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Convenient Nikko Bus Passes & Timetable

Tobu Railway provides a variety of Nikko Bus passes for convenient travel within Nikko.

The most comprehensive of the Nikko Bus passes is the “All Nikko Pass” which is considered the best choice as it covers unlimited bus service for an extensive four-day period from Tobu/JR Nikko train stations to destinations as far as Yumoto Onsen.

Along the way, passengers can enjoy visiting numerous sightseeing spots such as world heritage sites, the Akechidaira ropeway, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, Senjogahara, and Lake Yu.

The primary benefit to buying this pass is that it includes roundtrip train transportation from Asakusa in Tokyo to Shimo-Imaichi station – which serves as the central hub for exploring Nikko. From Shimo-Imaichi station, travelers have access to unlimited train service for four days that extends towards Kinugawa Onsen in northern Nikko city. It’s important to note that Nikko is a vast city – ranking as Japan’s third largest in size – which makes this pass incredibly useful.

The “All Nikko” bus pass tickets can exclusively be purchased at Asakusa station. Another option available is the “Nikko Free Pass,” valid for two consecutive days of travel. This convenient pass can only be bought in Nikko at Tobu Nikko or JR Nikko train stations or through their dedicated app.

Keep in mind that the “Nikko Free Passes” sold at Tobu Nikko and JR Nikko are different than the All Nikko Pass offered solely at Asakusa station. If your itinerary includes visits to Kegon Waterfall, Chuzenji Lake, Ryuzu Waterfall, Senjogahara, Lake Yu, or Yumoto Onsen while you’re staying in the area, consider purchasing a “Nikko Free Pass” during your stay in Nikko.

Opting for a “Nikko Free Pass” is more cost-effective than buying single-use tickets for bus travel (roundtrip). The “Free” in the pass name refers to the flexibility it provides by allowing passengers to hop on and off at any location along the bus route as many times as desired.

The main distinction between the Nikko Free Passes and the All Nikko Pass is that the former covers only buses within Nikko, while the latter includes roundtrip train transportation from Asakusa station in Tokyo. The “Nikko Free Pass” is great for holders of the JR Rail Pass since you can arrive in Nikko using the JR line. Transfer from the Shinkansen at Utsunomiya station and take the Nikko line to (JR) Nikko Station.

For those interested in visiting World Heritage sites, a 600 yen ticket option is available, saving you from walking uphill for 25 minutes from Tobu Nikko or JR Nikko stations.

Every morning here at earth hostel ~ nikko riverhouse, a free shuttle service transports guests directly to these UNESCO World Heritage locations or to JR Nikko or Tobu Nikko train stations to purchase a “Nikko Tobu Bus Free Pass” and catch the necessary bus.

¥600 : Tobu Bus World Heritage Sightseeing Pass- Tobu Nikko station or JR Nikko station <> World Heritage: This one-day unlimited nikko pass world heritage area ticket is suitable for visitors exploring iconic spots like Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple, and Nikko Futarasan-jinja Shrine. You will receive coupons a discount for the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park. Below you can download the nikko world heritage bus map.
¥2,300 : Tobu Bus Chuzenji Onsen Pass – Tobu Nikko station or JR Nikko station <> Lake Chuzenji (Osaki bus stop) : This two-day unlimited Chuzenji Onsen Bus pass ticket is perfect for customers wishing to visit Akechidaira Plateau, Kegon Falls, and Chuzenji Onsen. You will receive coupons a discount for the Chuzenji Lake Boat Cruise, he hybrid bus from Akanuma to Sainoko, Akechidaira Ropeway, Nikko Natural Science Museum and Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park.
¥3,500 : Tobu Bus Yumoto Onsen Pass – Yumoto Onsen < > Tobu Nikko station or JR Nikko station: Another convenient two-day unlimited ride option catering to travelers who want to see Akechidaira Plateau, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, Ryuzu Falls, Senjogahara Plateau, and Yumoto Onsen. You will receive coupons a discount for the Chuzenji Lake Boat Cruise, he hybrid bus from Akanuma to Sainoko, Akechidaira Ropeway, Nikko Natural Science Museum and Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park.
¥1,500 : Tobu Bus Kirifuri Kogen Pass – Tobu Nikko station or JR Nikko station <> Kirifuri Falls, Kirifuru Koen and Kirifuri Highland

The “Nikko Free Pass” tickets can be purchased at (JR) Nikko Station, Tobu-Nikko station or their app. When you buy the ticket using their app, you will receive a ticket in the app to use of the bus. Download it on the App Store or Google Play.