Japan Itinerary
Tokyo
Day Trips from Tokyo
Nikko Day Trip

Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo

Nikko is located in Tochigi Prefecture, about 2–3 hours from Tokyo. It’s a great summer getaway and one of the best places to see autumn leaves. map

The area is home to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Shrine, as well as stunning natural attractions like Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. It’s one of the top tourist destinations near Tokyo.

Getting from Tokyo to Nikko

With a JR Pass:
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station (~50 minutes), then transfer to the JR Nikko Line to Nikko JR Station (~45 minutes).
Watch: Traveling from Tokyo to Nikko by JAPAN RAIL PASS Tohoku Shinkansen

Without a JR Pass:
Take the Tobu Limited Express Spacia from Asakusa Station to Tobu Nikko Station (~1 hour 50 minutes, ¥2,850).
Watch: Limited Express Train Ride from Tokyo to Nikko Limited Express Train

  • Limited Express tickets are available at the station, but booking online in advance is recommended, especially during holidays.
  • For a cheaper option, take a local train (~¥1,400, ~3 hours with two transfers). Check Japan Transit Planner or a transit app for details.

Nikko’s Stations
Nikko JR Station and Tobu Nikko Station are right next to each other, just a 3-minute walk apart. map

Nikko Pass
The Nikko Pass was once a great deal, but after the April 2025 price hike, it’s less cost-effective. There are two types:

  • Nikko Pass World Heritage Area ¥3,000 (adult) / ¥1,500 (child), valid for 2 days Covers round-trip travel from Asakusa to Nikko (basic fare only, plus ¥1,450–1,650 for Limited Express seats). Includes Tobu buses in the World Heritage area (Toshogu Shrine and nearby sites), but not buses to Kegon Falls or Lake Chuzenji. It’s only worth it if you plan to ride the bus multiple times.
  • Nikko Pass All Area ¥8,000 (adult) / ¥4,000 (child), valid for 4 days Covers round-trip travel from Asakusa to Nikko (basic fare only, plus ¥1,450–1,650 for Limited Express seats). Includes all Nikko buses and a Lake Chuzenji cruise. Not ideal for a day trip, and only just worth it for two days..

Where to buy: Klook.com or tourist information centers at stations.

 

Nikko One-Day Itinerary (Leisurely Pace)

Notes:
This itinerary focuses on Nikko’s World Heritage temples and shrines, most of which are within a 10-minute bus ride or a short walk. It’s ideal for holidays and the fall foliage season (mid-October–early November).
Warning: Expect heavy crowds and traffic during peak foliage!

Itinerary Details & Map

11:30 AM: Arrive at Tobu Nikko or JR Nikko Station (bus stops are right outside).
From here, you can either:

  • Walk 20 minutes to Shinkyo Bridge (passing restaurants and souvenir shops)
  • Take a bus to Shinkyo Bridge (5 minutes, ¥220) Just a quick photo stop — about a minute is enough.

Then continue to:

  • Rinnoji Temple (10-minute walk; allow 15-30 minutes to visit)
  • Nikko Toshogu Shrine (7-minute walk; allow 1 hour to visit)
  • Futarasan Shrine (5-minute walk; allow 15 minutes to visit)
  • Taiyuinbyo (short walk nearby; allow 15-30 minutes to visit)

Getting back to the station:

  • Take bus from Nishi-Sando Chaya stop (10 minutes, ¥350)
  • Walk back to station (40 minutes)

Total time: 3–4 hours.
Bus info: Check the Tobu Nikko Bus website. Suica cards accepted.
Optional Add-On:
From Taiyuinbyo, walk 25 minutes to: Kanmangafuchi Abyss (15–30 minutes), then: Walk 45 minutes back to the station, or Walk 15 minutes to Kanaya Hotel History Museum bus stop and take a bus to the station (10 minutes, ¥350). map

 

1. Shinkyo Bridge

A 28 m vermilion bridge, built in 1636 and rebuilt in 1907, belonging to Futarasan Shrine. Free to view; ¥300 to walk on it. hinkyo Bridge by AXP Photography

 

2. Rinnoji Temple

Nikko’s main Buddhist complex. Its Sanbutsudo Hall, built in 1645, houses giant wooden Buddha statues.

Hours: April–October 8:00–17:00; November–March 8:00–16:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing).
Fees:
Sanbutsudo: ¥400 (adult), ¥200 (child).
Treasure House and Garden: ¥300 (adult), ¥100 (child).
Combo ticket (all three): ¥1,000 (adult), ¥500 (child).
Time Needed: 15–30 minutes.
Website: Rinnoji Temple Website
Watch - Sanbutsudo Hall: 日光山輪王寺 公式プロモーションビデオ Rinnoji Temple

Watch - Garden: 輪王寺門跡庭園「逍遥園」紅葉 Rinnoji Temple

 

3. Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Nikko’s most famous site, built to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu. Unlike typical shrines, it’s lavishly decorated with gold leaf and Chinese-inspired carvings.

Hours: April–October 9:00–17:00; November–March 9:00–16:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing).
Fee: ¥1,600 (adult), ¥495 (child).
Time Needed: 1 hour.
Website: Toshogu Shrine Website
Watch: Nikko Toshogu Shrine Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Photo Highlights: Toshogu Shrine by Alex Mesmer | Alessandro Stech | Chuck Eugene | S K

Toshogu Shrine by Julius Yls | AXP Photography | Yosuke Ota | S K

 

4. Futarasan Shrine

Dedicated to mountain gods and popular for prayers for love and relationships.

