How to Get from Ekoda or Nerima to Nikko by Train (2026 Guide)

Nikko is one of Japan's most spectacular day trip destinations — UNESCO World Heritage shrines, mountain scenery, waterfalls, and traditional culture. From Ekoda or Nerima, Nikko is reachable in approximately 2 hours by train.

The standard route involves connecting to Asakusa Station, then taking the direct Tobu Railway to Nikko.

From Ekoda to Asakusa:

1. Seibu Ikebukuro Line to Ikebukuro (approximately 8 minutes)

2. Yurakucho Line from Ikebukuro toward Tsukishima, then transfer to Toei Asakusa Line to Asakusa (approximately 30–35 minutes total)

3. Total time: approximately 35–45 minutes | IC card fare: approximately ¥320–¥450

From Nerima to Asakusa:

1. Toei Oedo Line from Nerima, connect at Kuramae to the Toei Asakusa Line toward Asakusa (approximately 30–35 minutes)

2. Total time: approximately 30–40 minutes | IC card fare: approximately ¥300–¥420

Tip: Use Google Maps set to 'Asakusa Station, Tobu' for the most current fastest route.

Option A — Tobu Spacia Limited Express (Recommended):

Service: Spacia or Spacia X (newer premium train)

Departure: Asakusa (Tobu Skytree Line)

Arrival: Tobu-Nikko Station

Travel time: approximately 1 hour 50 minutes

Fare: approximately ¥1,360 (base) + ¥1,380 (limited express surcharge) = ~¥2,740 one way

Booking: Reserve seats online at Tobu Railway website or at Asakusa Station. Advance booking strongly recommended on weekends.

Option B — Tobu Rapid Train (Budget):

Travel time: approximately 2 hours 15–30 minutes (with transfers)

Fare: approximately ¥1,360 (base fare only, no surcharge)

Note: No seat reservation, can be crowded on weekends

Option C — JR Route via Utsunomiya (for JR Pass holders):

1. JR Tohoku/Utsunomiya Line from Ueno or Shinjuku to Utsunomiya (approximately 50–80 minutes)

2. Transfer to JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station (approximately 45 minutes)

Total: approximately 2 hours | Fare: approximately ¥3,000–¥5,500

Route summary:

- Via Asakusa + Tobu Spacia: ~2 hrs 10 min, ~¥3,100–¥3,300 (speed and comfort)

- Via Asakusa + Tobu Rapid: ~2 hrs 40 min, ~¥1,700–¥1,800 (budget)

- Via Ueno/Shinjuku + JR Shinkansen: ~2 hrs 20 min, ~¥4,000–¥5,800 (JR Pass holders)

Tosho-gu Shrine

The main reason most people visit Nikko. This elaborate, UNESCO-listed Shinto shrine is the mausoleum

of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate. The complex includes the famous Yomeimon

Gate, the three wise monkeys carving ("see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil"), and the sleeping cat

(Nemuri-neko) carving.

Entrance fee: ¥1,300 for adults (includes main shrine areas)

Walking time from station: approximately 30–40 minutes (or take a bus/taxi)

Rinnoji Temple

A large Buddhist temple complex adjacent to Tosho-gu, featuring the Sanbutsudo (Three Buddha Hall) with three enormous gilt statues.

Futarasan Shrine

A more serene shrine slightly deeper in the forest, dedicated to the kami of Mt. Nantai. Worth visiting for its relative quietness compared to Tosho-gu.

Shinkyo Bridge

A iconic red lacquered bridge at the entrance to the shrine area. A great photo spot. Crossing the bridge

costs ¥300; the view is free from the road below.

Kegon Falls (Kegon-no-taki)

One of Japan's most famous waterfalls, dropping 97 meters into Lake Chuzenji. Reached by bus from Nikko Station (approximately 45 minutes to Chuzenji Onsen, then a short walk). If you have time, this is worth the extra journey.

Viewing platform: Free (outdoor). An elevator inside the cliff leads to a lower observation deck for ¥570.

Lake Chuzenji (Chuzenji-ko)

A scenic mountain lake at 1,269m elevation. Peaceful boat cruises available, excellent autumn foliage

(late October–early November).

What to See in Half a Day (5–6 hours in Nikko)

If arriving by 10am and returning by 4pm:

• Shinkyo Bridge (photo stop)

• Tosho-gu Shrine (allow 1.5–2 hours)

• Rinnoji Temple (30–45 minutes)

• Lunch near the shrine area (many soba and tofu restaurants)

What to See in a Full Day (7–8 hours in Nikko)

• All of the above, plus:

• Futarasan Shrine (30 minutes)

• Bus to Chuzenji Onsen and Kegon Falls (allow 2.5–3 hours including travel)

Overnight Stay

Nikko has a good range of accommodation including ryokan (traditional inns) with hot spring baths. An overnight stay allows you to experience the shrine area in the early morning before day-trippers arrive.

Practical Tips

• Buy train tickets in advance for the Spacia on weekends — it books out quickly

• IC card (Suica/Pasmo) can be used for local buses in Nikko

• World Heritage Pass (available at Tosho-gu) covers entrance to the main Nikko temples and shrines for ¥1,300

• Nikko is best in spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) for scenery

• The shrine area is crowded on weekends and national holidays — consider a weekday visit

• Wear comfortable shoes — the shrine complex involves significant walking and some stone

staircases

• Last return train from Tobu-Nikko Station to Asakusa: check timetable but typically around 7–8pm