
In Nikko, which can be reached in less than two hours by using the Tobu Railway Limited Express from Asakusa, Tokyo, you can enjoy splendid World Heritage sites, magnificent nature, and lovely hot springs.
Also, the most popular way of going around sightseeing in Nikko is by using trains and buses that depart from Nikko Station. One unique feature is the free passes which let you efficiently visit all the places you wish to see - and at a savings at that!
Two of particular interest are the “NIKKO PASS all area” and “NIKKO PASS world heritage area” free passes, which are offered exclusively to foreign tourists visiting Japan. Read on, and we will explain these passes and how you can use them in more detail.
NIKKO PASS All Area: Best for visiting all the famous places in Nikko

The "NIKKO PASS all area" is recommended for those who want to enjoy not only Nikko's famous shrines and temples, but also a wide range of attractions such as Kinugawa Onsen and Kirifuri Falls. The popularity of this pass stems from the ease the user has in exploring wide areas that are designated bus free access zones.
Another nice point is that it can be used on the sightseeing boats on Lake Chuzenji and the Akechidaira Ropeway, both of which offer spectacular views of the natural beauty of Nikko.
Free use section
・Rail
Shimo-Imaichi Station ~ Tobu Nikko / Shin-Fujiwara Station (including round trip between Asakusa Station and Shimo-Imaichi Station)
・Bus
(Summer) Tobu Nikko Station ~ Yumoto Onsen, Kotoku Onsen, Ozasa Ranch, Kiyotaki ~ Oku Hosoo, Chuzenji Onsen ~ Tachiki Kannon-mae ~ Hangetsuyama, Yashio no Yu; World Heritage Sites Tour Bus; Nikko Kinugawa Line, Lake Chuzenji cruise ships, Akechidaira Ropeway, Edo Village Loop-line Bus, Low Pollution Bus
(Winter) Tobu Nikko Station ~ Yumoto Onsen, Kotoku Onsen, Kirifuri no Taki Falls ~ Kiyotaki, Oku Hosoo, Yashio no Yu, World Heritage Tour Bus, Nikko Kinugawa Line, Akechidaira Ropeway, Edo Village Lop-line Bus
・Modes of transportation that can be used
Nikko Kinugawa Line (operates only on days when SL Taiju runs), Lake Chuzenji cruise ships, Akechidaira Ropeway, Edo Village Loop-line Bus, Low Pollution Bus
Valid period
Valid for 4 days
Price
(Summer: April 20 ~ November 30) Adults 4,780 yen, children 1,330 yen
(Winter: December 1 ~ April 19) Adults 4,160 yen, children 1,080 yen
Discount benefits
Nikko area
・Nikko Natural Science Museum
・Nikko Kirifuri Skate Center (outdoor rink in the winter)
・Kosugi Hoan Museum of Art, Nikko
・Nikko Astraea Hotel
・Akechidaira Ropeway
Kinugawa Area
・Tobu World Square
・Kinugawa Koen Iwaburo
・EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura
・Kinugawa Onsen Ropeway
・Monkey Mountain
Other
・Shopping costs (for purchases over 1,000 yen) at stores displaying the Nikko Kinugawa Discount Pass mark in the Nikko/Kinugawa Onsen area
Sales locations
Tobu Tourist Information Center ASAKUSA
NIKKO PASS World heritage Area: For enjoying World Heritage sites

This is a pass that allows you to enjoy the World Heritage sites of Nikko where you can feel its long history and culture. In 1999 Nikko Toshogu, Futarasan Shrine and Nikkozan Rinnoji were registered as World Heritage Sites, all located in the Nikko Yamauchi area. There are 103 structures which together with the surrounding ruins and natural environment are world heritage sites. Enjoy world heritage sites resplendent with highlights such as the Toshogu Shrine, which enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu who built the Edo Shogunate, and the gorgeous sculptures that proclaim the glory of the Tokugawa Family.
Free use section
・Rail
Shimo-Imaichi Station ~ Tobu Nikko / Shin-Fujiwara Station (including round trip between Asakusa Station and Shimo-Imaichi Station)
・Bus
JR Nikko Station and Tobu Nikko Station ~ Rengeseki World Heritage Tour Bus
Valid period
Valid for 2 days
Price
Adults 2,120 yen, children 630 yen
Discount benefits
Nikko area
・Nikko Natural Science Museum
・Nikko Kirifuri Skate Center (outdoor rink in the winter)
・Kosugi Hoan Museum of Art, Nikko
・Nikko Astraea Hotel
・Akechidaira Ropeway
Kinugawa Area
・Tobu World Square
・Kinugawa Koen Iwaburo
・EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura
・Kinugawa Onsen Ropeway
・Monkey Mountain
Other
・Shopping prices at stores displaying the Nikko Kinugawa Discount Pass Shopping at stores displaying the mark in the Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen Area (for purchases over 1,000 yen)
Sales locations
Tobu Tourist Information Center ASAKUSA
Main spots where you can get a discount by showing your pass
“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 area
・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.
Kinugawa Hot Spring Area
・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 monkey 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.
*Article is as of July 2019. Pass prices updated in July 2022. It is possible that information may have changed at the time of your visit.
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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