If you are planning to visit Japan soon and thinking of going from Tokyo to Nikko, the Tobu Nikko Free Passes will come in handy for efficient and cost-friendly travel.
Just like its counterparts in other countries, these rail passes also provide passengers free public transportation rides and big discounts in various stores and restaurants. The difference is that it provides several options that will allow you to visit selected destinations only; so you only pay for the cost of those places you really are keen on visiting.
My favorite is the All Nikko Pass. It is a perfect companion to nature lovers who want to see the beautiful colors of the Okunikko region. It includes round trip transfers from Tokyo to Nikko and vice versa. Once in Nikko, you can take unlimited rides on Tobu buses and Tobu trains to select areas. Hop on a bus from the Nikko Station to the picture-perfect Lake Chuzenji where you can enjoy the sights of a lovely lakeside town and take a rejuvenating dip in its hot spring pools.
If you are up for a hike, watch for the majestic waterfalls of Kegon and Ryuzu. You can also take similar exciting nature trips to the town of Yumoto Onsen or to the highlands of Kirifuri Heights. The pass also permits unlimited free rides to non-express Tobu trains from Nikko to the stations of Shimo Imaichi and Shin Fujiwara
To those who wish to visit Nikko's famed shrines and temples, the World Heritage Pass is most appropriate for you. It also gives round trip rides from Tokyo to Nikko as well as free train rides from Nikko to the Kinugawa Onsen area. It also allows free admission to the famous shrines of Toshugu and Futarasan as well as to Nikkoํs most important temple of Rinnoji.
If you are a theme park traveler, then the Kinugawa Theme Park Pass is just right for you. Like the other free passes, it provides round trip transfer from Tokyo as well as ride-all-you-can on trains from Nikko to Kinugawa Onsen and back. Bus rides to several theme parks also come for free with this travel pass. On top of all this, you get free admissions to both Nikko Edomura and Tobu World Square theme parks or any one of them depending on your chosen package. Japanese history buffs will enjoy the history theme park of Nikko Edomura while those who wish to tour around the world's most popular landmarks will be in awe of Tobu World Squares giant replicas.
A few reminders on the proper use of these passes: the round trip from Tokyo to Nikko is a straight and uninterrupted trip. So, make sure not to make a detour on your way to Nikko or on your way back to Tokyo if you don't want to pay extra. Also, do note that these passes can be used only if you depart from Asakusa. Finally, be mindful of the validity period of your passes. Some are good for two straight days while others can be used for four consecutive days.
Where to buy these passes? When in central Tokyo, head to the Tourist Information Center in Nihonbashi exit of the Tokyo Station or you can go directly to Asakusa Station and look for the Sightseeing Service Center or the Tobu Travel Agency.
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
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