Nikko is 130 kilometres north of Tokyo and is home to the most ornate Shinto shrine complex in Japan. The Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa is the most direct and affordable route. Here is the full comparison.
Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture is one of Tokyo’s most rewarding day trips, with the Tosho-gu shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and the Kegon waterfall. Getting there involves a choice between the private Tobu Line (cheaper, departs from Asakusa) and the JR route via Shinkansen (faster but more expensive). See the Nikko day trip guide for what to do once you arrive.
Quick answer: Tobu Spacia or Revaty Limited Express from Tobu Asakusa Station to Tobu Nikko Station. About 1 hour 50 minutes, around 2,920 yen including reserved seat supplement. Most direct and affordable option.
Option 1: Tobu Limited Express (Recommended)
- Departure: Tobu Asakusa Station (adjacent to Tokyo Metro and Toei Asakusa Station)
- Arrival: Tobu Nikko Station (central Nikko town)
- Train: Spacia or Revaty Limited Express
- Journey time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Cost: Around 2,920 yen, including the limited express supplement. Book at the Tobu Asakusa Station counter or online at tobu.co.jp.
- JR Pass: NOT covered. Tobu is a private railway.
The Spacia is a purpose-built sightseeing train with comfortable reserved seating and large windows. Booking is strongly recommended for weekends and holidays, as the train sells out.
Option 2: JR via Shinkansen to Utsunomiya
- Departure: Tokyo Station, Tohoku Shinkansen toward Utsunomiya
- Utsunomiya: About 55 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen, around 4,510 yen (JR Pass valid)
- Utsunomiya to Nikko: JR Nikko Line local train, about 45 minutes, 760 yen
- Total: About 1 hour 45 minutes. Around 5,270 yen without a JR Pass.
- JR Pass: Covers the Shinkansen to Utsunomiya and the local line to Nikko. JR Pass holders save significantly versus the Tobu route.
JR Pass holders should use this route. Non-JR Pass holders save money with the Tobu Line.
Option 3: Tobu All Nikko Pass
The Tobu All Nikko Pass (2-day, around 2,600 yen from Asakusa) covers the Tobu Limited Express and unlimited local transport within the Nikko area, including buses to Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon Falls. Excellent value for day-trippers planning to explore Nikko’s wider area beyond the temple complex.
Getting Around Nikko
Tobu Nikko Station and JR Nikko Station are a 5-minute walk apart. Buses to the Tosho-gu shrine, the Rinno-ji temple area, and Lake Chuzenji depart from both stations. Nikko World Heritage Bus is a hop-on, hop-off service covering the main sites, with a day pass priced at around 1,500 yen.
