Five days in Tochigi: link both cities or spend two nights by the lake?
For Oya’s quarry and gyoza, divide nights into two in Utsunomiya, one in Nikko and one at Chuzenji Onsen. For fewer hotel moves and more lake displays, compare two nights each in Nikko and by the lake. The two-lake-night route visits villas and natural science museum on separate days, descending by bus on the final day. Villa routes need changing for December–March winter closure.
Choose a 4 nights, 5 days itinerary
Stay two nights in Utsunomiya, then one each in Nikko and by the lake
For the underground quarry, gyoza, temples and lakeside villas, stay two nights in Utsunomiya, one near Nikko Station and one at Chuzenji Onsen. Start at Tokyo Station and return to Asakusa. Day three’s three temple/shrine sites involve substantial walking. The villas close December–March, so change this route in winter.
Stay two nights in Utsunomiya, then one each in Nikko and by the lake →4 nights, 5 days BExplore Nikko’s temples and the lake’s nature and villas at leisure
Stay two nights near Nikko Station and two at Chuzenji Onsen for more lakeside time. Travel from and back to Asakusa, giving Toshogu and Rinnoji separate days, then visiting the waterfall, two villas and natural science museum on different days. Villas close December–March, so change this route in winter.
Explore Nikko’s temples and the lake’s nature and villas at leisure →Stay two nights in Utsunomiya, then one each in Nikko and by the lake
For the underground quarry, gyoza, temples and lakeside villas, stay two nights in Utsunomiya, one near Nikko Station and one at Chuzenji Onsen. Start at Tokyo Station and return to Asakusa. Day three’s three temple/shrine sites involve substantial walking. The villas close December–March, so change this route in winter.
Day 1
Walk along Utsunomiya’s Gyoza Street and eat at Kirasse Main Store, then spend your first night in the city.
- Tokyo Station → JR Utsunomiya Station west side
Take a Utsunomiya-bound ordinary Utsunomiya Line train from Tokyo Station and alight at Utsunomiya. Ordinary carriages are used, excluding Green Car. Gyoza Street is officially about 15 minutes’ walk from the west side. Explore signs and lanes.
Gyoza Street accessCity tourism organisation’s food walking routeCurrent JR station timetables: select month and operating date
- Gyoza Street → Eat gyoza at Kirasse Main Store
Compare gyoza in Kirasse Main Store’s daily rotating area in MEGA’s first basement. Its operating conditions differ from the permanent stalls, so check your chosen area’s hours.
Check the daily rotating area’s hours and meal queues.
Day 2
Visit Oya History Museum and stay another night in Utsunomiya.
- JR Utsunomiya Station → Shiryokan Iriguchi bus stop
Buy today’s JPY 2,200 Oya sightseeing one-day pass at the station tourist desk. From west-side stand 6, take route 45 towards Tateiwa via Oya (大谷経由立岩) to Shiryokan Iriguchi (資料館入口), distinguishing route 47 towards Shin-Kanuma. The official ride is about 30 minutes; allow traffic delays too.
Oya pass inclusions and sales hoursFees, access and use restrictionsOutward stand 6 weekday timetableKanto bus current route and timetable selection
- Shiryokan Iriguchi bus stop → Explore the underground quarry and have lunch
Walk about five minutes from the stop to the museum. Visit the underground quarry displays, then have lunch above ground.
Fees, access and use restrictionsOya pass inclusions and sales hours
- Shiryokan Iriguchi bus stop → JR Utsunomiya Station west side
Take route 01 towards Utsunomiya Station from the station-bound side of Shiryokan Iriguchi.
Return weekday timetableKanto bus current route and timetable selection
Use today’s Oya pass. It does not cover yesterday’s city walk.
Day 3
Move to Nikko and visit Toshogu, Sanbutsudo and Taiyuin. Expect many stairs and substantial walking.
