How to Ride the Newest Train to Nikko from Tokyo - Spacia X

[@nickbrown2976]

Thank you very much for this informative video. We are going to Nikko at the end of October and I used the information to navigate the Tobu website and buy my express reservations. We are travelling in the afternoon from Asakusa, so I wasn't able to get Spacia X for that part, and I booked on the the regular Kegon. But for the return trip, also in the afternoon, we will be in the Cockpit Lounge. Woo-hoo! Some notes about my experience that might be interesting for your readers: - The express tickets officially go on sale 30 days ahead at 09:00 Japanese time, not 10:00. - I wanted to book for 31 October, and I didn't know when tickets for that day would go on sale, because there is no 31 September. Would they become available on 30 september or 1 October? I connected to the site on 30 September at about 07:30 and tickets for 30 October were already available (that is, before 09:00, which is earlier than announced!). But 31 October was not available for selection. I waited until 09:00 but I still couldn't choose 31 October. So on 1 October I connected to the site at 04:50, as soon as it opened. 31 October and 1 November were now available to click on the calendar, but when I clicked on the button marked "See Availability", it said I had to wait until 09:00. Because of what had happened the previous day I checked every half-hour after that, in case the tickets actually became available before 09:00, but it didn't let me go further until 09:00. - At exactly 09:00 on 1 October I was finally able to click "See Availability" without an error message and book a Spacia X ticket for 31 October. I was really quick in clicking, but even after 30 seconds, two of the double seats in the Cockpit Lounge had been reserved. But I was able to get a pair of seats for me and my wife. But you have to be quick! - The train that returns to Asakusa at 18:45 does not leave from Tobu-Nikko. The earliest station where you can join it is Shimo-Ibaichi, which is about 10km from Nikko. But there is a local train from Tobu-Nikko to Shimo-Ibaichi at 16:31 which gets to Shimo-Ibaichi at 16:40 and leaves 22 minutes to change to the Spacia X at 17:02. - I bought my Nikko Pass from this page www.tobu.co.jp/en/ticket/nikko/all.html using the "Digital Tickets" option. That takes you to an external site called klook.com which bills your card in US dollars. But the price seemed to be exactly the same as if I had bought the pass with yen, and it's nice to have the barcode all ready to go before we travel.

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you for such an informative comment! And sorry for my late response. That's great you could get the cockpit lounge of Spacia X for your return! It seems it's getting quite difficult to book now. I think that is the Spacia X I took coming back from Kinugawa with regular seat. Cockpit lounge worth so much more than any other seats, so I hope you enjoy. The surprising thing you wrote was that the site took you to Klook site. In Japan as I tried now, It takes me to Tobu Tours's billing page. Anyway, it's great to hear you booked Kegon and Spacia X. Thank you again.

[@user-fe5kr9jr8e]

Hi. May I ask, did you book your 2 way tickets (to/fro) in one booking? Or did you book separately? My plan is to take normal Kegon to Tobu-Nikko on 22/1, and Spacial X on returning on 25/1. Do I have to book separately?

[@hisnewlife3543]

What a beautiful train!

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you! It was a great train. :)

[@cassiopeia4015]

Looks like a very comfortable train. Thank you for posting.

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you for watching. It was a comfortable train. :)

[@springnix3976]

Such a great video! This helped us book our tickets. We were able to get the lounge! Thank you for taking the time to make these wonderful videos. You've helped so many people.

[@tokyokenchan]

You did really a great job that you got the lounge seat! It's getting very difficult recently. Congratulations. I'm glad this video was helpful. Thank you for watching!

[@KevinandDayle]

Thank you for introducing us to Spacia X! A great alternative way of traveling to Nikko.

[@tokyokenchan]

Kevin san, Dayle san, Thank you so much for your big support for the video! I think it’s a great way to travel to Nikko for international travelers. :)

[@chisoey2986]

Great video! Thank you for such a comprehensive video. Just booked my seats for a trip that’s a month away. Really wanted the cafe/cabin 1 seats but they’re all sold out, so settled for premium seats instead.

[@gabrielledesma2148]

I love Nikko is one of my favorites places in the whole world. I really need to go please!

[@yomerolo]

Thank You so much for your video! It's really illustrative and helpful when it comes to planning my trip to Japan!

