Nikko is only 125 kilometers from Tokyo, but no bullet train (Shinkansen) runs directly there. If you take the Shinkansen, you need to transfer trains at Utsunomiya Station, which makes the journey a bit longer — about 2 to 3 hours depending on which station in Tokyo you depart from. Nikko has two main train stations: Tobu-Nikko Station and JR Nikko Station.
Recommended article▶︎Latest information on recommended attractions and how to get around Nikko
How to Get to Nikko from Tokyo
3 Popular Ways to Travel from Tokyo to Nikko
### 1) Tobu Line from Asakusa (very convenient for a day trip)
Best for: Travelers staying in the Asakusa/Ueno/Skytree area, or those who want to take a private railway directly to Nikko
Ticket types (important):
- For the Tobu Limited Express you need two separate tickets:
1) Base fare
2) Limited Express/seat fee (reservation required)
- If you use the "NIKKO PASS," the base fare is usually included in the pass, but the Limited Express fee still needs to be paid separately (if you choose to ride the Limited Express)
Advantages:
- Multiple Limited Express departures throughout the day (more frequent than the direct Shinjuku line on many days)
- Travel time is generally about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours (depending on the train)
Official links to use:
- Limited Express timetable (PDF download available): https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/express_info/timetable.html
- How to buy/reserve Limited Express tickets: https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/express_info/purchase/
- NIKKO PASS information (choose World Heritage / All Area type): https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/ticket/nikko/
Price notes (updated):
- The Limited Express fee has a peak/off-peak pricing system with a minimum/range (it is not fixed every day), so check the price when you actually book before traveling
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### 2) JR Line via Utsunomiya (best for those holding a JR pass)
Popular route:
- Tokyo / Ueno → (Tohoku Shinkansen) → Utsunomiya → (JR Nikko Line) → JR Nikko Station
Best for:
- Travelers holding a JR TOKYO Wide Pass / certain types of JR EAST PASS, or planning to use JR in multiple cities
- Travelers staying near Tokyo Station / Ueno who want a quick ride on the Shinkansen
Official reference link:
- Overview of the Nikko & Kinugawa line + recommended passes (JR East): https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/traininformation/nikko_kinugawa/
Note:
- JR/Shinkansen fares depend on reserved/non-reserved seating and may change from time to time. We recommend checking fares on the JR East booking and fare search system before you pay.
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### 3) Limited Express train from Shinjuku to Tobu-Nikko Station (through service on JR + Tobu lines)
This is a through service from Shinjuku (via Ikebukuro and Omiya) that continues onto the Tobu Line to Tobu-Nikko Station.
Best for:
- Travelers staying in the Shinjuku/Ikebukuro area who want to avoid changing trains
Things to know:
- The number of trains and departure times can change by day and season, so check the latest timetable from Tobu (Limited Express timetable link above)
- Tickets and passes: if you are using a JR pass, check the conditions carefully for the section where the train runs on Tobu tracks. In general, a Limited Express seat requires an additional ticket.
Official links:
- Nikko & Kinugawa train information (JR East): https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/traininformation/nikko_kinugawa/
- Limited Express timetable (including related lines): https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/express_info/timetable.html
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Getting Around Nikko by Bus
### World Heritage Zone (Toshogu Shrine / Rinno-ji Temple / Futarasan Shrine + Shinkyo Bridge)
Bus fare (one way) from Tobu-Nikko Station (main stops as examples):
- To Shinkyo Bridge: ¥220
- To bus stops near several World Heritage sites (e.g., Toshogu Higashisando / Omotesando, etc.): ¥350
Good value bus pass for this zone:
- Tobu Bus "World Heritage Sightseeing Pass" (1 day)
Adult ¥600 / Child ¥300
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### Chuzenji Onsen / Kegon Falls / Oku-Nikko (Yumoto Onsen) Zone
One-way bus fares from JR Nikko or Tobu-Nikko Station:
- To Chuzenji Onsen: ¥1,250
- To Yumoto Onsen: ¥1,950
Good value bus passes (updated):
- Tobu Bus "Chuzenji Onsen Pass" (2 days): Adult ¥2,300 / Child ¥1,150
- Tobu Bus "Yumoto Onsen Pass" (2 days): Adult ¥3,500 / Child ¥1,750
Official bus information/tickets/purchase links:
- Tobu Bus Nikko routes/fares page: https://www.tobu-bus.com/en/nikko/
- Mobile bus tickets (listings/prices): https://ticket.jorudan.co.jp/tobu-bus-nikko/en/
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Choosing the Right Pass
If you're only visiting the shrine/temple area (World Heritage zone) as a day trip:
- The NIKKO PASS "World Heritage Area" (2 days) is usually better value (covers the main route + the World Heritage zone)
If you plan to go to the lake/waterfall/Oku-Nikko area (Chuzenji, Kegon, Yumoto) or stay overnight:
- The NIKKO PASS "All Area" (4 days) is more suitable
Important note:
- In general, the Limited Express/seat fee is not included in the pass and must be purchased separately if you choose to ride the Limited Express.
Information on all attractions in Nikko