Morning: From Tokyo to Utsunomiya
To enjoy both Utsunomiya’s famous gyoza and Nikko Toshogu Shrine in one day, you’ll need to arrive in Utsunomiya by 10:50 AM. Here are your transportation options from Tokyo:
From Ueno Station:
- Express train (¥4,280): Departs 10:06 AM, arrives 10:48 AM (42 minutes)
- Regular train (¥1,980): Departs 9:10 AM, arrives 10:52 AM (1 hour 42 minutes)
From Shinjuku Station:
- Express train (¥3,840): Departs 9:40 AM, arrives 10:48 AM (1 hour 8 minutes)
- Regular train (¥1,980): Departs 9:00 AM, arrives 10:52 AM (1 hour 52 minutes)
Lunch: Gyoza in Utsunomiya
Utsunomiya is known as the “Kingdom of Gyoza,” with numerous popular restaurants clustered around the station. Rather than waiting in long lines at individual famous shops, head to Gyoza Stadium Kirasse, a food court showcasing five of Utsunomiya’s most renowned gyoza restaurants in one location:
- Utsunomiya Minmin (宇都宮みんみん)
- Menmen (めんめん)
- Kouran (香蘭)
- Ryumon (龍門)
- Satsuki (さつき)
You can either try one plate from each shop or order a sampler platter featuring selections from all five. Among these, Minmin and Kouran are nationally famous for their distinctive styles.
Location: Basement floor of Don Quijote Utsunomiya Distance from station: 1.5 km (15-minute walk or a short taxi ride) Opening hours: 11:00 AM Tip: Arriving right at opening time on weekdays usually means minimal waiting time
Afternoon: To Nikko Toshogu Shrine
After lunch, head to Nikko. You have two train options from Utsunomiya Station:
- 12:15 PM departure, arriving at Nikko Station at 12:58 PM (43 minutes)
- 1:07 PM departure, arriving at Nikko Station at 1:49 PM (42 minutes)
The fare is ¥770 one way.
Exploring Toshogu Shrine
From Nikko Station to Toshogu Shrine, you can take:
- Bus: 30 minutes each way including waiting time (¥280 one way)
- Taxi: 15 minutes each way (approximately ¥1,200 one way)
Allow approximately 2 hours to fully explore Toshogu Shrine. This ornate complex was built in 1617 as the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The shrine is famous for its lavish decorations, including over 5,000 carvings, with the most famous being the “Three Wise Monkeys” and the “Sleeping Cat.”
For a comprehensive guide to Toshogu Shrine’s history, cultural significance, highlights, and recommended exploration routes, see our detailed article:
Highlights include:
- Yomeimon Gate (National Treasure)
- Five-story Pagoda
- Sacred Stable with the carved monkeys
- Main Shrine Building
- Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Mausoleum
Admission fee: ¥1,600 Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (April to October), 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (November to March)
Evening: Return Options
Depending on your preference, you have several return routes to Tokyo:
Direct to Asakusa
The fastest option is the Tobu Railway Limited Express “Liberty Kegon”:
- Departing from Tobu Nikko Station at 4:20 PM
- Arriving at Asakusa Station at 6:15 PM
- Fare: ¥3,050
Alternatively, a regular Tobu train:
- Departing at 4:23 PM
- Arriving at Asakusa at 7:31 PM (with transfer at Tobu Dobutsu Koen Station)
- Fare: ¥1,400
Direct to Shinjuku
Tobu Railway Limited Express “Spacia Nikko”:
- Departing from Tobu Nikko Station at 4:39 PM
- Arriving at Shinjuku Station at 6:35 PM
- Fare: ¥4,090
Alternatively, from JR Nikko Station:
- Departing at 4:19 PM
- Arriving at Shinjuku at 7:11 PM (with transfers at Utsunomiya and Akabane)
- Fare: ¥2,640
Detour Option: Akabane’s Standing Bars
For a glimpse of authentic Tokyo nightlife, consider stopping at Akabane Station on your way back. This area is famous as the birthplace of “Senbero” – standing bars where ¥1,000 can get you quite tipsy. Popular establishments include Kitaya and Ikoi, where you can experience how locals unwind after work. From Akabane, it’s just 6 minutes to Ikebukuro or 10 minutes to Shinjuku.
For a comprehensive guide to Kitaya and Ikoi, see our detailed article:
Extending Your Trip: Overnight Options
If you decide to stay overnight, you can explore more of Nikko’s World Heritage sites, including Futarasan Shrine and Rinnoji Temple, which together with Toshogu form the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Nikko Mountains UNESCO designation.
Accommodation Options
Near Nikko Station:
- Convenient location for flexible exploration
- Primarily mid to high-end ryokans from ¥20,000 with dinner and breakfast
- Some business hotels available under ¥10,000 without meals
Yumoto Onsen:
- Located in “Oku-Nikko” (Deep Nikko), about 1 hour by bus west of Nikko Station
- Upscale hot spring area surrounded by forests and lakes
- Luxury accommodations with gourmet meals and scenic hiking trails
- Prices range from ¥20,000 to ¥200,000 per night
Kinugawa Onsen:
- Well-known hot spring resort with numerous accommodation options
- Variety of price points from budget to luxury
- Recommended: Ito-En New Sakura (¥6,000-10,000 per night with two meals)
- About 40 minutes by train from Tobu Nikko Station
Additional Attractions Near Nikko
Edo Wonderland (Nikko Edomura)
A cultural theme park recreating an Edo period town with ninja, samurai, and townspeople. Visitors can dress in period costumes and enjoy various interactive experiences. The ninja house is particularly popular.
- Admission: ¥5,800
- Access: 20 minutes by bus from Kinugawa Onsen Station
Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji
One of Japan’s three most famous waterfalls, offering spectacular views from the observation platform. The area is particularly beautiful during autumn foliage season, with the nearby “Irohazaka” winding road considered one of Japan’s most scenic drives.
- Location: About 1 hour by bus west of Toshogu Shrine
- Elevator fee to waterfall base: ¥600
Tobu World Square
A miniature park featuring over 100 1/25-scale reproductions of famous architectural works and ruins from 21 countries, complete with 140,000 miniature figures.
- Admission: ¥2,800
- Access: 3 minutes by train or bus from Kinugawa Onsen Station
Monkey Land & Ani-Town
A theme park where visitors can interact with various animals, including monkeys, penguins, capybaras, cats, goats, and sheep.
- Admission: ¥2,300
- Access: 10 minutes by bus from Kinugawa Onsen Station to “Osaru no Gakko Mae” bus stop
Travel Tips
- If visiting in autumn (late October to early November), the foliage around Nikko is considered among the most beautiful in Japan.
- Winter visitors might encounter snow around Nikko, so dress appropriately.
- Toshogu Shrine can be crowded during weekends and holidays; a weekday visit is recommended if possible.
- Many establishments in Utsunomiya and Nikko may only accept cash, so prepare accordingly.
- Consider purchasing the Nikko Pass if you plan to use buses extensively in the Nikko area.
- All prices mentioned in this article (train fares, admission fees, accommodation rates) are as of May 2025 and subject to change. Please verify current prices before your trip.
Enjoy your journey through Japanese cuisine, history, and natural beauty in this perfectly balanced day trip from Tokyo!
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