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JR route to Nikko
- Tokyo or Ueno to Utsunomiya: Tohoku shinkansen Yamabiko or Nasuno, about 50 minutes.
- Utsunomiya to Nikko: JR Nikko line local, about 45 minutes.
- Total: roughly 100 minutes door to door, fully JR Pass covered.
Day trips
Nikko day trip from Tokyo with the JR Pass
Nikko's UNESCO listed shrines and waterfalls are an easy day trip from Tokyo, and you can do the whole journey on JR with a JR Pass. The Tobu line route is faster, but the JR route costs you nothing extra.
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What to see
- Toshogu shrine, lavishly decorated tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
- Rinnoji temple and Futarasan shrine.
- Shinkyo sacred bridge across the Daiya river.
- Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, accessed by local bus (not JR).
- Akechidaira ropeway viewpoint.
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Day trip tips
Leave Tokyo by 08:00 to have a full day. The shrines need 3 hours minimum. Add Kegon falls if you have 7 hours. Bus from Nikko station up the Irohazaka switchbacks costs extra. In autumn, leaves peak in late October to early November, with heavy crowds.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions.
Is the JR or Tobu route better?
Tobu Spacia is fastest direct from Asakusa, but Tobu is not JR and not covered. With a JR Pass the JR route is essentially free.
Are buses to Lake Chuzenji covered?
No. Tobu operates the buses and they are not covered. Budget around 2,300 yen for a return ticket.
Can I do Nikko and Tokyo Disney in the same JR Pass?
Yes. The JR Pass covers both and the pass is worth it as soon as you add one more shinkansen leg.
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