Nikko is one of the most famous places in Japan, approximately 140 km north of Tokyo, and the city of beautiful waterfalls, impressive shrines in the UNESCO World Heritage, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Planning a short trip or day out of Tokyo? This is a full-fledged guide on how to get to Tokyo, tour the town and have local experience.

How to travel the best way between Tokyo and Nikko

By Train

The most common and surest means of transport between Tokyo and Nikko is the trains. There are two main options:

1.    JR Route (Shinkansen + JR Nikko Line)

Ride the Shinkansen at Tokyo or Ueno Station to Utsunomiya (around 5060 minutes) and switch to the JR Nikko Line where it will take 45 minutes to get to JR Nikko Station. This is the best path where Japan Rail Pass holders would travel and it takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.

2.     Tobu Railway Route (Direct Express in Asakusa)

Tobu Railway has limited-express trains like the Spacia Revaty; which connects Asakusa to Tobu Nikko Station in approximately 1 hour 50 minutes. This choice is normally less expensive and suitable to tourists who do not have a rail pass. The fares of the reserved seats are between 2,850 and 3,540. Local trains in the Tobu line have been offered to budget travelers but they are slow and require transfers.

Real-Time Train Schedules

The real-time train schedules are available in a number of apps:

• Google Maps: Global and provides proper route and train directions.

• Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan): The best choice in terms of the detailed train schedules and platform information.

• JR East App: helpful in case of traveling by Shinkansen + JR Nikko Line.

• Tobu Railway App: Displays express train schedules and prices and seats available.

A mobile connection is handy in terms of updates, ticketing, and changes of routes.

Express Bus Tickets

Today, the direct highway buses between Tokyo and Nikkio are restricted or canceled, and therefore trains are often used. Nevertheless, there are also travel agencies which provide tour buses that will also include stops at Nikkio and can be ordered online. Best in local transportation in Nikko is the use of area bus passes.

Souvenir Shopping in Nikko

Nikkos is known as the town of traditional crafts, snacks and unique souvenirs. Recommended shops include:

• Kishino Traditional crafts, wood carvings and foods made of yuba.

• Ishidaya: Keeping senbei (rice crackers) and local sweets.

• Nikko Castella Honpo: Castella sponge cakes are made here, with some having gold-leaf versions.

The vast majority of the shops are found between the Tobu Nikko Station and the covered area of the shrines so that they are easily accessible to the people walking across the town.

Day Trips around Tokyo that are not expensive

On a low-cost day trip, consider:

• Tobu Limited Express: Round-trip fare 5,700-7,000.

• Nikko world heritage pass: It covers two-day round-trip train fare plus unlimited rides on the bus in Nikko (~ 3000 yen).

• Visits to temples: Temple Visits Tosho-gū Shrine: There is an entrance fee, but the temple is quite affordable. Rinnoji Temple: This temple is also affordable and has an entrance fee.

These combined with walking or local buses help keep the expenses or costs in control and still enables one to enjoy both the cultural and natural sites.

Guided Tours and Individual car services

A number of firms would provide guided tours around Tokyo that include hotel pick-up. These tours often cover:

• Toshogu Shrine: A richly decorated UNESCO World Heritage.

• Kegon Falls: It is one of the most beautiful falls in Japan.

• Lake Chuzenji: Beautiful Lake with scenic walks and boat riding.

The car tours offered as private tours will offer door to door service; this is suitable to the travelers who prefer comfort and convenience but do not have to plan on the movement and book tickets.

Exploring Nikko by Bike

To experience the Nikko national park, renting a bike is a terrific idea to the nature lovers:

•                Nikko Cycling Ciel: It provides e-bike tours and tours of beautiful places.

•                Nikko Fulltime Activity Tour: Mountain bikes and e-bikes can be rented on a daily basis.

The best thing about cycling is that you can visit the trails, lakes, and waterfalls at your own time, which are ideal in terms of photography and nature walks.

Best Restaurants in Nikko

Nikko food is focused on the local delicacy of yuba (tofu skin). Famous restaurants in it are:

•                Kishino Restaurant: Yuba and traditional and sweet foods.

•                Local Cafes: Local cafes which are close to Tobu Nikko Station sell castella, senbei and light food.

Visiting shrines and nature places through the taste of the local food will add to your cultural experience.

Public Transport Passes

Nikko World Heritage Area Pass: It is a 2-day ticket, which covers railroad and buses in the Nikko locality.

Nikko All Area Pass: 4-day pass in case of longer stay and more sightseeing.

Express Seats: An extra fee might be charged in case of using limited express trains.

Visitors who spend many days in Nikkos or want to visit several attractions in the city find the passes convenient.

Guided Tours vs. Independent Travel

•                Free: Credible, cost-effective, and individual. Best suitable to tourists who are sure they can find their way through the Japanese transport.

•                Guided Tours: Provide convenience, time-saving and introduction of main attractions. It can be recommended to first-time visitors or people with limited time.

An independent trip is effective on a day out. A private tour is worth it, in case you desire to be comfortable, have stress-free transportation, and have coverage on the sightseeing.

Final Tips

•           Make upfront reservations and plan ahead to buy any reserved seats on limited-express trains.

•           Visit some of the sights, buy souvenirs, and have some yuba as an all-inclusive experience.

•           Choose whether to travel independently or use a guided tour in terms of comfort, budget and convenience.

Nikko is a site that can be visited in a single day trip to Tokyo with regard to history, culture and nature. Alone or on a tour, it is always important to plan well before taking the trip that you will have a memorable moment and not a stressed up one.