How to Travel from Tokyo to Nikko

Nikko, home of the lavish Toshogu Shrine and some of Kanto's best mountain scenery, sits about 140 km north of Tokyo, and every sensible way there takes roughly 2 hours. The choice is between the private Tobu Railway from Asakusa (cheapest), and the JR route via Utsunomiya (fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass). Here's exactly how each option works, what it costs, and which to choose.

Quick comparison

Tokyo to Nikko by train

Three rail routes reach Nikko, and they arrive at two neighbouring stations (Tobu-Nikko and JR Nikko, about 5 minutes' walk apart):

• Tobu Railway from Asakusa: the SPACIA and Revaty limited expresses reach Tobu-Nikko in about 1h 50m from around ¥3,050. Tobu also sells Nikko passes bundling the round trip with local buses.
• JR via Utsunomiya: Tohoku Shinkansen (Yamabiko or Nasuno, about 50 minutes) then the JR Nikko Line (about 45 minutes). Around ¥5,150 without a pass, but fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
• JR-Tobu direct trains from Shinjuku: limited expresses running through onto Tobu track, about 2 hours from around ¥4,080; handy from west-side hotels, but only partly covered by the JR Pass.

From either Nikko station, the World Heritage shrine area is a 10 minute bus ride or a 25 minute uphill walk; buses continue up the switchbacks to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls.

Do you need to reserve a seat?

Tobu limited expresses and the JR-Tobu through trains are all reserved, so book ahead for weekends and foliage season. On the JR Pass route, shinkansen reservations are free and the Nikko Line is unreserved.

First and last trains

Early trains from around 06:30 put you at the shrines by opening time; the last limited expresses back leave Nikko around 19:30 to 20:30 depending on the day. Nikko works well as a long day trip.

How to buy Tokyo to Nikko tickets

• Online in advance is simplest for visitors. Check times and book your tickets here.
• Tobu counters at Asakusa for limited express seats and Nikko passes.
• JR ticket machines or offices for the shinkansen route (English menus available).

Travelling with a Japan Rail Pass

If you're making several long journeys, a Japan Rail Pass can save money, but it was repriced in late 2023, so check today's price against your trips first. For this route the pass fully covers the shinkansen to Utsunomiya and the JR Nikko Line, so pass holders travel free this way; the Tobu routes are private and not covered. Not sure it's worth it? See our guide to Japan Rail Pass prices and whether it's worth it.

Tokyo to Nikko by bus

There's no highway bus worth taking from central Tokyo: the trains are faster and barely more expensive. Local buses take over from the train within Nikko itself, and Tobu's passes include them.

Driving from Tokyo to Nikko

About 2 to 2.5 hours via the Tohoku Expressway when clear, but weekend and foliage-season traffic on the mountain road to Lake Chuzenji can add hours. The train plus local buses is easier for almost everyone; you'll want an International Driving Permit if you drive.

Luggage tips for Nikko

Nikko is best done light. Coin lockers at both stations fit day bags and small cases; if you're staying overnight up at Lake Chuzenji, many hotels arrange luggage pickup, or use takkyubin from Tokyo.

So what is the best way to get from Tokyo to Nikko?

With a JR Pass, ride the shinkansen to Utsunomiya and the JR Nikko Line, entirely covered. Without one, Tobu from Asakusa is the best mix of price and speed, and its passes bundle the local buses you'll use anyway.

Frequently asked questions