- JR is the more expensive and requires changing trains in Utsunomiya, but if you have a JR rail pass, if doesn't cost anything extra to use. If you DON'T have a pass, Tobu is a lot cheaper. Note on prices: Some prices are approximate, and subject to change.
- JR: You can take either the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) or regular trains, from Tokyo or Ueno stations. You must change in Utsunomiya, where you go to platform 5. The Shinkansen takes about 1 to 2 hours and regular trains over 2 hours to Utsunomiya, from there, add another 2 minutes to 1 hour wait and then 43 minutes to Nikko. Without a rail pass, the Shinkansen/train route will cost approximately 4,600 yen and the train/train route approximately 2,500 yen.
- Tobu: If you do not have the JR Pass, the Tobu line is cheaper and quicker.
Regular Tobu adult fare 1,300 yen Regular Tobu child fare 650 yen Tobu Spacia adult fare 2,690 yen Tobu Spacia child fare 1,350 yen Note: All fares approx. and subject to change. First go to Asakusa, which is on the Asakusa and Ginza subway lines. The Tobu ticket office is on the ground (1st) floor. If you want to take the Spacia (the Tobu equivalent of the Shinkansen) you must buy a ticket at the window. Note: The Spacia offers reclining seats with a selection of music from the headrest, and if that isn't enough, private compartments (5,800 yen per room for up to four people). You feel like you are on an airplane! If you want the regular trains, you can buy a ticket at the machines around to your left. The platforms are upstairs. If you want to buy a snack, there is a department store supermarket in the basement, where you can buy many kinds of things to eat and drink on the long train ride (The Spacia has vending macines, and a snack bar that is almost always closed).- A few more notes on the Tobu line trains. The Spacia trains go to the desired destination, no problem. But the regular trains sometimes SPLIT in Imaichi. Read the signs over the door or ask a conductor. Also, if you are on the line to Kinugawa, and don't 'look Japanese', the conductor MAY ask if you are going to Nikko. Guess that goes to show you, most non-Asian looking foreigners do not go to Kinugawa Onsen, although there is a lot to see and do there, too. Trains run from 5:01 AM (arrive Nikko at 7:32). Also,
the last direct regular express train (#53/153) to Nikko leaves Asakusa at 16:20, . arrives in Nikko at 18:20, (remember the splitting train!) The last regular local train (265) to Nikko is 19:21, but you must change to a slower local train in Shin Tochigi at 21:09 and the train arrives in Nikko at 22:14. The last Spacia to Nikko is 20:10, the Kegon 39, and . arrives in Nikko at 21:57. 
Both trains arrive within a hundred meters of each other in Nikko! Secret! Both stations have an 'Information booth! The smaller JR Station booth is small, often closed, and quite unhelpful! The larger and nicer Tobu Station has a much more helpful booth. If you came by JR trains, go out the door, turn right, walk 100 meters, enter the side door, walk straight ahead and you're there!
A second Information Office is just up the street about a 10 - 15 minute walk. Follow the crowds to the downtown area of Nikko, past the little shops on the right as you look out the Tobu Station. The Information Office is on the left side of the street. You can't miss it! It is between the fire station and the post office. Look for one of the following: a) a small fountain of water, b) a sign for 'Information' and c) a sign 'Please use our toilets'. Between the two Information centers, you can find some facts about the area in a variety of languages: Japanese, English, and with a little luck, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, German and I THINK Portugese. Of course, this is on a case by case and day by day basis ;-{)
This page is still under construction. I hope to make this THE comprehensive guide on things to see and do in Nikko and Kinugawa, but for now here are some main attractions for each area.
Nikko area:
- 'Level 1' Downtown / Temple area:
- Rinnoji Museum
- Rinnoji Temple
- Toshogu Museum
- Toshogu Shrine
- Futarasan Shrine
- the Sacred Bridge
- Nikko Museum and the Emperor's old summer palace
- Nikko Youth Hostel
- 'Level 2' (by bus) Lake Chuzenji
- The lake
- Chuzenji Onsen
- Kegon Falls
- Nikko Science Museum
- Tachikikannon
- Nikko Fishpond
- Shobugahama Beach
- Ryuzu Falls
- Mt. Nantai
- 'Level 3' (a little further on the first bus line) Yumoto Onsen
- Yumoto Onsen
- Onsenji Temple
- Yumoto Ski Ground (in Winter)
- Lake Yunoko
- Yudaki Falls
- Mt. Shirane
Kinugawa area has been moved to its own page! A few things to look for there are: (note these are more spread out and you need a car, or get off at different train stops and the ability to WALK!):
- Edomura (Edo Village)
- Westernmura (Western Village - a little America, with Mt. Rushmore, attractions, events, golfing, shops, shows, food, etc.)
- Tobu World Square (where you can truly go around the world in ninety minutes!)
- Of course, onsens, hiking, etc.
Some of my other related pages
The Hippori restaurant, small, plain but very gaijin-friendly (i.e. friendly to foreigners)
On onsens and how to take a bath in Japan
Things to see and do in Kinugawa
Back to the Japan Index / Page
Some pictures
Some links
Onsens A listÅ@ of several in different parts of Japan.
ì™åžç]åÀë†ÉzÅ[ÉÄÉyÅ[ÉWIn Japanese.
| Back to the Japan Page | Top page | Encyclopedic Index |
Copyright (c) 1998, 2002 by Nick Miller.
See notes for information on navigating, links, copyright (my own as well as any possible inadvertent infringement on my part), photo usage, etc.
- A few more notes on the Tobu line trains. The Spacia trains go to the desired destination, no problem. But the regular trains sometimes SPLIT in Imaichi. Read the signs over the door or ask a conductor. Also, if you are on the line to Kinugawa, and don't 'look Japanese', the conductor MAY ask if you are going to Nikko. Guess that goes to show you, most non-Asian looking foreigners do not go to Kinugawa Onsen, although there is a lot to see and do there, too. Trains run from 5:01 AM (arrive Nikko at 7:32). Also,