Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
19/08/2025
Maheshwaran Shanmugam, Pexels
Nikko is served by two main railway stations: Tobu-Nikko Station and JR Nikko Station, which are located approximately 200 meters apart.
By Tobu Railway from Asakusa Station (Tokyo):
Limited express trains (e.g., Spacia Kegon, Revaty Kegon) offer the fastest direct route, taking about 2 hours and costing approximately 2,850 - 3,540 JPY one-way. Some services may require a transfer at Shimo-Imaichi Station.
Slower express and local trains take at least 2.5 hours with 1-3 transfers, costing around 1,400 JPY one-way.
Tobu offers various passes that combine round-trip train travel and unlimited bus use within Nikko, though a limited express surcharge may apply.
By JR and Tobu Railway from Shinjuku Station (Tokyo):
Direct limited express trains connect Shinjuku Station to Tobu-Nikko Station in about 2 hours, costing 4,090 JPY one-way. JR Tokyo Wide Pass, JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass, and JR East South Hokkaido Pass cover this entire journey.
By Japan Railways (JR) from Tokyo or Ueno Station:
Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya Station, then transfer to the JR Nikko Line to JR Nikko Station. This route takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes with good connections and costs about 5,000-5,500 JPY one-way. This option is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
By Highway Bus from Airports:
Direct highway buses from Narita Airport to Nikko take approximately 3 hours 45 minutes and cost around 4,500 JPY.
From Haneda Airport, buses run to Utsunomiya Station (about 2 hours 30 minutes, 3,600 JPY), where a transfer to the JR Nikko Line is required (45 minutes, 760 JPY).
Note that direct highway bus services from central Tokyo to Nikko may be suspended.
By Car Rental:
Driving from Tokyo to Nikko is approximately 156 kilometers and typically takes 2 to 3 hours. Rental costs start from around 8,000 JPY per day, not including fuel, highway tolls, or parking fees.
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