basic information

How to get 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 Railways and Japan Railways (JR):

By Tobu Railways 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).

There are hourly rapid trains between Asakusa and Nikko, which take about two hours and cost 1320 Yen one way. In the morning and afternoon, there are also a few limited express trains (all seats reserved), called "Kegon", which only take 105 minutes, but are twice as expensive as the rapid trains.

Tobu is offering various free passes, which include the round trip from Tokyo to Nikko and unlimited use of buses in the Nikko area. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on Tobu trains.

By limited express from Shinjuku Station:

Direct limited express trains, cooperated by Japan Railways (JR) and Tobu Railways, connect JR Shinjuku Station with Tobu Nikko Station. The one way journey takes two hours and costs 3900 Yen. All seats are reserved.

The JR Tobu Nikko Kinugawa Free Kippu includes the round trip to Nikko by limited express train and unlimited use of buses in the Nikko and Kinugawa area.

Because the trains between Shinjuku and Nikko partially use the tracks of Tobu Railways, the Japan Rail Pass does not fully cover the expenses of the journey.

By Japan Railways (JR): (for Japan Rail Pass holders)

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 Yen one way), this option is probably only attractive to holders of the Japan Rail Pass.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current Yen exchange rate, click here.
 

Orientation

All of Nikko's famous shrines and temples are clustered together in one area, about two and a half kilometers from the Tobu and JR Nikko Stations. You can access them by bus (10 minutes, 300 Yen one way) or on foot (about 30 minutes along Nikko's main street).

Buses 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 1100 Yen; to Yumoto Onsen it takes about 80 minutes and costs 1650 Yen.

Be aware, that during peak travel seasons such as the autumn leaf season, traffic between central Nikko and Okunikko (Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto Onsen) can be very heavy, and buses can incur heavy delays. If possible, avoid visiting Nikko on weekends during the peak travel seasons.

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

hotels & ryokan

Turtle Inn Nikko Inexpensive family-run inn that has hosted many oversea tourists. 10min walk to Toshogu Shrine. Internet PC available. Nikko Cottage Fusha A Japanese cottage with kitchen and laundry, in a quiet area while close to major attractions. One guest group per night. Okunikko Konishi Hotel A resort style onsen hotel along the Yuno-ko Lake in Oku Nikko, which is blessed with natural resources.

package tours

Nikko Tours Various English tours of Nikko and surroundings.

english links

japanese links