Nikko: Getting there and around

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):

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.

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.

Covered by: Japan Rail Pass

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.

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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- Kamenoi Hotel Okunikko
  A hotel surrounded by waterfalls, lakes, and mountains in Okunikko. Warm up at a famous onsen with 1200 years of history and explore the nearby Toshogu Shrine World Heritage site.
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Budget:

- B&B Izumi Nikko
  Budget-friendly
  
  B&B Izumi Nikko features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Nikko, 2.4 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The 2-star bed and breakfast has river views and is 3.8 km from Tobu Nikko Station. Every room comes with a balcony. Certain units in the bed and breakfast have private entrance and are fitted with desk and outdoor furniture. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a walk-in shower and slippers, the units at the bed and breakfast have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms here will provide you with a terrace. At the bed and breakfast, all units have bed linen and towels. Guests can also relax in the garden. Popular points of interest near the bed and breakfast include Rinno-ji Temple, Futarasan Shrine and Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park. The nearest airport is Ibaraki Airport, 121 km from B&B Izumi Nikko.
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- Stay Nikko Guesthouse
  Budget-friendly
  
  Featuring free WiFi, Stay Nikko Guesthouse offers accommodation in Nikko. Nikko Station on the Tobu and JR lines can be reached within a 13-minute walk. Free private parking is available on site. Every room at this guest house is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV. Views of the mountains, river or garden are featured in certain rooms. Guests will find a microwave, toaster and kettle on site. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a 20-minute stroll from Stay Nikko Guesthouse, while Kegon Falls is a 50-minute bus ride from the property.
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- Sanga Nikko
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located in Nikko, 2.1 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Sanga Nikko provides rooms with free WiFi access. The property is set 10 km from Kegon Falls and 22 km from Nikk?-kokuritsu-k?en. Nikko Station and Tobu-Nikko Station are within a 5-minute walk from the property. The property is equipped with two private bathrooms. A range of activities are offered in the area, such as cycling and fishing. A supermarket is situated within a 5-minute walk from the property. This property is situated a short distance from attractions such as Rinnoji Temple and Shinkyo Bridge. Futarasan Shrine is 2.2 km from the property, while Chuzenji Lake is 12 km away.
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- Midorian
  Budget-friendly
  
  Offering a garden and river view, Midorian is located in Nikko, 2.7 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine and 4 km from Tobu Nikko Station. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property provides barbecue facilities and parking on-site. The air-conditioned guest house consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a bath and slippers. Guests can enjoy a meal on an outdoor dining area while overlooking the mountain views. The property offers garden views. Guests at the guest house can enjoy hiking nearby, or benefit from the sun terrace. Nikko Station is 4.5 km from Midorian, while Kegon Falls is 18 km away. Ibaraki Airport is 121 km from the property.
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- Okunikko Guesthouse JUN
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located in Nikko and only 1.1 km from Kegon Falls, Okunikko Guesthouse JUN provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The 1-star guest house features lake views and is 16 km from Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and a shared lounge for guests. The units are equipped with heating facilities. Tobu Nikko Station is 17 km from the guest house, while Nikko Station is 18 km away. The nearest airport is Ibaraki Airport, 133 km from Okunikko Guesthouse JUN.
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- The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko
  Luxury
  
  The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko features restaurants, fitness centre, a lobby lounge bar and shared lounge in Nikko situated by Lake Chuzenji and overlooking Mount Nantai. This 5-star hotel offers a concierge service and ticket service. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, hot spring baths for guests. At The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko all units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a hot tub, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. Featuring a private bathroom with a bidet and free toiletries, rooms at the hotel also offer a mountain view. A continental breakfast is available daily at the accommodation. The onsite restaurants feature Japanese and Western-style cuisines. Guests can relax in the spa and wellness centre, including a hot spring bath, a sauna and a hot tub, or in the garden. The area is popular for hiking and cycling, and car hire is available at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Kegon Falls, Chuzenji Lake and Chuzenji Temple.
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- Nikko Akarinoyado Villa Revage
  Mid-range
  
  Homely rooms with mountain views, free Wi-Fi and a private bath await guests at Villa Revage, 350 metres from Nikko Botanical Garden. It is completely non-smoking, and free private parking is available on site. Rooms at Nikko Akarinoyado Villa Revage are heated and come with simple furnishings and art on the walls. An LCD satellite TV is included. Both a hairdryer and toiletries are provided. You can relax on the sun terrace, enjoy the garden or unwind in one of the private reservable baths. The hotel is 4 km from JR Nikko Train Station and Tobu Nikko Train Station. Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa is 800 metres away, and Nikko Toshogu Shrine is 2 km away.
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- Nikko Guesthouse Sumica
  Budget-friendly
  
  Featuring 1-star accommodation, Nikko Guesthouse Sumica is located in Nikko, 300 metres from Nikko Station and 300 metres from Tobu Nikko Station. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation provides a concierge service and a tour desk for guests. At the guest house, all units are equipped with bed linen and towels. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is 2.7 km from the guest house, while Kegon Falls is 20 km away. Ibaraki Airport is 117 km from the property.
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- Nikko Beans Hotel
  Mid-range
  
  Nikko Beans Hotel is set in Nikko, within 16 km of Nikko Toshogu Shrine and 18 km of Tobu Nikko Station. With a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.5 km from Kegon Falls. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. At Nikko Beans Hotel the rooms include bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy an American or an Asian breakfast. Nikko Station is 19 km from Nikko Beans Hotel, while Chuzenji Lake is less than 1 km from the property. Ibaraki Airport is 130 km away.
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- Asaya
  Luxury
  
  Boasting open-air natural spring baths that look out to the surrounding mountains, Asaya provides chic Japanese accommodation that displays flower arrangements throughout. A bus stop is located right in front of the property, and shuttle buses are available from Utsunomiya Train Station, an hour away, at an additional fee. Featuring a relaxing ambience, each room comes with a flat-screen TV, a telephone and a fridge. Asaya Hotel�fs front desk is open 24 hours, and massages are available at an additional cost. Karaoke facilities and a gift shop are on site. Some of the hot spring baths can be reserved for private use for a fee. A tour to Edo Wonderland can be arranged upon request. The hotel is a 13-minute walk from Kinugawa Koen Train Station. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a 40-minute drive away, and Edo Wonderland Nikko theme park is a 10-minute drive from the property. A buffet is served at one of the on-site restaurants. The dinner buffet serves about 80 various dishes ranging from Chinese, Japanese and Western meals, while the breakfast buffet provides about 60 variations, mainly Japanese and Western dishes.
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