Frequently Asked Questions
How to get to the Tobu Sightseeing Service Center
How do I get to Asakusa?
Asakusa is on the east side of Tokyo and is easy to get to by train. Three railway lines have stations there: the Ginza Subway Line, the Toei Asakusa Subway Line, and the Tsukuba Express Line.
•From Ueno area
Go to Ueno Station, find the Ginza Subway Line, and get on an Asakusa-bound train. Asakusa is the last stop.
•From Ginza area
Go to Ginza Station, find the Ginza Subway Line, and get on an Asakusa-bound train. Asakusa is the last stop. Alternatively, you could take an Asakusa-bound train on the Toei Asakusa Subway Line from Higashi-Ginza Station. Again, Asakusa Station is the last stop.
•From Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and other areas of West side of central Tokyo
Take the Yamanote Line to Ueno Station, then transfer to an Asakusa-bound train on the Ginza Subway Line. The last stop is Asakusa Station.
Where in Asakusa is the Tobu Sightseeing Service Center located?
Right next to the north exit of Tobu Railway's Asakusa Station. The station is actually located within the Matsuya Department Store complex.
About purchasing tickets
My itinerary isn't finalized yet. Can I buy same-day passes and limited express train tickets after arriving in Japan? ?
Of course. You can buy same-day passes and limited express train tickets at Tobu Sightseeing Service Center. However, because the limited express may be full (sold out) on busy travel days (such as holiday weekends, particularly in autumn), we recommend buying those tickets in advance on this website if you know your itinerary. In addition, lodgings can be booked only through this website.
I will be going to Japan very soon. Is it too late to buy a pass online?
You can purchases passes online no later than 4 days in advance. If you plan on going less than 4 days from now, please buy them at the Tobu Sightseeing Service Center.
Can I pay by credit card at the Tobu Sightseeing Service Center?
Yes, of course. Visa, Amex, and other major credit cards are accepted.
I will be traveling with my Japanese friend. Can he buy a pass, too?
Unfortunately, as a rule these passes are available only to visitors of foreign nationality.
Changes and refunds, etc.
My plans changed after purchasing a pass or ticket. Can I get a refund?
Refunds are handled at the Tobu Sightseeing Service Center in Asakusa Station. However, a fee of 210 yen is charged for refunds on unused valid passes. Also, a fee of 100 yen is charged for refunds on unused limited express tickets if you request the refund before departure time. (However, these rules do not necessarily apply in cases of cancellation due to typhoon or power outages, etc.)
I missed my scheduled limited express train. What can I do?
Unfortunately, after departure time no refund can be issued on limited express tickets. Please buy a limited express ticket for another train.
My plans changed while I was in Nikko-Kinugawa. I bought my return limited express ticket at the same time as my pass. Can I reschedule?
Unfortunately, no changes can be made on special discount tickets purchased together with a pass at the Tobu Sightseeing Service Center. Instead, you can purchase a new limited express ticket at the regular fare at a Tobu train station in Nikko-Kinugawa, then have station personnel stamp your original unused discount limited express ticket with proof of non-use (non-boarding) prior to your ticket’s departure time, then take the stamped ticket to the Tobu Sightseeing Service Center, where the staff will issue a refund, minus a 100-yen fee.
Details about passes
I plan on going to Nikko twice while the pass is valid. Can I use the pass twice?
The train ticket portion includes only one round trip between Asakusa and Shimo-imaichi. Consequently, if you plan on going to Nikko twice, you have to pay the train fare again. However, the ticket is still valid for trains and buses beyond Shimo-imaichi, so you can use it for those.
What other discounts come with the pass?
There are discounts on admission to various locations in the Nikko-Kinugawa area. Also, there is a 10% discount on any souvenirs you buy at stores in Nikko-Kinugawa displaying this symbol.
Getting to Nikko-Kinugawa
What's the difference between a limited express (Tokkyu) and a rapid (Kaisoku) or section rapid (Kukan Kaisoku) train?
On a limited express, all seats are reserved, and in addition to your pass you will also need to buy a limited express ticket. The limited express to Nikko-Kinugawa is the luxurious "SPACIA, "which has on-board food sales and private compartments. It's also the fastest way to get to Nikko-Kinugawa. Fares for the rapid trains are included in your pass. All seats are unreserved. After the limited express, it's the second-fastest train to Nikko-Kinugawa. You can also board section rapid trains with your pass, and again, all seats are unreserved. Please note that the section rapid trains take longer than the limited express and rapid trains to travel to Nikko-Kinugawa.If you take the rapid (Kaisoku) or section rapid (Kukan Kaisoku) train to travel to Nikko, please board the first two cars of the train. At Shimo-imaichi Station, the first two cars will be decoupled and proceed to Nikko, while the rest of the train proceeds to Kinuggawa Onsen (Hot Springs).
I want to take a limited express to Nikko. Does the "Kinu" go to Nikko?
The only direct train to Nikko is the "Kegon." If you want to take the "Kinu," you have to change trains at Shimo-imaichi. (There are connecting trains there for all limited expresses. Transferring is easy, however, since you board connecting trains on the other side of the same platform where you disembark.)