Japan’s public transportation is known worldwide for its efficiency and reliability. Nikko is an excellent example of this, particularly when coming from Tokyo or farther afield. But for travel within Nikko — especially its rural outer reaches — renting a car gives you the freedom to fully explore the region at your own pace.

Why rent a car?
Travel Nikko by car to reveal its most hidden charms. Get farther off the standard tourist path and deeper into the mountains, forests and onsen villages with the independence a rental car provides. You’re no longer bound to irregular rural bus schedules on fixed routes, so feel free to book a night at an isolated ryokan, hike to a secluded waterfall or stop at a charming dairy ranch for fresh ice cream. A car can be just as convenient for seeing Nikko’s major sites — they’re fairly spread out, so driving between them at your own pace will let you structure your day as you desire.
No matter where you go, driving in Nikko is relatively stress-free. Traffic is minimal and parking is cheap and plentiful.