Nikko Pass Explained: World Heritage Area vs All Area
NIKKO PASS is Tobu Railway’s discount ticket for foreign visitors. The World Heritage Area pass (¥3,000, 2 days) covers a round trip from Asakusa and the buses around the shrines. The All Area pass (¥8,000, 4 days) adds the buses to Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji and the lake cruise. Neither includes the limited express seat or shrine tickets.
Quick facts
- World Heritage Area
- ¥3,000 adult ¥1,500 child · 2 days
- All Area
- ¥8,000 adult ¥4,000 child · 4 days
- Plain Tobu fare, round trip
- ¥2,800 Asakusa ↔ Tobu-Nikko
- Not included
- Limited express seat, shrine tickets
What each pass covers
| World Heritage Area | All Area | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult / child | ¥3,000 / ¥1,500 | ¥8,000 / ¥4,000 |
| Valid | 2 days | 4 days |
| Covers |
|
|
| Kegon Falls & Lake Chuzenji buses | No | Yes |
| Lake cruise | No | Yes, mid-April to November 30 |
Not included in either pass
Limited express tickets (SPACIA X, Kegon, Revaty) and shrine and temple admission are not included source. The JR Shinjuku / Ikebukuro direct trains are not covered by NIKKO PASS.
Is NIKKO PASS worth it?
We compared the passes with paying separately, using Tobu’s own fare of ¥1,400 each way and the lake cruise price. Bus fares in Nikko depend on the stop, so we show how much bus travel each pass has to “earn back”.
| Your day | Best ticket | The maths |
|---|---|---|
| Shrines only, by Tobu from Asakusa | World Heritage Area | The pass costs ¥200 more than two plain fares (¥2,800). It pays off as soon as your bus rides around town add up to more than that. |
| Shrines + Kegon Falls + lake cruise | All Area, usually | The pass costs ¥3,200 more than two plain fares plus the cruise (¥2,000). The bus up the mountain and back, plus town buses, has to cost more than that. Without the cruise, the gap is bigger. |
| Two or more days in the area (Nikko, Kinugawa Onsen) | All Area | Valid for 4 days, with all Tobu buses in Nikko and trains to Kinugawa Onsen. |
| You have a JAPAN RAIL PASS | Neither | Take the JR route via Utsunomiya; pay for buses in Nikko as you go. |
| You are staying in Shinjuku and take the direct train | Neither | The JR–Tobu through trains from Shinjuku are not covered. |
Remember to add the limited express seat on top of either pass if you want the fast train: ¥1,940 each way on the SPACIA X (¥2,140 in busy periods).
Where and how to buy
- Who can buy: Foreign travelers (passport shown at purchase); Japanese nationals travelling with them can also buy it source.
- Where: TOBU Tourist Information Center Asakusa, the 1F ticket counters at Tobu Asakusa Station, or online as a digital ticket or voucher source.
- Online: from 90 days up to 2 days before the start date (3 days if bought together with limited express tickets).
- Using it: show the side of the pass with the date to the driver when you get on and off the bus source.
Akechidaira Ropeway
Akechidaira Ropeway is suspended from January 16, 2026 to August 31, 2027 (may be extended) source. Older guides still list a pass discount for it.
Would a tour be simpler?
A pass, two seat reservations, a shrine ticket and mountain buses add up to a fair amount of planning. If you would rather not, a day tour from Tokyo covers transport to Toshogu and Kegon Falls in one booking. Compare them on our tours page or see two options below; for the train itself, read Tokyo to Nikko by train.
We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. How we choose tours.
Private car with English-speaking driver, lakes and falls
Itinerary lists Akechidaira Ropeway, which Tobu says is closed until August 31, 2027
from $340 per group up to 6
Check availability on GetYourGuideFrequently asked questions
How much is the NIKKO PASS?
The World Heritage Area pass is ¥3,000 for adults and ¥1,500 for children. The All Area pass is ¥8,000 and ¥4,000.
Does NIKKO PASS include the SPACIA X?
No. The pass covers the basic fare; you buy the limited express seat separately, ¥1,940 each way for a SPACIA X standard seat in the normal season.
Does NIKKO PASS cover the bus to Kegon Falls?
Only the All Area pass. The World Heritage Area pass covers buses in the town and shrine area.
Does NIKKO PASS include Toshogu admission?
No. Shrine and temple tickets are paid separately.
Can I use NIKKO PASS from Shinjuku?
No. The train part starts from Asakusa or Tokyo Skytree; the direct trains from JR Shinjuku and Ikebukuro are not included.
Who can buy NIKKO PASS?
Foreign travelers (passport shown at purchase); Japanese nationals travelling with them can also buy it.
Is the World Heritage pass worth it for a day trip?
It costs ¥200 more than two plain Tobu fares and includes the town buses, so it usually pays off if you ride the bus to the shrines and back.
Prices and hours last checked: October 25, 2026. Fares and opening hours change; confirm on the official sites linked in each table before you travel.