- JR Utsunomiya Station → JR Nikko Station
Choose a JR Nikko Line train from Utsunomiya reaching JR Nikko in the morning, distinguishing Kanuma-terminating services. Walk along Route 119 to Tobu-nikko and buy the JPY 600 World Heritage bus pass at the tourist centre. Buy the Rinnoji combination first, visit, then continue with lunch and Toshogu.
Bus-pass salesCurrent JR station timetables: select month and operating dateBus timetable, stands and fares
- Tobu-nikko Station → Sanbutsudo entrance · alight at Nishisando Iriguchi
Take C towards Chuzenji Onsen from Tobu-nikko to Nishisando Iriguchi (9). Stand 2C was used when checked; confirm signs on your travel date. Follow Nishisando and Omotesando paths towards Sanbutsudo’s entrance.
- Sanbutsudo entrance → Visit Sanbutsudo and Taiyuin
Buy the JPY 900 Sanbutsudo and Taiyuin combination first. Sales end at 14:30 in April–October or 13:30 in November–March, earlier than ordinary admission. Visit Sanbutsudo, then walk to Taiyuin following the official temple map. If time or energy is limited, omit Taiyuin and recalculate ticket choices and costs, or choose a two-day temple option. On restricted dates, adjust to available hours; see attraction guidance and temple event notices.
Rinnoji tickets, fees and seasonal deadlinesRinnoji walking route
- Taiyuin → Visit Toshogu and return to the station-bound stop
Follow Nishisando and Omotesando to Toshogu. Use the JPY 1,600 ticket to see Yomeimon and the Three Wise Monkeys and Sleeping Cat carvings. Fit lunch and rest between visits without missing admission: 16:30 in April–October or 15:30 in November–March. Afterwards, return to Nishisando Iriguchi’s station-bound side.
Toshogu admission ticketsRinnoji walking routeToshogu’s Yomeimon, Three Wise Monkeys and Sleeping Cat
- Nishisando Iriguchi → Tobu-nikko Station
From the station-bound side of Nishisando Iriguchi (9), take C or YK towards JR Nikko Station and alight at Tobu-nikko, before the JR terminus. If the three sites’ stairs are too demanding, omit Taiyuin or divide temple visits over two days.
Rinnoji tickets, fees and seasonal deadlinesRinnoji walking routeBus timetable, stands and fares
To see all three sites, reach Nikko in the morning and buy the Rinnoji combination before sales close. If time or energy is limited, omit Taiyuin and recalculate costs, or choose a two-day temple option.
Day 4
Move to Chuzenji Onsen, visit the waterfall and lakeshore, and stay by the lake.
- Tobu-nikko Station → Chuzenji Onsen terminal
Buy the JPY 2,300 Chuzenji Onsen two-day pass at the tourist centre, starting today. Choose a morning bus allowing purchase queues. From Tobu-nikko, take YK towards Yumoto Onsen via Kotoku Onsen to Chuzenji-onsen · 中禅寺温泉 (26). Stand 2A was used when checked. Allow autumn-foliage traffic delays.
- Chuzenji Onsen terminal → Visit Kegon Falls’ viewing platform
Follow eastward Kegon Falls signs from the terminal about five minutes to the lift entrance. Descend to the paid viewing platform. Adult return admission is JPY 600, with entry first come first served.
- Kegon Falls → Walk along the lakeshore and return to Chuzenji Onsen
After lunch, walk out and back along the public shore path from the large torii past Sunrise Pier and Sunset Pier. No boat ride is included.
The Chuzenji Onsen two-day pass starting today remains valid tomorrow.
Day 5
Visit the British and Italian villas, then return to Asakusa.
- Large lakeside torii → British Embassy Villa Memorial Park entrance
From the large torii, follow the southeastern lake road and Utagahama shore to the British villa. The official walking reference is about 35 minutes from the terminal. Use the JPY 450 two-villa ticket to see displays about Ernest Satow and international summer-resort history, then enjoy second-floor lake views. The tea experience is excluded.