Hours: April–October 9:00–17:00; November–March 9:00–16:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing).
Fee: Free.
Time Needed: 15 minutes.
Website: Futarasan Shrine Website
Watch: Japan Nikko City World Cultural Heritage “Futarasan Shrine” Futarasan Shrine Futarasan Shrine

 

5. Taiyuinbyo

The mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu, Ieyasu’s grandson. Less ornate than Toshogu but more atmospheric than Rinnoji’s main hall.

Hours: April–October 8:00–17:00; November–March 8:00–16:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing).
Fee: ¥550 (adult), ¥250 (child).
Combo ticket: ¥1,000 (adult), ¥500 (child).
Time Needed: 15–30 minutes.
Website: Taiyuinbyo Website
Watch: 4K 日本國寶 _ 輪王寺大猷院 (栃木) Taiyuinbyo Taiyuinbyo

 

6. Kanmangafuchi Abyss

A serene 500 m path lined with 70 moss-covered stone Jizo statues, feeling like a hidden fantasy world. The name “Kanman” has no clear meaning, possibly derived from Sanskrit.

Hours: Open 24/7.
Fee: Free.
Time Needed: 15–30 minutes.
Access:
25-minute walk from Taiyuinbyo.
40-minute walk from JR Nikko Station.
15-minute walk to Kanaya Hotel History Museum bus stop.
Watch: Kanmangafuchi Abyss & Shinkyō Bridge Kanmangafuchi Abyss Kanmangafuchi Abyss

 

Nikko One-Day Itinerary (Fast-Paced)

Notes:

  • Not recommended during the fall foliage season or holidays, as traffic jams can turn a 20-minute ride into 2 hours.
  • Visit Kegon Falls first, followed by Toshogu Shrine, for better bus routing and to catch your return train.
  • Toshogu Shrine hours: April–October 9:00–17:00; November–March 9:00–16:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing).

Itinerary Details & Map

  • 6:30 AM: Depart Tokyo.
  • 8:30 AM: Arrive at Tobu Nikko or JR Nikko Station.
  • Take a Tobu Nikko Bus to Akechidaira (35 minutes, ¥1,250, bound for Yumoto Onsen).
  • Ride the Akechidaira Ropeway (15–30 minutes).
  • Continue by bus to Chuzenji Onsen (10 minutes, ¥290).
  • Visit Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji (30 minutes–2 hours, with lunch or boat options).
  • Take a return bus to Nishi-Sando Entrance bus stop (30 minutes, ¥1,150).
  • Explore World Heritage Sites (Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple, 1–3 hours).
  • Walk 20 minutes back to the station via Shinkyo Bridge, passing souvenir shops.
  • 6:00 PM: Return train to Tokyo.

Overnight Option: Split into two days and stay at Nikko Station Hotel Classic near the station.
Bus info: Check the Tobu Nikko Bus website. Suica cards accepted.
map

 

1. Akechidaira Ropeway

A 3-minute ride to a 1,373 m observatory with views of Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and Mount Nantai.

Hours: 9:00–15:30 (last ascent 15:10).
Fee: ¥1,000 (adult round-trip), ¥500 (child).
Time Needed: 15–30 minutes.
Access: 35-minute bus from Nikko stations (alight at Akechidaira).
Website: Akechidaira Ropeway Website Akechidaira ** Watch: 【女ひとり旅】日光紅葉観光2024年 Akechidaira Ropeway Akechidaira Ropeway

 

2. Kegon Falls

A 7 m wide, 97 m drop, it’s one of Japan’s “Three Great Waterfalls.” Its name is inspired by Buddhist scriptures.

Hours: March–November 8:00–17:00; December–February 9:00–16:30.
Fee: Free (viewing platform) or ¥600 (lower observation deck).
Time Needed: 10–30 minutes.
Tips: Winter flows may be weak, so check recent photos online. Sample local snacks like soft-serve, grilled fish, or dango.
Access: 45-minute bus from Nikko stations (alight at Chuzenji Onsen, 5-minute walk).
Website: Kegon Falls
Kegon Falls

Watch: 日光観光(NIKKO)日帰りモデルコース Kegon Falls Kegon Falls

 

3. Lake Chuzenji

An alpine lake at 1,269 m elevation, famous for seasonal views.

Time Needed: 30 minutes–2 hours.
Activities:

  • Take a lakeside stroll with photos at the G7 NIKKO sign.
  • Take a sightseeing boat ride on Lake Chuzenji. The ticket costs 1,850 yen and the full cruise takes about 1 hour, stopping at 3 places along the way. Boats run once every hour. (Check the schedule here. See the route map here.) On the way back, you can get off at the Tachiki Kannon stop to visit Chuzen-ji Temple (entrance fee: 500 yen), then walk about 20 minutes back to the bus stop.
  • Rent a rowboat (¥1,500 for 30 minutes).

Access: Same bus as Kegon Falls (8-minute walk from Chuzenji Onsen stop).
Lake Chuzenji

Watch: Enjoy the autumn leaves at Lake Chuzenji in Oku-Nikko Lake Chuzenji Lake Chuzenji

 

Hope you enjoy your Nikko adventure!
[]~(￣▽￣)~*

Kamakura Day TripTokyo to Hakone