From the soaring heights of Japan’s tallest structure to the depths of our planet’s volcanic underbelly, exploring the Japanese capital and its great offerings such as the TOKYO SKYTREE, as well as the old-world charm of Nikko and Kawagoe, couldn’t be easier thanks to Tobu Railway.
Although the popular travel adage “it’s all about the journey, not the destination” doesn’t literally apply when we’re talking about Japan (because it IS all about the destination – name another country on the planet that can even come close to rivalling Japan’s monopoly on the three most important travel categories: culture, nature and food), it is true that getting to a destination is super important.
And if there’s one two-syllable word you should think of when considering your clients’ transportation needs in and around Tokyo, it’s this one: Tobu.
Well, Tobu Railway, to be precise.
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To Tokyo and beyond!
As one of the oldest railway companies in Japan, Tobu Railway has been connecting Japan via rail for literally over 100 years. Operating over 10 lines in and out of Tokyo on a network that cannot be beat, this train operator offers the quickest and most convenient access to the best places to visit in this central part of Japan, making it perfect for travellers short on time but big on travel ambitions.
And with an amazing range of special passes for travellers up for grabs, including unlimited travel and discounted entry into the capital’s and region’s best attractions, Tobu Railway adds value to any trip to Tokyo, Greater Tokyo and its nearby neighbours, Nikko and Kawagoe.
Read on and find out why Tobu Railway is your first point of call for journeying in and around Tokyo.
Nikko – just two hours (non-stop)
Visit the historic heartland of Shinto and Buddhist culture, admire the autumnal colours, and soak up the surrounding natural beauty of gushing waterfalls and majestic mountainous landscapes whilst literally soaking in the volcanically-heated springs of Kinugawa onsen in Nikko.
Just a two-hour, non-stop train ride from TOKYO SKYTREE Station onboard Tobu’s Limited Express service, this charming and culturally significant city in the northwestern Tochigi Prefecture is an absolute must-visit on any itinerary to Japan.
Perfect for those short on time, Tobu is the only operator that provides non-stop services between Nikko and the Japanese capital, meaning your clients will be able to spend more of their time exploring its many attractions – cultural and natural – instead of wasting time changing lines like with other operators.
But Tobu’s advantage doesn’t just end there.
Thanks to the Nikko Pass All Area and Nikko Pass Heritage Area, your clients can enjoy unlimited travel and a range of discounts whilst in town. With the Nikko Pass Heritage Area, travellers can tour all the temples and shrines within Nikko’s world heritage area and enjoy the famous hot springs of Kinugawa Onsen over two days.
And with the Nikko Pass All Area, travellers can do all that, plus visit other destinations including the Okunikko area and Lake Chuzenji over four days.
Tobu is also the operator of many of the best hotels in the area, including The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, Nikko Astrea Hotel and Nikko Kanaya Hotel, so you know you’ll always be in good hands…
From July 2023, there will be a new limited express service SPACIA X launched, connecting Asakusa to Nikko/Kinugawa. While inheriting the tradition of Limited Express Spacia, it will include various updates from vehicle design to innovative interiors and seats. “Meet Nikko, on a new journey.”
Kawagoe – travel back in time in half an hour
Just a 30-minute train ride on the Tobu Tojo Line from the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, this unforgettable day trip is a journey back in time, literally.
An Edo-period castle town northwest of the capital, this ancient city still radiates its old-world charm along its confectionary-lined streets selling all sorts of delectable delights, making you feel like you’ve been transported back hundreds of years in Japan’s past.
Kawagoe, which is affectionately known as “Little Edo,” is also home to one of the most sacred temples in the Greater Tokyo area, Kitain Temple – the main temple of the Tendai Sect in the Kanto Region.
Whilst simply strolling the historic streets is one of the best ways for your clients to explore this Edo gem, to really make the most of their time there, it’s best they utilise the city’s bus network to explore attractions further afield…
So arm them with the Kawagoe Discount Pass Premium before they leave and they’ll be able to travel free on all Kawagoe area Tobu operated buses whilst also taking advantage of a discounted round-trip train fare from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo to Kawagoe Station or Kawagoeshi Station. Adding even more value, the pass even entitles its holders to exclusive discounts at co-operating stores in Kawagoe city – yay!
Tokyo
It’s true: train passes definitely make things easier when travelling around Japan. But they also prove super convenient when exploring the bustling metropolis of its capital, too.
In June 2020, TOKYO mizumachi, a commercial complex opened up, gaining much attention. You’ll find it below a stretch of the TOBU SKYTREE Line, connecting Asakusa Station with TOKYO SKYTREE Station. TOKYO mizumachi is divided into a West Zone and an East Zone. In the West you can enjoy dining by the waterfront and in the East is a sports cafe equipped with a bouldering gym, cycle shop, and more.
Indeed, instead of queuing up for tickets, your clients can spend their time visiting the best attractions in Tokyo and its greater metropolitan limits. For example, they can spend the morning visiting some of Tokyo’s most sacred temples and monuments in Asakusa, such as the Asakusa Shrine, and then ride to the top of the world’s tallest radio tower, TOKYO SKYTREE. Then, they can take a walk along SUMIDA RIVER WALK before heading to Tokyo’s premier entertainment district, Shibuya, for dinner, drinks and karaoke – of course!
Are you feeling lucky?
Go in the draw to win one of five bottles of Japanese sake made in Nikko by simply signing up to Tobu’s newsletter today and completing the survey! Participants must be AU travel advisers, media or wholesalers over 18 years old.
But hurry, competition closes 24 October.
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