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you for watching. I'm glad the video was helpful for our travel planning. I hope you have a great trip in Japan. :)

[@baidamoji1150]

Hi Kenchan San. I've just came back home from my 15 days trip to Japan. I love every single day of it. Too bad I didn't manage to try this new train. God willing I will definitely come back to Japan. I cant get enough of ramen and sushi😅. I trust with your informative video i will be able to plan my itineraries better.

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you for the comment. I'm very glad to hear you enjoyed your trip in Japan. :) Sorry somehow I wasn't responding to comments in this video. I hope you come back someday again.

[@Satchaphan]

Thanks for doing this review. I will definitely try this train to Nikko on my next trip to Tokyo

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you for watching. I hope you enjoy the ride to Nikko. :)

[@davyf7620]

Kengo-San!!! Thank you so much for this video, I’m going to put it on my bucket list in Japan!!! After returning from a long trip in Europe, I realize how much I miss Japan. Thanks again!!!

[@tokyokenchan]

Davy san, thank you so much for your message and kind support for the video! Both Hawaii and Europe are on my bucket list! I hope you can get a good seat on Spacia X. It was a fun train and people on train were very nice. :)

[@carpme]

Looking forward to our trip to Nikko in November, thank you so much for your amazing videos!!

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you for watching! I hope you have a great trip in Nikko. :)

[@tonylundmark6489]

Thanks for this info. Now I know how to book the trip to Nikko in late November.

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you for watching. Wishing you the best for the fun trip and getting tickets for Spacia X. :)

[@Konstantin_Otterman]

Thx, so much useful information before my trip to Japan.

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you always. Have a great trip in Japan. :)

[@Konstantin_Otterman]

@@tokyokenchan In three months actually, hopefully we can meet in person somewhere at Asakusa in some local izakaya. Dinner from my side of course:)

[@tokyokenchan]

@@Konstantin_Otterman Sounds very nice. Thank you for such a kind message. :)

[@SPISheste]

Thank you SO SO much, I'm going to Japan again this year and finally visiting the Tochigi prefecture - and I did NOT know about this train, at all

[@davyf7620]

Thanks!

[@bz10000]

Great and detailed information !!! Thanks a lot

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you for watching!

[@firefangz]

Wow awesome, I think my 2nd trip to Japan will need to include this train to Nikko! It looks even better in the video than it did on your instagram post!

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you Ryuga san! It was really a great ride for just 400 yen (2.5 GBP or so) plus. The Instagram post hasn't come out as I wanted. I don't know how to post Stories so I'm using Threads to post... ^^;

[@firefangz]

@@tokyokenchan It still looks great, do not worry about the post. The video just looks even more great :D

[@anaimationio6294]

good work

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you for watching and your message!

[@ichinee6342]

こんにちは！日本人の感想ですみません。 日本の豪華列車殆ど見てますが、コックピットラウンジのごく普通のリビングにあるようなソファセットに、とてもびっくりしました😅 モダンな雰囲気で良いとは思いますが、ここは車内、何か物足りなく思ってしまいました😅 ボックスシートにいたっては目が点になりました。辛口ですみません😅 ふつうの座席はあんなに素晴らしいのに。 正直、この列車、どう感じましたか？

[@tokyokenchan]

😄いつもありがとうございます。乗る車両によって価値がすごく変わると思いました。ラウンジは電車の中でご家庭にあるようなソファに座る機会はなかなか無い気がするので、私はとても楽しかったですよ。😄　次は辛口のボックスも試してみたいです。笑　最近は利益率やスピード重視でカフェなどを簡素化する長距離列車が多いので、観光や旅の演出に熱心な東武は良いなぁと思っています。しまかぜにも乗りましたが、あのように車内の誰でも注文して食事ができるラウンジや食堂者がある方が列車の旅は楽しいかもとは思いました。昔の北斗星の食堂車などは良かったですよね。（遠い目）

[@aquaken00]

I'm struggling for this booking. Thanks for very useful confirmation

[@michellewang3115]

Im going to try it out next week. Too much rain recently. I want to visit nikko when the weather is perfect.

[@tokyokenchan]

Yes, I wish you good luck on getting the tickets. It might be good to practice a few times before the actual date you like to go.:)

[@TheRealUnconnected]

Thank you for this great video, i hope i can ride this train soon, luckily, i live in Japan, so maybe i will wait for the interest to reduce slightly after some time.

[@albiewong]

Most fascinating, Kenchan san.. Love the sofa seats!!! I am preparing to travel to Japan, in about 2 weeks time. It is currently extremely hot here in Italy. I wonder how hot Tokyo will be in August! Hopefully we cross paths!! Thanks & Regards!!

