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Toon Army · Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 23

thinking of going to Nikko on a day trip from Tokyo but wondering if that`s enough time to see the main attractions? Is it worth doing? Thanks in advance

Hoser · Joined: 19 Mar 2005 Posts: 694 Location: Toronto, Canada

Staying a night would be better. If you're going to do a day trip get an EARLY start!!! My friend and I did a Nikko trip a couple of hears ago but we didnt get away until almost eleven oclock! We didn't get to Nikko until 3:30pm!!! By the time we got to the main temple it was about to close in 30 minutes and we didnt want to waste 2000 yen on 30 minutes. Oh and Nikko is a hell of a lot colder than Tokyo. We left Tokyo in short sleeves and when we got off the train in Nikko we were freezing.

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

I second the overnight recommendation, you also get a chance to check things out early in the morning before the tour buses arrive.

I also recommend getting a volunteer guide, you can find them on the web.

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

Where are you coming from?

As well as Asakusa, direct fast trains also leave from Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Omiya. The first direct train leaves from JR Shinjuku station at 7.31 am (I think) and gets to Tobu Nikko in about 2 hours.

Spreading the trip over two days will make it more relaxing, but there isn't that much more to see or do with an extra day. If you stay two nights, you could go to Lake Chuzenji and/or Kinugawa as well but with only one night, you'll just see the Toshogu shrine area. And, Nikko shuts down very early.

I say, wake up early and do it in a day!

vancouver_syndicate · Joined: 09 Sep 2004 Posts: 46 Location: Canada

everything there shuts down at 430 so to see everything start early, like first train out. spending the night will also allow you to go up to the lake.

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

I agree with what everyone else has written (I went to Nikko twice, and both times, spent the night), but if you can only do a day trip, don't let that stop you from going!

Toon Army · Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 23

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

Hi Toon Army!

If you live close to Shinjuku, I'd definitely do it as a day trip.

But whatever you end up doing, remember being GW, the punters will be out in droves, so make a booking!... Go to the midori no mado guchi and get your train tickets in advance.

The direct Shinjuku-Tobu Nikko train only runs four times a day (there and back). If you miss the 7.30 train, the next one is only at 10.30 and after that 1.30 (I think).

The last train back from Nikko to Shinjuku goes at about 4.30 pm. But, if you get there at 9.30 am, that's plenty of time.

Have a great trip!

AS

Sour Grape · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 241

A one-day trip to Nikko braving the Golden Week crowds will be miserable. You'll be hurrying around and unable to see much of the sights through the swarms of people.

Go some other weekend and stay overnight in a hotel with an onsen.

Toon Army · Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 23

are there some sort of passes you can get departing from Shinjuku? I know of the Tobu Nikko Free Pass (unlimited travel for bus/train etc) but that seems to be only for trains departing from Asakusa

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

There is a "free pass" for the train departing from Shinjuku, but it only allows unlimited travel on busses, not the train. The train is just one trip each way. Ask at the station.

If you're only going for the day, you won't have much opportunity to ride busses anyway.