All Aboard Liberty Kegon — Heading Straight to Tobu-Nikko
Our journey began with the Limited Express Liberty Kegon. Relaxing in the comfortable cabin, we arrived at Tobu-Nikko Station feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
One fun fact about Nikko: there are actually two stations here — Tobu-Nikko Station and JR Nikko Station. The charming, historic station building in the photo is actually JR Nikko Station. Both have their own character and atmosphere, and just admiring the station buildings is enough to get you in the mood for a proper trip!
Liberty Kegon is a limited express service operated by Tobu Railway, connecting Asakusa with Tobu-Nikko in approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.
Spacia X Was Waiting for Us at Tobu-Nikko Station!
Stepping off the train at Tobu-Nikko Station, we were greeted by the sight of a Spacia X waiting on the platform. We couldn’t resist lining up next to it for a commemorative photo 📷
We also snuck a peek inside — and the interior was absolutely stunning. With our return journey on Spacia X already booked, we had to contain our excitement and focus on the task at hand: heading to Nikko Toshogu. The anticipation was almost unbearable (laughs).
Spacia X is Tobu Railway’s newest limited express, which debuted in 2023. Its distinctive seating options — including a cockpit lounge and box seats — have made it one of the most sought-after train experiences in the Kanto region.
Drop the Luggage First — Travel Light for Sightseeing
Hauling heavy bags around Nikko Toshogu didn’t sound appealing — so when we discovered that an affiliated facility of our hotel was right in front of JR Nikko Station, we made a detour to drop off our luggage first.
Best decision of the day. Refreshingly light, we hopped on a bus from in front of JR Nikko Station and headed for Nikko Toshogu.
Getting to Nikko Toshogu: Buses run from both JR Nikko Station and Tobu-Nikko Station. The buses from Tobu-Nikko Station are more frequent and generally more convenient. Journey time is approximately 10 minutes.
Visiting Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Free from our luggage, we were able to explore Nikko Toshogu in complete comfort. No matter how many times you visit, the combination of historic architecture and lush natural surroundings never fails to impress.
The intricate carvings and vivid, technicolor buildings are overwhelming in the best possible way — but what really made the Mascots’ eyes light up was the National Treasure: the Sleeping Cat. One of the most famous decorative carvings in this shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, it’s small but commands an extraordinary presence. “There it is!! The real one!!” — the Mascots were beside themselves with excitement, which made us laugh. In a space heavy with centuries of history, this adorable little sleeping cat had completely stolen the show.
The highlights of Nikko Toshogu go well beyond the Sleeping Cat. The Yomeimon Gate — nicknamed the “Gate of Sunset” for being so beautiful that people lose track of time gazing at it — is truly breathtaking. Adorned in gold and rich colors, its intricate carvings have lost none of their brilliance in hundreds of years.
The cedar-lined path leading to the inner shrine is also remarkable, with many trees said to be over 400 years old, creating an atmosphere of quiet reverence. With so much to see, we’d recommend allowing 2 to 3 hours for a thorough visit to Nikko Toshogu.
After the visit, we took the bus back to Tobu-Nikko Station, picked up bento boxes for dinner, and headed to our hotel.
Recommended Itinerary for Nikko
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Arrive at Tobu-Nikko on Liberty Kegon |
| Morning | Drop luggage at hotel facility near JR Nikko Station |
| Late morning – midday | Bus to Nikko Toshogu, explore and worship |
| Evening | Pick up bento at Tobu-Nikko Station |
| Evening | Check in to hotel |
| Return journey | Head home on Spacia X |
The Return Journey — Finally Riding Spacia X!
After a full day of sightseeing, it was finally time for the moment we’d been looking forward to all day: boarding Spacia X. The moment we spotted it on the platform at Tobu-Nikko Station, the excitement was immediate.
The interior lived up to every expectation. The cockpit lounge’s large forward-facing window offers a spectacular view of the track ahead — it genuinely feels like you’re the one driving the train. The box seats have a semi-private feel, making them ideal for group travel.
The exclusive Spacia X café menu available on board is not to be missed either. Enjoying coffee and sweets while the train glides through the countryside was the perfect way to wind down after a full day of exploration. The 1 hour 50 minutes back to Asakusa flew by — that’s how good the journey was.
Thinking of Riding Spacia X?
Spacia X is extremely popular and seats fill up fast — especially the cockpit lounge and box seats, which can sell out well in advance. If you’re planning a Nikko trip, early booking is strongly recommended!