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you for watching! Oh you are in Italy! I heard it's very hot there now. It's hot and humid in Japan too, but everywhere is air conditioned well, so you might find it easier to travel. :) Your trip is soon! I wish you the best trip in Japan.

[@swissfoodie3542]

Hi Kengo, thanks so much for another great video. The Spacia X and especially the cockpit suite look really amazing. I like the bar there, and that they serve only local products from Tochigi. I havent been to Nikko yet, and I like onsen a lot (but dont like day trips). Do you think 2 nights in Nikko and 1 or 2 nights in Kinugawa Onsen would be too much ? Hopefully when I go there, I will be able to take this great train at least one way, thanks to your tipps on how to book.

[@tokyokenchan]

Hi, thank you for watching always. Yes, Spacia X was a great train. I think 2 nights in Nikko would be great. Yumoto Onsen in Nikko is very nice with white hot spring water. ♨️ The train line continues to another local line that goes north to other hot springs villages such as Kawaji, and Yunishigawa, so if you like quiet environemnt, you might like those areas too. :)

[@japanunravelled]

Great review - you're great on the details, especially about the reservations. It's worth pointing out that the JR Tokyo Wide Pass covers the Shinjuku-Nikko route, but not this train. Good if you want to try the Spacia X but only want to pay for one leg.

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you. Yes, I cut that in last minute. I originally had reservation of JR direct train to Shinjuku to explain that, but I wanted this video to be specificly about Spacia X to celebrate the great train, so I cancelled and came back by Spacia X. :) I have a quetion. I had the reservation with 30% discounted price of Ekinet that comes up on those limited express (Tobu Nikko - Shinjuu 2860 Yen including fare), which is cheaper than Tobu train to Asakusa as total (as I don't have access to Wide Pass), but it doesn't come up in English reservation of JR East. I know it's not always about the price, but I wanted to explain it as it gets much cheaper than Wide Pass even round trip in case you don't do other day trips. Have you seen the discount price in English site? I wonder if you know something about it. Thank you again. :)

[@japanunravelled]

@@tokyokenchan Yes, probably better to make a separate video. I just checked the Shinjuku-Tobu-Nikko price on ekinet's English site but it comes out as 4090 yen one way. Seems like you can't get the substantial discounts on the English site.

[@tokyokenchan]

@@japanunravelled Thank you for checking. I see. I'll probably make one more video about Nikko in Autumn and explain there. :)

[@charriealonzo8163]

Very much appreciated all the vital information. How long to go to niccko and back to Tokyo. Are hotel expensive?.. if stay overnight.. thank's soooooooo much for sharing.

[@tokyokenchan]

Hello, for both Kinugawa Onsen and Tobu Nikko, it takes about 2 hours from Asakusa with limited express. You can find some resonable hotels near Nikko station. If you like Ryokan, it can be a little expensive including 2 meals, but I think you can find good deal if you book early. :) ♨️

[@joshuabray37]

Am I missing something, or, is that surprisingly cheap? I'm in Orlando, maybe I'm too used to Disney prices (extremely high). I visited Nikko a few years ago (and LOVED it), and am going again, with my family this summer. If we can get tickets for this, I will for sure do it.

[@tokyokenchan]

Hello. The price went up a little bit after I publised this video, but probably you are used to Disney prices. haha. I've been watching videos about Disney World in Orlando, but it's unbelievably expensive for me now.😄

[@CorgiFlops]

Hey Kenchan, which side of the train do you think has the best views?

[@tokyokenchan]

Hi. Thank you for watching. I was on the left side on the way to Nikko/Kinugawa, but I feel view is not that different. If you leave in the morning, west side (Left) might be better as you can avoid direct sunshine and also see mountains with sunlights. :)

[@nongmaidq9283]

Hi Kenchan-san, I'm impressed, and I enjoy your wonderful review. If I may ask.. people having tattoos aren't allowed in onsen. Is this thing real? cuz I'm a little concerned about mine but I want to go there once.

[@tokyokenchan]

Hi, thank you for watching and your messag.e Unfortunatelly that is true. Most of onsen don't allow tatoos in Japan because of social/historical reason. Some public bath and onsen with private bath allows tattoo, so I'd like to try to introduce them in the future.

[@hisnewlife3543]

Can you please talk about the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo? I was there with my dad on his business trip in the early 1990s. I read they will destroy it and rebuild a new one. I would like to see it one last time to remember my dad. I dont know when is the last time guests can stay there?

