How to travel from Nikko to Yamagata, Japan

The distance between Nikko and Yamagata is around 264km (164 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train which takes around 2h 35m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Nikko to Yamagata by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out YamagataNikko if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
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Train

Take the train to Utsunomiya and then to Yamagata.

  • Duration2h 35m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ¥9,035($66)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

💰 Cheapest
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bus
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Train and Bus

Take the train to Utsunomiya and then to Fukushima(Fukushima) then take the bus to Hirosedori and then to Yamagata Kencho-mae.

  • Duration3h 25m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ¥8,760($64)
Operated by

Multiple operators

3
car
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Drive

Drive to Yamagata.

  • Duration3h 10m
  • Distance264km (164 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Nikko and Yamagata

There are several options for getting from Nikko to Yamagata by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train and then take the bus which costs around ¥8,760 ($64) and will take around 3h 25m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and arrive in approximately 2h 35m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ¥9,035 ($66).

The distance between Nikko and Yamagata is around 264km (164 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 180km (112 miles)

It takes around 2h 35m to get from Nikko and Yamagata by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 3h 10m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Nikko to Yamagata is to take the train which takes around 2h 35m and will set you back approx ¥9,035 ($66).

The cheapest way to travel between Nikko and Yamagata, if you exclude driving, is to take the train and then take the bus which will typically cost around ¥8,760 ($64) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Nikko and Yamagata. It typically takes around 2h 35m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Nikko to Yamagata. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Utsunomiya. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 2h 35m.

Japan Railways (JR) and Japan Railways Shinkansen run train services between Nikko and Yamagata. Trains depart hourly and will take around 2h 35m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Nikko and Yamagata. We recommend that you take the train to Utsunomiya and then to Yamagata. instead which will take 2h 35m.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Nikko to Yamagata. We recommend that you take the train to Utsunomiya and then to Yamagata. instead which will take 2h 35m.

The closest major airport to Yamagata is Yamagata Airport (GAJ) (GAJ) which is approximately 18km (11 miles) from Yamagata. Sendai Airport (SDJ) (SDJ) and Narita International Airport (NRT) (NRT) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Nikko and Yamagata. The distance is around 264km (164 miles) by road and it will take around 3h 10m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Nikko to Yamagata is to take the train which takes, on average, 2h 35m and will usually cost around ¥9,035 ($66).

How do I get from Nikko to Yamagata

Compare travel optionsbetween Nikko and Yamagata

Transport options from Nikko to Yamagata
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
2h 35m
¥9,035($66)
hourly274km (170 miles)
Train and Bus
3h 25m
¥8,760($64)
hourly326km (202 miles)
Drive
3h 10m
¥3,835($28)
on demand264km (164 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Nikko and Yamagata

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Yamagata

The following major airports near Yamagata offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Japan and internationally.

GAJ
Yamagata Airport (GAJ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
18km (11 miles) from Yamagata
SDJ
Sendai Airport (SDJ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
53km (33 miles) from Yamagata
NRT
Narita International Airport (NRT)
International Airport
Distance
276km (172 miles) from Yamagata