Tokyo-Nikko: choosing your itinerary

A must-see during your trip in Japan

travel from tokyo to nikko

06.06.2018

Nikko is the ideal destination for a breath of fresh air along with a great excursion to discover Japanese history and culture, all just outside Tokyo (125 km away).

Home to many temples, including the famous Tosho-gu temple at the entrance of Nikko’s natural park, the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, the Kegon waterfall and Chuzenji lake with its autumnal red mountains, Nikko is definitely a must-see during your trip. See our Japan Experience Guide.

Below are the different ways to reach Nikko from Tokyo.

WITH THE TOBU LINE

The Tobu line links Asakusa station directly to Nikko’s Tobu station and is probably the easiest way to get there.
Fast trains take around 2 hours and cost 1 360 yen, but for twice the price you can reach Nikko in 105 minutes with the 'Kegon' limited express (a few trains everyday).

The Tobu company is a private company and offers different kinds of passes, the 'All Nikko Pass', the 'World Heritage Pass' and the 'Kinugawa Pass' that include the Tokyo-Nikko route, travel once there, as well as the entry tickets to the temples.

Try a bright orange sushi ekiben at the Tobu Nikko Station !

As transportation on the Tobu line is not included in the Japan Rail Pass, it might be a good idea to consider alternatives.

WITH THE JR-TOBU NIKKO EXPRESS

These limited express trains that will take you to Nikko and Kinugawa (known for its onsens) in about 2 hours, are very practical if you reside in the west of Tokyo as they leave from the Shinjuku and Ikebukuro stations.

It consists in a joint service of the JR line and the Tobu line, therefore if you holda Japan Rail Pass, you will only have to pay an additional fare, the journey from Kurihashi, where the JR line changes for the Tobu line (1560 yen). Note that the JR East Pass covers the whole trip.

Beware: there are only 4 departures from Shinjuku (7:30 AM, 10:31 AM, 1:01 PM, 5:32 PM) and Ikebukuro (7:36 AM, 10:37 AM, 1:07 PM, 5:38 PM)- note that some trains have a connection in Shimo-imaichi - and 4 trips back from Tobu-Nikko station per day ( 8:15 AM, 10:48 AM, 3:16 PM and 4:39 PM). For this route you can also buy the 'Nikko Kinugawa Excursion ticket' for sale in the JR ticket offices and 'View Plaza'.

WITH THE TOHOKU SHINKANSEN

Japan Rail Pass holders can reach Nikko for free with the Tohoku Shinkansen.
Take a 'Yamabito' or 'Nasuno' Shinkansen from Tokyo or Ueno, to Utsunomiya (about 50 minutes), and change for the JR Nikko line for JR Nikko station (about 45 minutes).

The JR Nikko line being a local line with very few departures, we advise you to check the schedule in order to limit your waiting time.

discover nikko

What to see ?

NIKKO SANNAI
These vast sacred grounds, listed as a World Heritage Site since 1999, includes the three main sights mentioned below. Open daily, Apr-Nov, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov-Mar, to 4 p.m.

RINNOJI TEMPLE
Founded by the priest Shodo in the 8th century. Here you can visit Sanbutsudo Hall, which enshrines three gold-plated wooden images of Buddha. At Rinnoji Temple the Shoyo-en Garden is worth a visit (extra cost ¥300). Open daily, Apr-Nov, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov-Mar, to 4 p.m, ¥900.

TOSHOGU SHRINE
Built in 1616 as a mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The first shrine was rebuilt in 1636 by his grandson, who spared no cost in constructing this complex as an act of devotion. Open daily, AprNov, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov-Mar, to 4 p.m, ¥1300.

FUTARASAN SHRINE is dedicated to the gods of the mountains surrounding Nikko. Open daily, Apr-Nov, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov - Mar, to 4 p.m, ¥200.

NIKKO TAMOZAWA IMPERIAL VILLA MEMORIAL PARK
Built around the former Edo residence of the Kishu Tokugawa clan, the villa was erected using pieces of the original residence that stood in Tokyo. It was constructed in 1899. With 106 rooms it is the biggest wooden imperial villa erected in the Meiji and Taisho eras. Open every day except for Tuesdays, Apr-Oct: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Oct-Mar: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m, ¥510.

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Your Pass at the best price

National JR Pass	From	$ 273
JR Kansai Pass	From	$ 21
JR Kyushu Pass	From	$ 141
JR Shikoku Pass	From	$ 83
JR West Pass	From	$ 179
JR Hokkaido Pass	From	$ 160
JR Central Pass	From	$ 131
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