings and ornate structures of Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a Japanese lunch, followed by a visit to the natural landmark of Kegon Waterfall. This tour offers hotel pick-up and drop-off at Shinjuku or Ginza stations. Click here to check prices .

2. Train from Tokyo to Nikko

There are three Tokyo to Nikko train options if you are not doing an organized day trip.

Option 1: Shinkanse n plus Local Nikko Line (Our Preferred Option) from Tokyo Station

For most tourists visiting Japan, the best way to travel throughout the country is with a Japan Rail Pass . Pre-purchasing the tickets before you go on your trip, will save you an immense amount of money. 

This way, when you travel through Japan, all of the JR trains are free and you can hop-on-hop-off to no end and as many times as you want!

You can use this pass to travel on the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Utsunomiya to Nikko train station.

When you use the JR train from Nikko, you can find four trains that depart from Shinjuku every day. However, most of them require a train change before proceeding to Nikko.

From Utsunomiya station, you can use the Nikko Line to reach Nikko station. Using this route should take you approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes . 

The trip will be ‘free’ if you own a JR Pass or would cost you a whopping 5780 yen without.

If you are not sure if the JR Pass is for you, you can read more about it in our post Tips & Info on buying and using the Japan Rail Pass .

Option 2:  Tokkyu Limited-Express from Shinjuku

The second route you can use to travel by train from Shinjuku to Nikko is to choose the Tokkyu Limited-Express train. This train is a direct train, however, a reservation is required.

The train will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes and will cost you 2620 Yen one way .

Option 3: Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa

One of the fastest and most luxurious ways to reach Nikko from Tokyo is by using Tobu Line’s Limited Express owned and known as Spacia.

This train is privately ves Tokyo every hour from Asakusa Station to Nikko. This train’s seats are usually reserved in advance before departure to Nikko, meaning you will have to purchase your ticket in advance.

If you are traveling one way from Tokyo to Nikko using Tobu Line’s Limited Express , it will cost you 2720 yen and will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

For English-speaking tourists, this line has a hostess who speaks in English. Therefore, if you have any questions regarding your destination in Nikko, the hostess will be ready to give you answers.

Tobu Nikko Pass combines discounted train return tickets to Asakusa, Nikko bus pass, and trains in the Onsen Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen areas (exclusive to overseas visitors). You can choose from 3 types of passes, depending on your travel preference:

• Nikko All Area Pass :  Visit all the attractions including the world heritage site Shires, Lake Chuzenji, Okunikko, and the Kinugawa Onsen as well.
• Nikko City Area Pass (formerly known as the 2-Day Nikko Pass):  Nikko 2-day pass is a no-rush pass and gives plenty of time for sightseeing at the UNESCO site and enjoying the hot springs as well.
• Theme Park & Nikko City Area Pass :  Visit the world heritage site and the shires.  Check out the famous theme park at the Kinugawa  Onsen Area.  Something here for everyone!

Hot Tips:   

• The best way that we saved money on our public transport was by using Tokyo to Nikko JR pass .  We purchased the 2-week pass for our whole family and saved thousands of dollars in the process!!
• You can take a bus from Nikko train station up to the temple precinct for only 190 yen, or you can take a 20-minute uphill walk and check out the town in meantime. (We took the walking option on the way back and stopped for a snack mid-way for some delicious crepes filled with lots of yummy calories!)

What to do in Nikko?

It is common in Japan to find tourists who travel from Tokyo to Nikko, because Nikko is a UNESCO, World Heritage site.

Among other tourist attractions like Nikko National Park, this amazing city is known for historical temples and shrines like Nikko Toshogu, which is Japan’s most beautifully decorated shrine.

For tourists who want to experience the beauty that Nikko has to offer, the big question is whether to use public transport or a private car to travel to Nikko from Tokyo. 

If you own a car it might seem ideal to use it to travel from Tokyo to Nikko.  However, it is expensive in terms of fuel to travel by your own car. –

Tokyo stretches much further than your eyes can see! The city is immense and you will need at least 3 days here to get a small feel of what this city has to offer!!

To make it easier to plan your days, we have decided to create a series of posts on Tokyo attractions, accommodation, and day trips.

• What to do in the Shibuya District
• What to do in the Shinjuku District
• What to do in the Asakusa District
• Day trip from Tokyo to Nikko

For more information about things to do in Nikko Japan and what are the best spots to put on your Nikko sightseeing list, subscribe to our blog.

Andrzej Ejmont

4 thoughts on “how to get from tokyo to nikko japan (complete guide)”.

Thanks for this post. I am visiting Japan in a couple of months and am constantly encountering advice on the internet that I need to reserve train tickets in advance but not seeing any information on how to do that. How does a person reserve a seat on a Japanese train from overseas? By way of comment, I have been living in China on a posting and their rail network is far easier to negotiate than the confusing Japanese system.

Hi Colin, we did reserve seats in Japan, not whilst overseas. Sometimes we couldn’t find a seat and either had to wait a few hours for another train or just simply stand in the train. If you are a solo traveller, you probably won’t have any issues finding a seat, but as a family of 5 it was a bit more challenging to find seats together.

Hi Jolene, Lovely family and sound an amazing trip!

We are planning a day trip to Nikko in November. I have a question regarding travelling to the place. I plan to purchase the Nikko all area pass. I understand that this pass includes round trip to Asakusa. Do you know if the round trip is in Spacia? I am very confused on how to go about booking the tickets in Limited express (Spacia) because at the time of purchasing the pass, it charges additional for Spacia tickets.

Hi, yes the trains are very confusing. I believe you need to purchase the All Area Pass plus Limited Express Tickets and then you can reserve your seats at the actual TOBU Tourist Information Center in Asakusa.

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