Nikko Travel Update 2025: What You Need to Know

Nikko is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Tokyo, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage site Toshogu Shrine, beautiful mountains, and autumn foliage. In 2025, there are some important updates about train passes and tickets that travelers should know before planning a trip.

Changes to Nikko Travel Passes

For many years, international visitors used a special discounted ticket called the Nikko Pass, offered by Tobu Railway. Previously, there were two options:

• A standard pass available from ticket machines called Marugoto Nikko Pass.
• Nikko Pass (All Area), a more affordable version exclusively for international travelers

Both are almost the same and including one round trip train fare from Asakusa and free ride area in Nikko for trains and buses. Until recently, Nikko Pass All Area cost around ¥5,000. However, in 2025 the price has increased to ¥8,000. In addition, another pass known as the Marugoto Nikko Pass which could be bought from vending machines, will no longer be available after September 2025. If you are only visiting Toshogu shrine, Nikko Pass “World Heritage Area” which isn’t including the bus to Kegon Falls and further is sold for ¥3,000.

Therefore, from October 2025, travelers taking the bus to further than Toshogu Shrine have 3 options.

1. Purchase Nikko Pass All Area.
2. Not purchasing any passes and use IC card such as Suica/Pasmo.
3. Purchase Bus Pass at Tobu Nikko Station

How to Buy Nikko Passes and Train Tickets

1. Purchase the Nikko Pass
2. Buy limited express train tickets separately (such as for the new Spacia X train)

The Nikko Pass covers one round-trip between Tokyo and Nikko, plus unlimited local bus rides in the Nikko area. However, limited express tickets are not included, so you’ll need to buy them separately.

Where to Buy the Passes and Limited Express Seats

Japan Trip Tickets (official site): A new English-language website where you can buy both the Nikko Pass and limited express tickets together.

Klook (Online travel agency site): (From the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) 10% discount for first-time users with code KENCHAN

Both options are convenient, and it’s worth comparing prices and ease of use.

Alternative Passes for 1 or 2 Day Trips

In case you visit for a day or 2 days and want to go further to Yumoto Onsen, you can also consider:

• Nikko Pass World Heritage Area: ¥3,000 (covers buses up to Toshogu Shrine only)
• Tobu Bus Nikko “Yumoto Onsen Free Pass”: ¥3,500 (valid for two days, includes buses to Yumoto Onsen)

More details: Tobu Bus Nikko Official Website

Visiting Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu Shrine is the highlight of any trip to Nikko. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but lines can be long during peak seasons.

• If you buy a Toshogu ticket through Klook, be aware that you must exchange the voucher at Tobu Nikko station before entering the shrine.
• If you prefer to skip this step, another platform, KKday, allows direct exchange at the shrine’s entrance counter.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the autumn foliage season.

Why This Matters for 2025 Travelers

Still, Nikko remains one of the best day trips from Tokyo—just two hours away by train, with world-class cultural sites and natural beauty. By securing your pass and tickets online in advance, you can avoid confusion and long queues, and focus on enjoying your trip.

Have a great trip to Japan!

Kengo