Official lake and waterfall walking mapBritish villa operation, tickets and walking access
- British villa → Visit the Italian villa and return to Chuzenji Onsen
Follow the shore path to the Italian villa. Explore the main building and lake views, then international summer-resort history in the annex. Retrace the shore path towards Chuzenji Onsen afterwards. Café purchases cost extra.
Bus timetable, stands and faresStand 26B change noticeOfficial lake and waterfall walking mapItalian villa operation and tickets
- Chuzenji Onsen terminal → Tobu-nikko Station
Take YK towards JR Nikko Station from Chuzenji Onsen terminal’s station-bound stand and alight at Tobu-nikko. The stand was 26B when checked, distinct from Yumoto-bound 26A. Confirm notices for your travel date, signs and station-bound timetable. Today is the second day of yesterday’s two-day pass.
- Tobu-nikko Station → Asakusa Station
Take your reserved Asakusa-bound Liberty Kegon limited express from Tobu-nikko. Peak, regular and low seasons and booking conditions affect the supplement; recalculate for your date.
Bus timetable, stands and faresCurrent Tobu Nikko limited-express timetableLimited-express supplementsSeasonal fares
The calculation uses the JPY 450 two-villa ticket. The villas close December–March and at 16:00 in April and 11–30 November. Allow time for the walk in both directions and mountain-road traffic when choosing your return train.
Included in the calculation: JR Tokyo–Utsunomiya JPY 2,090 + JR Utsunomiya–Nikko JPY 810 + Tobu-nikko–Asakusa limited express JPY 3,250 + Oya pass JPY 2,200 + World Heritage bus pass JPY 600 + Chuzenji Onsen two-day pass JPY 2,300 + Toshogu JPY 1,600 + Rinnoji combination JPY 900 + Kegon Falls lift JPY 600 + two-villa ticket JPY 450 = JPY 14,800.
Extra costs: Accommodation, meals, bathing tax, travel to the starting station, tea experience, café purchases, cruises and luggage storage cost extra.
Calculated using rates checked on 2026-10-08. The return Tobu limited express uses a peak-season JPY 3,250 one-way reference. Use the Oya pass on day two, World Heritage pass on day three and Chuzenji Onsen pass on days four and five. Separate JPY 300 villa tickets are not added to the combination. Check season, booking conditions, fares, admission and discounts for your travel date.
Limited-express supplementsSeasonal faresJR revised fare tableNikko tourism organisation’s 2026 revised fees · JR Nikko Line JPY 810Oya pass inclusions and sales hoursBus timetable, stands and faresBus-pass salesToshogu admission ticketsRinnoji tickets, fees and seasonal deadlinesKegon ticket types and operationBritish villa operation, tickets and walking accessItalian villa operation and tickets
Explore Nikko’s temples and the lake’s nature and villas at leisure
Stay two nights near Nikko Station and two at Chuzenji Onsen for more lakeside time. Travel from and back to Asakusa, giving Toshogu and Rinnoji separate days, then visiting the waterfall, two villas and natural science museum on different days. Villas close December–March, so change this route in winter.
Day 1
Visit Toshogu and spend your first night near Nikko Station.
- Asakusa Station → Tobu-nikko Station · station tourist centre
Take a reserved-seat Liberty Kegon limited express from Asakusa to Tobu-nikko and alight there. Buy that day’s JPY 600 World Heritage bus pass at the station tourist centre.
- Tobu-nikko Station → Toshogu entrance · alight at Nishisando Iriguchi
From Tobu-nikko, take YK towards Yumoto Onsen via Kotoku Onsen to Nishisando Iriguchi · 西参道入口 (9). Stand 2A was used when checked; confirm operator guidance for your travel date and signs. Follow Nishisando and Omotesando signs to Toshogu’s entrance, allowing the official ten-minute walk plus ticketing time.
- Toshogu → Visit Toshogu and have lunch
Visit with the JPY 1,600 Toshogu-only ticket, then have lunch and rest. Retrace Omotesando and Nishisando to the station-bound side of Nishisando Iriguchi (9).
