In under two hours, you can reach Nikko from Asakusa, Tokyo, via the Tobu Railway Limited Express. In Nikko, you'll discover stunning World Heritage sites, breathtaking natural beauty, and inviting hot springs.

Exploring Nikko's attractions is made convenient with the use of trains and buses departing from Nikko Station. Notably, the NIKKO PASS All Area and NIKKO PASS World Heritage Area passes are tailored for foreign tourists. We'll explain these passes in detail next.

The NIKKO PASS All Area pass comes highly recommended for travelers seeking to experience not just Nikko's renowned shrines and temples, but also an array of attractions, including Kinugawa Onsen and Kirifuri Falls. What makes this pass truly popular is the convenience it offers for exploring extensive areas designated as free-access zones for buses.

But that's not all; the pass extends its perks to encompass sightseeing boats on Lake Chuzenji and the Akechidaira Ropeway. These additional features promise breathtaking vistas of Nikko's pristine natural landscapes, adding to the allure of the pass.

The NIKKO PASS World Heritage Area opens the door to a captivating journey through Nikko's World Heritage sites, where you can immerse yourself in its rich history and culture. In 1999, Nikko Toshogu, Futarasan Shrine, and Nikkozan Rinnoji earned the prestigious distinction of being registered as World Heritage Sites, all nestled within the Nikko Yamauchi area. These sites comprise a total of 103 structures, accompanied by enchanting ruins and pristine natural surroundings, all of which hold the coveted status of world heritage.

You're sure to be enthralled by the world heritage sites, each adorned with its own unique highlights. Explore the Toshogu Shrine, a sanctuary that venerates Tokugawa Ieyasu, the visionary behind the Edo Shogunate, and see the gorgeous sculptures that proclaim the glory of the Tokugawa Family.

NIKKO PASS All Area and NIKKO PASS World Heritage Area not only give you discounts for trains and buses, but also discounts at popular spots. Checking in advance as to where the passes can be used for discounts is advisable.

Nikko Natural Science Museum

A museum where you can learn while enjoying the nature and history of Okunikko. From the terrain formation to the waterfalls, it provides information about all aspects of Okunikko. You can also use the rental cycles (Oku-Nikko Cycle Share), which are convenient for actually going around seeing things

Lake Chuzenji Cruise Ship

You can enjoy cruising around the lake at Lake Chuzenji, a popular summer resort at an altitude of 1269 meters. A course that takes you around the lake in about 55 minutes is a popular route and runs every hour. The views are spectacular of Mt. Nintai and the natural scenery of Nikko and can be especially enjoyed from the lake.

Akechidaira Ropeway

The ropeway is in Akechidaira near the end of the No. 2 Iroha road heading from the town of Nikko to Lake Chuzenji. After about 3 minutes, you will arrive at the Akechidaira Observatory, which affords a magnificent view of the great expanse of nature from its 1373-meter elevation. The panoramic view of Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls is especially memorable. The view is breathtaking in the fall when the hillsides are awash in autumn colors.

Kosugi Hoan Museum of Art, Nikko
This art museum displays the works of Nikko-born painter Kosugi Hoan. It also handles themes having to do with the culture of present-day Nikko.

Nikko Astraea Hotel
This is a resort hotel located inside the Nikko National Park. The lodge is located on a plateau at an altitude of 1400 meters, making it a comfortable place to relax, even during summer. The open-air bath with a hot spring flowing from Yumoto Onsen and the large bath with its sense of openness are also popular.

Line Kudari - Boat Tour down the Kinugawa River

Boating down the 6-kilometer Kinugawa River gorge is a famous attraction. The skill with which the boatmen manipulate the crafts is most impressive. It affords excellent views of unique rock formations as well as the natural scenery lovely throughout all the seasons.

Monkey Mountain

There is a mountain where about 30 monkeys play at the summit of Maruyama, about 700 meters above sea level, which can be reached in about 4 minutes on the ropeway from Kinugawa Onsen Sanroku Station. It is also possible to feed the cute monkeys. Also, take time to stop by the observatory and hot spring shrine.

Tobu World Square

A theme park that reproduces buildings and world heritage sites from around the world in miniature at a 1/25 scale. In addition to World Heritage sites such as the Great Wall of China and pyramids, there are Kiyomizu-dera Temple of Kyoto and Tokyo Skytree®, all of which will make you feel like you are enjoying a world trip.

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edo Village

A spacious theme park that recreates the streets of old Edo. You will feel like you have gone back in time to the Edo period when you view samurai residences and ninja performances. There are many events, such as one in which Edo townspeople will approach and talk with you. If you like, you can also dress up in a kimono of your choice and become a part of the street scene of old Edo.

Kinugawa Koen Iwaburo
Nikko Municipal Baths in Kinugawa Park. In the open-air bath made of large stones, you can relax in the bath while admiring the garden. There is also a large communal bath made of fragrant Japanese cedar.

(*This article was originally published in July 2019. Pass prices were updated in October 2023. Be sure to visit official websites for the latest pricing and other details.)