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How to Get to Nikko

How to Get to Nikko

Nikko North Of Tokyo, Japan Travel Guide

Air Travel to Japan

Narita International Airport NRT

Narita is east of Tokyo, Japan's main international gateway. It handles a large volume of flights from around the world.

Information

  • Main international gateway for flights worldwide.
  • Located in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo.
  • Extensive network of airlines and direct flight options from major global hubs.

Haneda Airport HND

Haneda, closer to Tokyo's city center, increasingly handles international routes, offering a more convenient arrival point for many travelers.

Information

  • Closer to central Tokyo, a highly convenient option.
  • Located south of Tokyo, with growing international services.
  • Efficient transfer options to city center, a good choice for urban exploration.

Airport Facilities

Both Narita and Haneda offer extensive facilities, including currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, restaurants, and tourist information.

Flight Seasonality

Flight prices increase during peak seasons: cherry blossom, Golden Week, autumn foliage, and New Year's. Booking ahead is advisable.

Transfer Options

Both airports have train and bus services connecting to major Tokyo stations and hotels, making onward travel easy.

Tokyo Airport Transfers

Narita to Tokyo

  • Narita Express (N'EX): Direct train service to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya. (Covered by JR Pass)
  • Keisei Skyliner: Faster service to Ueno and Nippori stations.
  • Airport Limousine Bus: Door-to-door service to many hotels and major stations.
  • Journey approximately 1 hour for trains, variable for buses.

Haneda to Tokyo

  • Keikyu Line: Direct train to Shinagawa Station.
  • Tokyo Monorail: Connects to Hamamatsucho Station for JR Yamanote Line transfers.
  • Airport Limousine Bus: Connects to various points in Tokyo.
  • Journeys are typically 15-20 minutes to major hubs.

Booking Flights Smartly

Deal Alerts

Services like Dollar Flight Club can inform you about inexpensive flights to Japan.

Price Comparison

Skyscanner assists in finding the best flight deals by comparing prices across various airlines and dates.

Compensation for Delays

AirHelp assists passengers in receiving compensation for delayed or canceled flights.

Land Transportation to Nikko

Train Connections JR Lines

If you possess a Japan Rail Pass, this is a cost-effective option to reach Nikko. The journey involves a transfer at Utsunomiya.

JR Route Details

  • Take JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station (approx. 50 mins).
  • Transfer at Utsunomiya Station to the local JR Nikko Line (approx. 45 mins).
  • Total journey from Tokyo to JR Nikko Station is approximately 2 hours.

Tobu Railway Lines

Tobu Railway has direct and convenient service from Tokyo to Nikko, often with dedicated tourist passes that offer good value.

Tobu Route Details

  • Direct Tobu Limited Express SPACIA or Revaty trains from Tobu Asakusa or Shinjuku Station to Tobu Nikko Station.
  • Comfortable journey takes approximately 2 hours.
  • Tobu Passes (e.g., Nikko Pass World Heritage Area, All Area Pass) include train and local bus travel.

Self-Driving in Japan

Driving offers flexibility for exploring areas beyond central Nikko and the main bus routes. An International Driving Permit is necessary.

Driving Requirements

  • A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) from the 1949 Geneva Convention.
  • Carry your original domestic driving license and passport.
  • Car rental offices are more common in larger cities like Utsunomiya or Tokyo.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Highway buses offer an alternative to trains for reaching Nikko from Tokyo, often a cheaper choice if you do not use a rail pass.

Bus Travel Notes

  • Buses depart from Tokyo's Shinjuku Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku).
  • Journey times are typically 2.5 to 3 hours, variable with traffic.
  • Booking tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, is advisable.

Road Conditions & Safety Concerns

  • Roads in Japan are generally safe and well-maintained.
  • Japan drives on the left side of the road. Toll roads are common and can be expensive.
  • Parking can be limited and costly, especially around popular attractions during peak seasons.
  • Winter driving (Dec-Mar) in Oku-Nikko sees heavy snow and ice.
  • Snow tires or Tire chains are mandatory on many roads during winter.
  • Always check local road conditions, especially during adverse weather.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

No specific exit fees are imposed on tourists beyond what is typically included in your airline ticket. The "International Tourist Tax" of ¥1,000 is usually covered at the time of purchase.

Departure Checklist

  • International Tourist Tax is usually prepaid with your flight ticket.
  • For international flights, arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Allow ample time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.

Airport/Station Facilities

Major airports possess extensive facilities for departing travelers, while Nikko's train stations offer basic amenities for pre-departure needs.

Services for Travelers

  • Airports: Array of dining options, duty-free shopping, lounges, souvenir shops.
  • Nikko stations: Souvenir shops, small eateries, restrooms.
  • Public Wi-Fi is generally available at airports and major stations.

Departure Preparation

Plan your journey from Nikko to the airport allowing for adequate travel time, typically around 2 hours to Tokyo plus airport transfer.

Airport Arrival

Attempt to arrive at the international airport 2-3 hours before your scheduled flight to complete all necessary procedures without rush.

Train Departures

For train departures from Nikko, be at the station 15-20 minutes before departure. Allow more time during peak seasons.