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Special overnight trains are running from Tokyo to Nikko this autumn

Tobu Railway has midnight trains going to Nikko in October 2023, so you can make the most of your day in Nikko

Youka Nagase
Written by
Youka Nagase
Former editorial assistant at Time Out Tokyo
Nikko, Ryuzu Falls, autumn
Photo: Mario Takahashi/Pixabay Ryuzu Falls in Nikko during autumn
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Nikko is a popular destination for a weekend getaway from Tokyo, with plenty of hiking trails, temples and cafés to visit. The autumn season is especially beautiful with the maple leaves turning bright red, yellow and orange. If you’re planning to pay a visit to Nikko before the weather gets too cold, make the most out of your trip with this special overnight train in October.

Nikko overnight train
Photo: Tobu RailwayAutumn scenery at Lake Yunoko in Nikko

Tobu Railway is offering a night train to Nikko for six days in October (7,14, 20, 21, 27, 28) that departs Asakusa Station at 11.45pm. Travelling at night means you’ll get to make the most of your time amongst the colourful autumn leaves and ancient temples. And with an additional ¥2,000, you can get two seats all to yourself, which means you can really stretch out for a snooze. The train also has free wifi and electrical outlets at every seat. 

Nikko overnight train
Photo: Tobu Railway

The entire journey on the Limited Express Revaty train takes around 2.5 hours and arrives at Nikko Station around 2.16am. No need to get off the train so early though – you can rest up until 4.10am when the buses start running (except October 8, when you disembark at 3.10am).

With this special train service, Tobu is running a private bus shuttle for overnight train ticket holders. It departs Tobu Nikko Station at 4.30am (3.30am on October 8) and takes you to the area’s most popular sights including Chuzenji Onsen, Nikko Futarasan Jinja, Ryuzu Falls, Akanuma, Sanbonmatsu, Kotokuiriguchi Bus Stop, Yutakiiriguchi Bus Stop and Yumoto Onsen. Those who’ve purchased a round-trip ticket can also get a ride back to Nikko Station.

Tobu Nikko
Photo: Tobu Railway

A one-way overnight ticket to Nikko costs ¥6,000 (children ¥4,000), or ¥8,400 (¥5,400) for round-trip. The return leg to Tokyo is not an overnight train, and you can use your return ticket on any Limited Express Spacia Kegon and Revaty trains until the day after your arrival in Nikko.

Whichever option you choose, your ticket also comes with perks such as discounts at nearby attractions including Nikko Natural Science Museum, Tobu Chuzenjiko Cruise and more.

There are only 225 spots on each train, so we recommend snagging your tickets soon at Tobu Top Tours outlet or Tobu Tours website before they sell out.

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