Nikko: Getting there and around

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.

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.