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experienece. Sure, I will try to put some information about the hotel. It might not be the video just for the hotel, but I will reply to this comment when I do. I will check about the date too.

[@florapeh5359]

Thanks for putting up this video! It was extremely helpful. I managed to book a cockpit lounge ticket for 4 of us. Can't wait. Like to check if there is any other reservation that I need to make after securing and completing the ticket booking like how you shared in the video? My receipt says - (For Limited express ticket charge・Cockpit Lounge charge. Paid by credit card.) , but your video has a base fare item. Do I need to purchase the base fare separately? Thank you.

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you for watching. Oh wow, that's great you could get the tickets for the cockpit lounge! It's very competitive to get them now! Yes, you need a separate fare for the train. You can use IC card or purchase tickets. You can also use NIKKO PASS if you use buses around. I wish you the best trip on the Cockpit Lounge!!

[@florapeh5359]

Thank you! I can buy the separate fare at the train station on the departure day ?

[@tokyokenchan]

@@florapeh5359 Yes, you can purchase at the machine on the day you leave. 👍

[@florapeh5359]

Perfect! Thank you! 🙂

[@arare5678]

Thanks so much for the video. Can the Tokyo Wide Pass be used in this train?

[@tokyokenchan]

Hello. Tokyo Wide Pass cannot he used for trains from Asakusa including this Spacia X but you can use for limited express from Shinjuku to Tobu Nikko / Kinugawa Onsen.

[@chui3922]

thank you sooooo much for your video and i am trying to book the ticket, it sold out like light... and I wonder if you know that is that ok for 1 person to sit in the compartment car as it said capacity is 4... so is there any restriction for how many people to use the compartment room?

[@tokyokenchan]

Yes, you can use compartment by yourself. The only seats you cannot use by yourself it the sofa for 4 people I was on, which has minimum of 2 passengers. I wish you good luck on getting the seat! Thank you for watching.:)

[@roldansalalila6544]

What a nice Train...By the way may I ask till what time are the train in Tokyo...

[@tokyokenchan]

Usually last train is around 23:30 to 1:00. Long distance trains finish much earlier though.

[@roldansalalila6544]

@@tokyokenchan Thanks for the info...

[@nds1985]

If we take the Asakusa line, is it possible that we can reach Tobu Asakusa purely via the same underground passage? Or should we head up to the ground level and walk through the road instead?

[@tokyokenchan]

I think you have to go up to the ground once from Asakusa line. It's connected from Ginza line to Tobu line, but you cannot go through from Toei platform. www.ecomo-rakuraku.jp/en/station_map/浅草/?

[@nds1985]

Just ended my trip to Nikko today. Took the Spacia X - Cockpit Lounge and it was a fantastic experience! Nikko is so beautiful!

[@tokyokenchan]

Oh that’s fantastic that you could get the lounge and enjoy Nikko! It was a nice day. :)

[@anuratinagpal]

Hi....if I purchase nikko 4 day pass plus limited express ticket will I be able to travel by SpaciaX from Asakusa to Nikko.

[@tokyokenchan]

Unless you use regular seat, you need seat / room charge for Spacia X depending on which seat you choose. Please watch the later part of the video for more details.

[@mianlazaib4796]

I hope you are well, my friend, can you help me, I have to come to Tokyo to visit for five days, can you tell me given the plan best places, thanks😊

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you. It will be a long explanation so I'm making a video with similar contents. Hope you have a great trip in Tokyo. :)

[@lyleuy8745]

hellooo….. how to buy online special seat with nikko pass to cover the fare part? i got my nikko pass in klook only

[@markanthonygo9675]

Hi Ken, very nicely put video guide. If I may ask, can I use a drone in Nikko?

[@tokyokenchan]

Hi, thank you for watching. Sorry I'm not familiar with drone so I checked several sites, but it looks complicated and I didn't understand. This is some Engilsh information. www.mlit.go.jp/koku/drone/en/

[@markanthonygo9675]

@@tokyokenchan thank you for taking time to reply. We are watching all your Japan videos. They are very helpful. Keep up the good work!

[@tokyokenchan]

@@markanthonygo9675 Thank you! I wish you the best trip to Nikko and other parts of Japan. :)

[@ositofreitas]

Can you use Tokyo Wide Pass for this route and what is the additional charge for cockpit or box seats?

