Town in Tochigi, Japan
Nikko
Mountain town with the ornate Toshogu shrine, waterfalls, Lake Chuzenji and onsen, two hours from Tokyo. Best for one or two nights; evenings are quiet and public transport is thin.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,080–1,710Comfortable, one person · ¥170,000–270,000Details
- Value for money82/100Better value than 81% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay, Jul–Aug, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 28°CDetails
- Internet234 MbpsFixed broadband, Japan medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe and cold; mountain spring water fountains are common.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$22–54Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTobu Nikko Line and JR Nikko LineWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work at hotels, major attractions and some restaurants; shrine admission, buses, small shops and yuba restaurants often need cash.Details
Where to stay in Nikko
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Nikko Station–Toshogu area | Shrines and temples within walking distance of buses |
| Kinugawa Onsen | Hot-spring hotels, 40 min by train from Nikko |
| Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto Onsen | Lakeside and alpine stays; quiet nights in the mountains |
Apps that work in Nikko
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- Visit Japan Web: Immigration and customs QR codes
- Suica or PASMO: Trains, buses and konbini payments
- Safety tips: Official quake, tsunami and weather alerts in English
- Taxis: No ride apps; taxis wait at Nikko stations and can be booked through your hotel. Buses stop early in the evening.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Japan.
- Mostly cash Cards work at hotels, major attractions and some restaurants; shrine admission, buses, small shops and yuba restaurants often need cash.
- Currency: Yen (JPY). US$1 ≈ ¥157.82 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: 7-Eleven, Japan Post and AEON ATMs take foreign cards; ¥100,000 per withdrawal at 7-Eleven; small fee; decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not done and can confuse staff. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge, and izakaya often add a small seating charge (otoshi).
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards widely accepted; Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet; PayPay shops take Alipay+ wallets.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on Visit Japan Web before flying to get immigration and customs QR codes instead of paper forms.
- JESTA, an online pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, is planned by fiscal 2028; it is not required yet.
- The International Tourist Tax rose to ¥3,000 per departure on 1 July 2026, normally included in airfares.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 050-3816-2787
Plugs
Type A, B. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Japan
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.