Nikko is one of the easiest day or overnight trips from Tokyo, but its sights spread from the compact shrine town up into the mountains. Here is the simple version that works for almost every visitor.
Getting to and Around Nikko
Getting there from Tokyo
There are two main routes. The Tobu Railway runs limited-express trains from Asakusa to Tobu-Nikko in about 2 hours, the most direct option and often the cheapest with a pass. Alternatively, take the JR shinkansen from Tokyo to Utsunomiya (about 50 minutes), then transfer to the local JR Nikko line to Nikko Station (about 45 minutes). Total journey time is roughly two hours either way. The JR and Tobu Nikko stations sit a few minutes apart at the foot of the town.
Getting around: local buses
Nikko's sights are served by frequent Tobu buses from in front of both stations. Buses run up through the shrine area (a short ride or a 20-30 minute walk) and continue up the Irohazaka winding road to Chuzenji Onsen (about 50 minutes) and on to Yumoto Onsen. For Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, ride to the Chuzenji Onsen stop, from where the falls are a five-minute walk.
Walking the shrine area
The shrine precinct itself is best on foot. From the stations it is about a 20-30 minute walk (or a quick bus) to the Shinkyo Bridge, and from there Toshogu, Rinnoji, Futarasan, and the Kanmangafuchi Abyss are all walkable on cedar-shaded paths. Wear comfortable shoes, as there are plenty of stone steps.
Passes worth considering
If you are heading up to the lake, a Tobu bus pass quickly pays for itself. The World Heritage Area pass (around 500 yen) covers the shrine-area loop, while wider 1- or 2-day passes cover the buses up to Chuzenji and Yumoto Onsen. Tobu also sells combined train-and-bus 'Nikko Pass' tickets from Asakusa that bundle the round-trip train and unlimited area buses, the best value if you are coming from Tokyo for a day or two.
Driving
Renting a car gives you flexibility for the highlands and the marshland trails, but the Irohazaka road's tight hairpin bends and heavy autumn traffic can be slow. For most visitors, the train-and-bus combination is simpler and cheaper.
FAQ
- What is the cheapest way to get from Tokyo to Nikko?
- The Tobu Railway from Asakusa is usually the most affordable, especially with a combined Nikko Pass that bundles the round-trip train and unlimited area buses. The JR shinkansen via Utsunomiya is faster to start but generally costs more.
- Do I need a bus pass in Nikko?
- If you are only visiting the shrines, walking or single-ride buses are fine. If you are going up to Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, a 1- or 2-day Tobu bus pass (or a combined Nikko Pass) saves money over individual fares on the long mountain routes.
Make it your trip
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