FAQs

Sightseeing

Central Nikko: mid-April
Kinugawa-Kawaji Onsen: early April – mid-April
Okunikko: late April – mid-May
Yunishigawa, Kawamata and Okukinu Onsen: late April – early May
Imaichi: early April – mid-April
Ashio: mid-April – early May

Azalea: early May – early June (across Nikko City)
Cherry: early April – mid-May (across Nikko City)
Japanese Primrose: mid-June (Okunikko)
Nikko Day Lily: early to mid-July (Central Nikko)

Central Nikko: late October – mid-November
Kinugawa-Kawaji Onsen: mid-October – late November
Okunikko: late September – late October
Yunishigawa, Kawamata and Okukinu Onsen: late September – early November
Imaichi: late October – mid-November
Ashio: mid-October – late November

Yes, you can. You can participate in many of the events listed on this site. For detailed information, please check each event specifically.

Yes. You can camp at the following locations.

Kinugawa Onsen area:
Kinugawa Onsen Auto Camping Site
Manaka no Mori Camping and Spa

Imaichi area:
Daiyagawa Auto Camping Site

Nikko (Kirifuri) area:
Ozasa Ranch Auto Camping Site
New Kirifuri Camping Site

Okunikko area:
Shobugahama Camping Site
Yumoto Onsen Camping Site

Accommodation

It is strongly recommended to reserve your accommodation in advance.

Hot Springs

The following page introduces basic Japanese bathing etiquette so that everyone can enjoy Nikko's hot springs.

Hot Springs

Guests at some hotels or ryokan can rent a private bath on premises for a specified length of time.

Meals

There are restaurants near Nikko and Tobu-Nikko stations, World Heritage sites, and other major stations and sightseeing spots. However, many restaurants are only open during the day, so check opening hours in advance.

Transportation

Nikko is about two hours from Tokyo by train. For more detailed information, please see the following page.

Getting Here & Around

You can get to Kinugawa Onsen by train or bus from central Nikko. For more detailed information, please see the following page.

Getting Here & Around

The bus fare depends on route and distance. Contact Tobu Bus for more information.

These destinations are most easily reached by car from Nikko. The city of Aizu-Wakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture can also be accessed by Tobu Railway.

Money Exchange and Credit Cards

You can exchange currency at the following banks and post office:
Tochigi Bank Nikko Branch
Tochigi Bank Kinugawa Branch
Ashikaga Bank Kinugawa Branch
Tochigi Bank Imaichi Branch
Tochigi Bank Osawa Branch
Nikko Post Office

Toko Bussan souvenir shop and cafe.
Automatic currency exchange machine available: open 11:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m. and supports 10 languages and 12 currencies.

There are ATMs that allow withdrawals in yen using foreign cards at banks, post offices and 7-Eleven convenience stores.

Some hotels accept China UnionPay cards.

Services for Tourists

Find coin lockers at major stations, including:

Tobu-Nikko Station
Nikko Station
Kinugawa-Onsen Station
Yunishigawa Roadside Station
Chuzenji Onsen Bus Terminal

You can use Nikko City Wi-Fi, a service provided for tourists, around parts of the city.

Convenience stores are located near stations and along major roads in central Nikko, Kinugawa Onsen and Imaichi.

Facilities serving halal-certified meats are unavailable, but some facilities can serve Muslim-friendly meals or meals that don't contain pork or lard upon request. Some facilities can provide extra services for Muslim guests, including setting aside a place for prayer.

Accommodation in Nikko spans all types and budgets — from humble pensions and guesthouses to luxurious ryokan and Western-style hotels. Nikko has an abundance of hot springs, so many visitors choose to stay somewhere with access to them.

Learn more about types of accommodation here.

Yes. Many ryokan and hotels open their onsen baths to non-staying guests for a fee. There are also public baths in some major onsen areas. Some ryokan and hotels offer private baths to rent for a time.

Learn more about day onsen here.

Tobu limited express trains leave from Asakusa in Tokyo about twice per hour. Some require a transfer at Shimo-Imaichi Station to reach Kinugawa-Onsen Station. The limited express Kinugawa runs directly between Shinjuku Station and Kinugawa-Onsen Station, but trains are much more infrequent.

There are many ways to get around Nikko depending on destination and travel style. For example, buses are the main form of public transportation around Nikko. Some secluded locations are best reached by rental car or taxi.

Learn more about getting around Nikko.

The number of businesses that accept credit cards has steadily increased in recent years. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at many shops and accommodations around Nikko. However, many businesses still only accept cash so make sure to have some on you and check ahead.

Riding the bus in Nikko is easy. Each stop is numbered and when your stop is coming next, simply push the button. Bus schedules are posted at stops. Fares vary by route but paying is made easier with an all-inclusive bus pass, available to purchase at the Tobu-Nikko Tourist Center and the Nikko Station ticket office.

Cars can be rented near most major stations, The process is fairly straightforward, but you should make certain preparations and reservations in advance.

Learn more about renting a car in Nikko here.

Nikko is a popular destination year-round, but its peak season is in fall, when people come to see the breathtaking beauty of the autumn foliage.

Nikko is spread out, so it never feels too busy, even in peak season. However, bear in mind that traffic can severely increase travel times between central Nikko and Okunikko.

Yes. Three express buses per day run between Narita Airport and Nikko Station. The trip takes about four hours. Buses also run from Haneda Airport via Yokohama.

Central Nikko is fairly compact and can be traversed on foot or by regular buses. However, the other areas of Nikko, such as Kinugawa Onsen, Kawamata Onsen and Ashio are much more spread out. We recommend planning your trip to allow plenty of travel time between areas.

Learn more about getting around Nikko here.