Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Toshogu Shrine, the NIKKO PASS and What It Costs
Gold-covered shrines in a cedar forest, waterfalls and a mountain lake, about two hours from Asakusa. How to plan a Nikko day trip, which NIKKO PASS to buy, and the entry fees for Toshogu.
Nikko is where Japan's most powerful shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, is enshrined. His shrine, Nikko Toshogu, is covered in gold leaf and thousands of carvings, set in a forest of giant cedars. Together with nearby temples and shrines it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Higher up the mountain are Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, making Nikko one of the best "culture plus nature" trips from Tokyo.
At a glance
- Getting there: Tobu Railway from Asakusa (Tokyo) to Tobu-Nikko
- Best pass: NIKKO PASS World Heritage Area, ¥3,000 for 2 days (foreign visitors only)
- Main entry fee: Nikko Toshogu ¥1,600 (adult)
How to get there
The easiest way is the Tobu Railway from Asakusa to Tobu-Nikko Station. Tobu runs limited express trains (Spacia X and Revaty) with reserved seats, which take around two hours. Local and rapid trains are cheaper but slower and usually need a change.
Limited express trains need a separate limited express ticket, even if you have a NIKKO PASS. Check the current price on Tobu's website when you book.
Which NIKKO PASS?
Tobu sells two passes only for foreign travelers (Japanese nationals traveling with them can also buy one). Both include one round trip from Asakusa and unlimited rides on Tobu trains around Nikko.
| World Heritage Area | All Area | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (adult) | ¥3,000 | ¥8,000 |
| Price (child) | ¥1,500 | ¥4,000 |
| Valid for | 2 days | 4 days |
| Round trip from Asakusa | Yes | Yes |
| Tobu buses | Within the World Heritage area only | All Tobu buses in Nikko |
| Lake Chuzenji cruise | No | Yes (mid-April to November 30) |
| Extras | Discounts at some sights | Day-use onsen once, more discounts |
Which one for a day trip?
- Shrines and temples only (Toshogu, Rinnoji, Futarasan, Shinkyo Bridge): the World Heritage Area pass is enough.
- Also Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji: these are up the mountain outside the World Heritage bus area, so the All Area pass covers the bus ride up. It is better value if you stay a night or go further, for example to Okunikko or Kinugawa Onsen.
You can buy both as digital tickets online, or as paper passes at the Tobu Tourist Information Center in Asakusa, up to one month before you travel.
See the NIKKO PASS on Tobu's website
Nikko Toshogu: tickets and hours
| Ticket | Adult / high school | Child (elementary / junior high) |
|---|---|---|
| Toshogu | ¥1,600 | ¥550 |
| Toshogu + Treasure House | ¥2,400 | ¥870 |
| Treasure House only | ¥1,000 | ¥400 |
Hours: 9:00–17:00 from April 1 to October 31, and 9:00–16:00 from November 1 to March 31. Ticket sales close 30 minutes before closing. An audio guide is available for ¥500.
Don't miss the Yomeimon Gate, the famous "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" monkeys, and the Sleeping Cat carving above the path to Ieyasu's tomb.
Get there early
Toshogu closes at 16:00 in the colder months. Take a morning train and see Toshogu first, then the rest.
A sample day
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 8:00 | Limited express from Asakusa |
| 10:00 | Arrive at Tobu-Nikko, bus to the shrine area |
| 10:30 | Shinkyo Bridge (the red bridge at the entrance to the shrine area) |
| 11:00 | Nikko Toshogu |
| 12:30 | Lunch: try yuba (tofu skin), Nikko's local specialty |
| 13:30 | Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine |
| 15:00 | Walk the Kanmangafuchi Abyss path, lined with stone statues |
| 16:30 | Train back to Tokyo |
With the All Area pass, swap the afternoon for a bus up to Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. In autumn, the mountain road gets very busy, so allow extra time.
Akechidaira Ropeway is closed
Tobu lists the Akechidaira Ropeway, a viewpoint near Kegon Falls, as suspended from January 16, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
Tips
- Autumn leaves: the colors start up near Lake Chuzenji and move down to the shrine area. It is beautiful and very crowded. Go on a weekday.
- It is colder than Tokyo, especially up at the lake. Bring a layer.
- Wear good shoes. The shrine area has many stone steps; the climb to Ieyasu's tomb alone is around 200 steps.
- Check bus times back down from the lake area before you head up.
Sources
Prices change
Prices, exchange rates and rules in this article were checked on the date shown above. They can change at any time, so please confirm on the official website before you book or buy.