[@tokyokenchan]

Hello. You cannot use JR Tokyo Wide Pass for this specific train Spacia X. It's 200-800 yen for cockpit lounge depends on the seats, and 400 yen per box for the box seats. This is Tobu line and not JR, so you can use Tobu's Nikko Pass.

[@tokyokenchan]

Yes. You can use the Tokyo Wide Pass for the JR/Tobu's joint operation train that leaves from JR Shinjuku station in the west of Tokyo. All costs are included in the Wide Pass. :) It runs only a few a day, so please make sure to see the timetable or book in advance. This Spacia X is leaving from Tobu Asakusa, which is in the east of Tokyo. This Spacia X is not covered by JR Wide Pass. :)

[@hayleae.450]

Wonderful video! How do I purchase the fare if I do not have the Nikko pass?

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you for watching! You can get the ticket at the machine when you get on, or you can also use IC cards like Suica/Pasmo if you have. :)

[@hayleae.450]

@@tokyokenchan awesome! That helps a ton! Thank you so much🥳

[@bolts5994]

How do you buy a roundtrip ticket to Nikko on Spacia X as a foreigner?

[@falehalrashid7174]

Its seems impossible to get a ticket for 4 persons in this train. Is there a shinkansen from Shinjuku to Tobu Nikko? And can i book it online?

[@tokyokenchan]

Hello. You can probably book regular seats of this train Spacia X or other limited express Spacia or Rivety. They run JR train from Shinjuku to Tobu Nikko too. You can take Shinkansen to Utsunomiya and change to local JR train too but it takes more than 40 minutes.

[@avalokitesvara1989]

Why should have Nikko pass if we have to travel in spacia or revaty? Is not possible to travel to Nikko without Nikko pass?

[@tokyokenchan]

It depends on how much you use the bus in Nikko. In case you travel to Nikko Yumoto by train and bus from Asakusa (shown in my another Nikko video), it cost 1400 yen train fare (not including Spacia or Revaty) plus the bus 1950 yen. So total 3350 Yen one way. Nikko Pass is 4780Yen with unlimited ride for 4 days for the bus in Nikko, so just one round trip to Nikko Yumoto pays off the pass price. You can travel to Nikko without the pass. You can also use JR Tokyo Wide Pass for the JR train from Shinjuku station to Nikko.

[@avalokitesvara1989]

@@tokyokenchan thank you so much for such detailed explanation kenchan . Extremely appreciating

[@lorisloi10]

Hi kenchan, if i have nikko all area pass do i still need to purchase spacia X or revaty ticket from tobu website?

[@tokyokenchan]

Yes that is correct. You can only ride regular commuting trains just with the pass.

[@lorisloi10]

@@tokyokenchan thank you for the information 😁

[@ositofreitas]

When you try to make a reservation, you get this "Invalid access.If this screen is displayed after pressing the "Purchase" button, please check the purchase history (purchase details confirmation) to see if the purchase has been completed. In other cases, please try again from the top page." Not sure why reservation systems on web sites in Japan are so terrible outside of Japan.

[@tokyokenchan]

Oh no! I wonder if just making reservatoin (not purcahsing) works.

[@ingridchoo7554]

tkq for your kind info about SpaciaX, would love to ride on it to Nikko. But I am worried if we can purchase the tickets using online by submitting overseas phone number and email address (not Japanese email), will we get the purchase confirmation in our email? Tkq

[@user-gs8jc5dr8h]

Hello Kenchan, The train looks really amazing! The introduction is very informative! I tried to book the legendary Cockpit Lounge this morning. But it sold out in a second!! It's really extremely competitive! As seen from the booking website, the fare only covers the Limited express ticket and special seat ticket. may I know how can I get the basic fare ticket (1,400yen) to Nikko? And what's the tips to buy the special seats?

[@tokyokenchan]

Hello! Thank you for watching. Yes, it seems the cockpit lounge can sold out in a second nowadays. As for the fare, you can use IC card such as Pasmo, or purchase Nikko Pass online or at the counter, or ticket at the station machine or counter. Have a great trip in Nikko. :)

[@user-gs8jc5dr8h]

@@tokyokenchan Thank you very much for you information! I could finally get a seat in Cockpit lounge in late October! It was super pretty~ I absolutely love the train! Nikko is really a good place for seeing red leaves 🍁 Thanks Kenchan!!😄

[@chui3922]

Thanks!

[@tokyokenchan]

Thank you so much for your support for the video! I wish the best trip :)