- Nishisando Iriguchi → Tobu-nikko Station
From the station-bound side of Nishisando Iriguchi (9), take C or YK towards JR Nikko Station and get off at Tobu-nikko. Do not stay on to the JR Nikko terminus.
A World Heritage one-day pass cannot be reused tomorrow.
Day 2
Visit Sanbutsudo and Taiyuin and stay another night near Nikko Station.
- Tobu-nikko Station → Sanbutsudo entrance · alight at Nishisando Iriguchi
Buy a new JPY 600 World Heritage bus pass for today. Take C towards Chuzenji Onsen from Tobu-nikko to Nishisando Iriguchi (9). Stand 2C was used when checked; confirm operator guidance for your travel date and signs. Follow Nishisando and Omotesando paths towards Sanbutsudo, allowing time for the entrance walk and ticket queues.
Rinnoji tickets, fees and seasonal deadlinesRinnoji walking routeBus-pass salesBus timetable, stands and fares
- Sanbutsudo entrance → Visit Sanbutsudo and Taiyuin
Buy the JPY 900 Sanbutsudo and Taiyuin combination ticket in the morning. Visit Sanbutsudo, then walk to Taiyuin following the official map. April–October combination-ticket sales end at 14:30; check your season’s deadline. On restricted dates, adjust to available hours; see attraction guidance and temple event notices.
Rinnoji tickets, fees and seasonal deadlinesRinnoji walking route
- Nishisando Iriguchi (9) · station-bound stand → Tobu-nikko Station
After Taiyuin, have lunch in Sannai and walk to the station-bound stand at Nishisando Iriguchi (9). Take C or YK towards JR Nikko Station and alight at Tobu-nikko, before the JR terminus.
Buy a new World Heritage pass for day two. Check the Rinnoji combination-ticket sales deadline.
Day 3
Move to Chuzenji Onsen, visit the waterfall and public shore, and stay by the lake.
- Tobu-nikko Station → Chuzenji Onsen terminal
From Tobu-nikko, take YK towards Yumoto Onsen via Kotoku Onsen to Chuzenji-onsen · 中禅寺温泉 (26). Stand 2A was used when checked. Allow autumn-foliage traffic. The ordinary adult one-way reference is JPY 1,250. You descend two days later, so one two-day pass cannot cover both journeys.
- Chuzenji Onsen terminal → Visit Kegon Falls’ viewing platform
Follow eastward Kegon Falls signs from the terminal about five minutes to the lift entrance. Descend to the paid viewing platform. Adult return admission is JPY 600, with entry first come first served.
- Kegon Falls → Walk along the lakeshore and return to Chuzenji Onsen
After lunch, walk out and back along the public shore path from the large torii past Sunrise Pier and Sunset Pier. No boat ride is included.
The descent is two days later, outside one Chuzenji Onsen two-day pass’s validity. The calculation uses JPY 1,250 ordinary fares each way.
Day 4
Walk to the lakeside British and Italian villas. Stay by the lake again tonight.
- Large lakeside torii → Explore the British villa’s displays and lake views
Follow the southeastern lake road and Utagahama shore to the British villa. The two-villa ticket is JPY 450. Explore displays about Ernest Satow and international summer-resort history, then enjoy second-floor lake views. The tea experience is excluded.
Official lake and waterfall walking mapBritish villa operation, tickets and walking access
- British villa → Visit the Italian villa and return to Chuzenji Onsen
Follow the shore path to the Italian villa. Explore the main building and lake views, then international summer-resort history in the annex. Return towards Chuzenji Onsen afterwards. Café purchases cost extra.
Official lake and waterfall walking mapItalian villa operation and tickets
Villas close December–March and at 16:00 in April and 11–30 November. Shorten the visit on days when the shore walk is difficult.
Day 5
Visit the natural science museum, descend by mountain-road bus, then return to Asakusa.
