Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo

Getting There

Tobu Nikko Limited Express Spacia (Best): Asakusa → Nikko: 2 hours, ¥2,810. Scenic, comfortable.
Nikko World Heritage Pass: ¥4,780 round trip Spacia + unlimited Tobu buses — excellent value.
JR + Nikko Line: ~2 hours, ¥2,830. JR Pass covers Ueno to Utsunomiya; ¥760 extra for the Nikko Line.

Must-See

Toshogu Shrine: Ornate mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu (Edo shogunate founder). The Yomeimon Gate has 508 carvings and elaborate gilding — one of Japan’s most elaborate structures. Entry ¥1,600.
Rinno-ji Temple: Three giant gold Buddhas in Sanbutsudo Hall. Entry ¥1,000.
Kegon Falls: 97-meter waterfall, one of Japan’s three great waterfalls. Entry ¥570 for elevator to base. 30 min bus from shrine area.

Suggested Itinerary

7:30am depart Asakusa → 9:30am arrive → 10am Rinno-ji → 10:45am Toshogu → 12:30pm lunch → 2pm Kegon Falls → 4pm return bus → 4:30pm depart Tokyo.