Tobu Railway is the largest private railway network in Japan's Kanto region. With over 460 kilometres of track, it transports commuters, students, business travellers and tourists through Tokyo and into the surrounding prefectures of Chiba, Saitama, Tochigi, and Gunma.

The railway offers different passes for travel between Tokyo and Nikko in Tochigi prefecture, as well as unlimited travel within the Nikko and Kinugawa areas, which are renowned for their beautiful natural scenery and historical sites. 

It also operates one of Japan's most luxurious trains, SPACIA X, a limited express train connecting Tokyo's Asakusa district to Nikko. It began operation last year to provide travellers with a new, deluxe and memorable experience and it features a unique design loved by locals for more than 30 years.

Tobu Railway forms a major part of the larger Tobu Group, which includes world-class attractions, hotels, theme parks, museums and real estate development.

If you're planning to visit Nikko on your next trip to Japan, here are three things you must know to enhance your journey.

1. Visit Nikko's World Heritage Sites on a guided tour

Nikko has long been a destination valued for its historical richness. Featuring beautifully preserved Edo-period architecture, the area is a hub for Shinto and Buddhist worship as well as having close ties to the Japanese imperial family and foreign diplomats.

Due to the area's cultural and historical significance, the Shrines and Temples of Nikko were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, which include the famous Toshogu Shrine, housing the mausoleum of the Tokugawa Shogunate founder, Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Every Friday, Tobu Railway offers a two and a half hour guided tour to visit World Heritage areas including Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoki Temple in Nikko.

The guided tours are conducted through a portion of the proceeds from coffee purchased on board the SPACIA X limited express train, to promote the value of local guides whilst preserving Nikko's nature, history, and culture.

Through this initiative, Tobu Railway aims to enhance the visitor experience and deepen the connection between the community and its guests.

Guided tours can be booked online until 9:30 AM on the day of the tour.
Pamphlet: https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/sightseeing/information/pdf/coffee_project.pdf


2. Enjoy a sake tasting experience at Tobu Nikko Station

On Friday, 30 May 2025, Tobu Railway and Kanaya Hotel Co., Ltd launched a limited-time service at the “The Kanaya Terrace” café located inside Tobu Nikko Station, where visitors can casually enjoy local sake from Tochigi Prefecture via a coin-operated sake dispenser.

The café aims to strengthen its connection with the surrounding region, and this initiative allows travellers—especially tourists returning to the Tokyo metropolitan area—to savour the flavours of Tochigi right up until the moment they board their limited express train.

To utilise this service, purchase coins at the counter of The Kanaya Terrace (Tentative: 3 coins for ¥1,200). Insert a coin into the slot of the sake dispenser (1 coin per serving). Press the button for the sake of your choice and enjoy it inside the café.

Note: Prices are subject to change
Time period: 20 May 2025 – 31 August 2025

3. Keep up to date with Tobu Railway's NIKKO PASS fee revision

As of 20 April 2025, Tobu Railway announced a price revision for its NIKKO PASS All Area and NIKKO PASS World Heritage Area fares. The new prices are in line with the revision of discounted fares of other travel companies in Japan.

The price of the NIKKO PASS All Area has changed from seasonal to an all-year round fare. The price of the NIKKO PASS World Heritage Area has also increased.

The NIKKO PASS All Area allows travellers to explore not only the shrines and temples of Nikko's world heritage sites, but also other destinations including the Okunikko area, Lake Chuzenji, and Kinugawa Onsen.

The NIKKO PASS World Heritage Area is ideal for travellers who want to visit the temples and shrines of Nikko's world heritage area and enjoy the famous hot springs of Kinugawa Onsen.

NIKKO PASS All Area
Previous fare: 
Spring/Summer/Autumn (4/20-11/30): Adult ¥4,780 | Child ¥1,330, 
Winter/Early Spring (12/1-4/19): Adult ¥4,160 | Child ¥1,080
Revised fare: All year-round: Adult ¥8,000 | Child ¥4,000

NIKKO PASS World Heritage Area
Previous fare: Adult ¥2,120 | Child ¥630
Revised fare: Adult ¥3,000 | Child ¥1,500

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About Tobu Railways
Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. is one of Japan's largest commuter railway networks which operates in Tokyo as well as in large portions of the surrounding prefectures. Tobu Railways is part of the Tobu Group, which is engaged in other transportation sectors such as buses and taxis, they also operate Department stores, hotels, health clubs, golf courses and theme parks, as real estate. They are the largest investor in the TOKYO SKYTREE - the tallest broadcasting tower in the world, which is the centrepiece of the large commercial development.