- Chuzenji Onsen terminal → Visit Nikko Natural Science Museum
Go to Nikko Natural Science Museum beside Chuzenji Onsen terminal, officially a one-minute walk away. Adult admission is JPY 510. Nature displays cover water flow, wetlands and living things; history displays explain the international summer resort’s development and Oku-Nikko’s history, offering a different perspective from the villas themselves.
- Nikko Natural Science Museum → Tobu-nikko Station · board at Chuzenji Onsen terminal
Take YK towards JR Nikko Station from Chuzenji Onsen terminal’s station-bound stand and alight at Tobu-nikko. The stand was 26B when checked, distinct from Yumoto-bound 26A. Confirm notices for your travel date, signs and station-bound timetable. The ordinary adult one-way reference is JPY 1,250. Leave well before your return train to allow mountain-road traffic.
- Tobu-nikko Station → Asakusa Station
Take your reserved Asakusa-bound Liberty Kegon limited express from Tobu-nikko. Recalculate its supplement using your actual-date season.
Bus timetable, stands and faresCurrent Tobu Nikko limited-express timetableLimited-express supplementsSeasonal fares
The museum’s winter hours and Monday closures differ from summer. Allow mountain-road bus delays before your return limited express.
Included in the calculation: Tobu limited express outward JPY 3,050 + return JPY 3,250 + World Heritage bus passes JPY 600 × 2 + ordinary lake bus fares JPY 1,250 × 2 + Toshogu JPY 1,600 + Rinnoji combination JPY 900 + Kegon Falls lift JPY 600 + two-villa ticket JPY 450 + natural science museum JPY 510 = JPY 14,060.
Extra costs: Accommodation, meals, bathing tax, travel to Asakusa Station, tea experience, café purchases, cruises and luggage storage cost extra.
Calculated using rates checked on 2026-10-08. The outward Tobu reference is regular-season JPY 3,050; return is peak-season JPY 3,250. As ascent on day three and descent on day five span three days, one Chuzenji Onsen two-day pass cannot cover both. Walk on the intervening day. Check season, booking conditions, fares, admission and discounts for your travel date.
Limited-express supplementsSeasonal faresBus timetable, stands and faresBus-pass salesToshogu admission ticketsRinnoji tickets, fees and seasonal deadlinesKegon ticket types and operationBritish villa operation, tickets and walking accessItalian villa operation and ticketsNatural science museum fees, hours and access
Frequently asked questions
Can one Chuzenji two-day pass cover a return with two lake nights?
In B, travel up to the lake and back down on dates spanning three days, outside one two-day pass’s validity. The calculation therefore uses JPY 1,250 ordinary fares each way. In A, travel up on day four and back down on day five, using a Chuzenji Onsen two-day pass starting on day four for both days.
Official sources and confirmation dates
- Limited-express supplements ·
- Seasonal fares ·
- Bus timetable, stands and fares ·
- Bus-pass sales ·
- Rinnoji walking route ·
- JR revised fare table ·
- Oya pass inclusions and sales hours ·
- Outward stand 6 weekday timetable ·
- Return weekday timetable ·
- Gyoza Street access ·
- City tourism organisation’s food walking route ·
- Kirasse Main Store operation ·
- Kegon facility access ·
- Kegon ticket types and operation ·
- Official lake and waterfall walking map ·
- Stand 26B change notice ·
- British villa operation, tickets and walking access ·
- Rinnoji tickets, fees and seasonal deadlines ·
- Italian villa operation and tickets ·
- Natural science museum fees, hours and access ·
- Toshogu admission tickets ·
- Tobu bus routes and stops ·
- Fees, access and use restrictions ·
- Nikko tourism organisation’s 2026 revised fees · JR Nikko Line JPY 810 ·
- Current JR station timetables: select month and operating date ·
- Kanto bus current route and timetable selection ·
- Tobu NIKKO PASS ALL AREA coverage, four-day validity and exclusions ·
- Current Tobu Nikko limited-express timetable ·
- Toshogu’s Yomeimon, Three Wise Monkeys and Sleeping Cat ·