Nikko: Day Trips and Tours from Tokyo

Renowned for its vibrant history and its magnificent nature, Nikko is an ancient Japanese town, right at the entrance to the colorful Nikko National Park.  It is an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Japan's countryside and experience its cultural heritage in full swing.

Underrated among Tokyo travelers, it offers a mix of tradition and modernity, with stunning shrines and temples, lush forests and hot springs.

As a picturesque and culturally rich part of Japan, booking a Nikko day trip from Tokyo is a must when visiting the nation's capital.

Here's everything you should know about Nikko, one of the most exciting day trips from Tokyo.

How do I get to Nikko from Tokyo?

Nikko is located about 160 kilometers (100 miles) north of Tokyo, in the Tochigi Prefecture mountains. It is relatively far inland, about 160 kilometers from the North Pacific Ocean as well.

From Tokyo to Nikko by car

To get to Nikko from Tokyo by car, take the Tohoku Expressway North from Tokyo. You will eventually reach the Nikko Tollgate, where you'll pay the expressway toll and exit the freeway. The drive takes about two to three hours in total, depending on traffic.

From Tokyo to Nikko by public transport

You can also get to Nikko from Tokyo by public transport. The easiest way is to take the Ueno-Tokyo line from Takahagi Station in Tokyo, before changing at Kitasenju Station, switching to the Nikko-Kinugawa line, riding to Nikko Station.

The ride takes about two and a half hours, and costs around US$20-US$25 one-way.

Guided tour to Nikko from Tokyo

A convenient and very popular option to get to Nikko from Tokyo is a guided tour. On these tours, you can usually choose from different packages, ranging from full-day trips to half-day trips. This is a great choice for those who want to avoid the hassle of organizing their own transport and sightseeing.

What is on the itinerary?

The typical tour from Tokyo to Nikko starts with convenient hotel pickup and then a drive or a train ride to Nikko. Typically, the day trip includes a collection of must-see attractions in and around Nikko, with a few variations depending on your chosen tour providers.

Book one of the best walking tours in Tokyo that take you to Nikko with a private guide. You can expect most of the tours to take you to the Toshogu Shrine, a historic and stunningly beautiful mausoleum built in 1617, as well as the Futarasan Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge and the Rinnoji Temple.

Other attractions include Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon waterfalls – you'll also have plenty of time to explore the natural landmarks of Nikko National Park.

All of the tours drop you back in Tokyo. Throughout the day, you'll be accompanied by a local guide who can provide interesting insights into the area's history, culture and attractions. Most tours include a hearty lunch at a local restaurant, where you'll be able to sample traditional Japanese dishes.

What are the most popular Nikko day trips from Tokyo?

There are several different kinds of tours to Nikko from Tokyo, catering to all tastes and budgets. They differ in their transportation type, party size and duration, so there's something for everyone, whether you're a solo traveler or part of a large family.

Guided tours to Nikko from Tokyo

A guided tour is a great way to be shown Nikko for a reasonable price. These tours usually include round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide who can provide you with useful travel information about the area. These tours will visit quintessential landmarks like the Toshogu Shrine and the Futarasan Shrine.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Nikko from Tokyo

For those that don't require a guide for their trip, there is something known as a Nikko Pass which provides a traveler with transport to and from Tokyo as well as admission to a lot of the most popular attractions around Nikko. This option is excellent for more adventurous travelers who want to go at their own pace.

Private tour to Nikko from Tokyo

Private tours are a great choice for couples and small groups, as they offer the opportunity to tailor-make an itinerary according to your unique wants and needs. You can pick out exactly which sights you would like to discover, spending more time at some than others.

Plus, you have the added advantage of having access to a private vehicle and driver for your entire journey. While slightly pricier than guided group trips, private tours provide an incredibly special and intimate experience.

Day trip to Nikko plus Lake Chuzenji from Tokyo

Picturesque Lake Chuzenji is a scenic spot hidden in the mountains above Nikko. It is the highest-elevation natural lake in all of Japan and makes for a great photo stop, so it is worth considering booking a tour that includes this stop.

These kinds of tours provide the best value by combining the very best of Nikko and Lake Chuzenji into one package.

What are prices like for day trips to Nikko from Tokyo?

The prices for the tours vary based on how long the tour runs for, what stops are along the way and any other added extras. A guided tour ranges between US$90-US$115 per person while a private tour often charges for the whole vehicle and ranges between US$500-US$1,000 (divided amongst each passenger).

Meanwhile, Nikko day tours from Tokyo that add Lake Chuzenji as a stop cost around US$100 per person.

What will I see and do in Nikko?

There is a tremendous variety of things to do in Nikko given its status as both a stunning town and a gateway to a breathtaking national park.

The Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a popular destination for many visitors — the UNESCO-listed shrine pays homage to the most famous samurai leader in history.

Other attractions include visiting local temples, shrines, and other historical sites such as the Rinnoji Temple complex or Shinkyo Bridge. The latter is painted in striking red and crosses a leafy river, making for one of the most iconic sights in Nikko.

You can also visit the Nikko National Park where you can witness the stunning beauty of the Kegon Waterfall and the Shobu-en Garden, a colorful oasis of Japanese landscaping with walking paths and blooming flowers to boot.

For the more adventurous, there are plenty of outdoor activities like canoeing and hiking to explore in and around Nikko, particularly around Lake Chuzenji, where you can go fishing or boating.

While it's a little more hidden than the other attractions, the Kanmangufuchi Abyss is a must-see, with its impressive view of the Daiya River and its peculiar row of old Jizo statues.

When is the best time to visit Nikko?

Nikko and the surrounding areas are famous for their color-changing leaves in autumn, so early to mid-October is a perfect time to visit. During this time, you can expect the landscape to be covered in red and yellow.

Other great times to visit Nikko are during the spring when you can witness the cherry blossoms in full bloom, and during summertime which is usually hot but still great for outdoor activities.

As for the time of day, it's advised to take your day trip from Tokyo to Nikko in the morning to make the most of your experience.

What are the other day trips from Tokyo?

• Day trips to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo
• Day tours to Hakone from Tokyo
• Lake Ashi day trips from Tokyo
• Kamakura day tours from Tokyo
• Lake Kawaguchi day trips from Tokyo

Travel tips

• There are several hiking trails around Nikko, so make sure to bring plenty of water.
• Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat if traveling in warmer months.
• Make sure to check if any of the sights you wish to visit have an entry fee before you book – many tours include tickets and entry fees, however, some may require you to purchase them separately.
• Book your tour online and ahead of time to avoid missing out.