What to Expect Onboard Spacia X!
Nikko is only a 2-3 hour train ride away from Tokyo, where you can witness colourful autumn foliage, scenic hiking trails, hot springs, and many of Japan’s World Heritage sites like the Futarasan-jinja Shrine and Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple. If you’ll be in Tokyo soon, you can get to Nikko in just two hours via Asakusa Station with Tobu Railway’s new limited express train, Spacia X.
Our co-Klookers went to Japan recently and shared with us their experience riding Tobu’s limited express train from Tokyo to Nikko. Below you’ll find more details and tips on how to book Spacia X tickets, the types of seats, and what their journey was like.
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All about the new Tokyo to Nikko limited express train: Spacia X
The name “Spacia X” comes from Tobu Railway’s previous line of limited express trains, Spacia. The Spacia Limited Express was launched back in 1990 and has since been associated with easy transport connecting Tokyo to the Nikko and Kinugawa area, which made them keep the name and add “X” to represent Spacia’s successor’s new innovative design and features.
Here you can expect an even more comfortable and enjoyable ride with spacious seats, larger windows, a lounge that features its very own bar and cafe, and even a private suite!
If you take a look at the train’s exterior, you’ll notice a distinctive design – the designer was inspired by the geometrical patterns used in the traditional fretwork of Kanuma City in Tochigi. You’ll also notice the curved cockpit at the head and tail of the train, which has large transparent glass, giving a more modern look and providing greater views of the surrounding countryside as you travel from Tokyo to Tochigi.
Seat Types on Spacia X
Source: Tobu Railway Spacia X Limited Express Train Website
There are a variety of seating types that you can choose from on the new Spacia X – from standard seats to compartment rooms, and more luxurious ones like the Cockpit Suite. It's a private suite with armchairs and sofas that comfortably fit a large group of up to seven, plus large windows for countryside views all to yourself!
Spacia X Car 1: Cockpit Lounge
The Cockpit Lounge is at the very front end of the train and here you can find Spacia X’s coffee shop, “Goen Cafe”. Here you can purchase food, coffee, and other beverages and dine in an extremely cosy setting.
All passengers have access to the cafe but those who reserve seats in Car 1 will have priority to order. For those who wish to purchase at the cafe but are reserved in other cars, you’ll be given a numbered ticket for queuing and will be called by the staff when ready.
The cost of booking a seat in the Cockpit Lounge includes the base fare + standard seat express fare + special seat fee. The special seat fee will depend on the number of people you’re reserving for. As of writing, the prices are:
- Single: 500 JPY (~S$4.50)
- Double: 1,000 JPY (~S$8.90)
- Four-Seater (can be reserved for 2 people or more): 2,000 JPY (~S$17.70)
Spacia X Car 2: Premium Seat
Right after the Cockpit Lounge and cafe is the Premium Seat car. The seats here are exceptionally wide, can seamlessly recline without disturbing the passengers behind you, and have ergonomic neck pillows attached, giving a similar vibe to the business class section of airplanes.
To reserve a Premium Seat, expect a fee of about 2,520 JPY (~S$22.60) on top of the base fare.
Spacia X Cars 3-5: Standard Seat
Seats in cars 3, 4, and 5 are considered the standard seats but these also have convenient features and are still very comfortable. Each seat can recline and has an electric socket, drink holders, and foldable tables attached to the back of the seat ahead. They’re quite spacious even for taller passengers. Reserving a seat here will only cost you the base fare + the standard seat fare of 1,940 JPY (~S$17.40).
Spacia X Car 5: Box Seat
Apart from the standard seats in Car 5, you’ll also find semi-compartment seats known as Box Seats. These are perfect for either business people or families with young children who want more space and or a bit more privacy. Each Box Seat has its own window, reclining features, power outlets, tables, and drink holders too.
Reserving a Box Seat will have an additional 400 JPY special seat fee on top of the base fare + standard seat express fare.
Spacia X Car 6: Cockpit Suite & Compartments
There are two types of seating in Car 6, we’ll first get into the most luxurious one of the whole train – the Cockpit Suite. Here you’ll find a large and private 11 square-meter room that fits up to seven people comfortably, plush sofa seats, and large windows that will give you endless views.
While this is the most expensive one to reserve with an additional fee of 18,000 JPY (~S$160) on top of the base fare + standard seat express fare, it’s still cost-effective if you’re travelling with a large group.
Also, keep in mind that the Spacia X train only has one suite, so we recommend booking as soon as tickets become available!
Also in Car 6 are the compartment seats. Measuring 6 square meters, they offer a large private and sofa-seated area spacious for two or more people to relax and enjoy the journey. These are especially perfect for couples on a romantic getaway or a small group of friends or family who want the comfort of having their own space.
How to book Spacia X tickets
To be able to board Spacia X, you’ll need two tickets – a standard fare ticket and a limited express ticket. The standard fare ticket can be purchased with the transportation IC card, like the Welcome Suica or ICOCA, or if you’re headed to Nikko anyway, you can get the Nikko Pass which will give you access to all Tobu Railway lines and buses on top of the standard fare.
Once you have your standard fare ticket covered, you can then proceed to reserve your limited express ticket either offline or online. The offline option is the old-fashioned way at Tobu Railway’s ticketing machines or counters at the train station. The online route is either on the Tobu Railway website or on your Klook app. We highly recommend booking online because these special seats sell out quickly!
Klook Tip: Limited Express tickets go on sale one month before your planned travel date, so set your alarms if you must!
The official website can be quite tricky to navigate and has limited payment options, if you book on Klook, you can easily navigate to your preferred train and seating as well as have more modes of payment to choose from.
#KlookTip: If you book your Spacia X tickets on Klook, you’ll be given the option to add the Nikko Pass of your choice, so you can book all at once instead of having to do them separately.
From Tokyo to Nikko with Spacia X (via Asakusa Station)
Wherever you’re starting from in Tokyo, make sure you get to Tobu Asakusa Station. During the first half of our trip, we were unable to get our hands on round-trip Spacia X tickets so instead, we booked its predecessor, Spacia. It’s the same process as Spacia X, boarding the train with both our Nikko Pass and a pre-purchased express ticket.
If you get hungry on the way, Spacia X has an onboard cafe where you can get snacks, drinks, and even souvenirs. If you’re looking for bento boxes, you can find some in the convenience stores on the first floor outside the Tobu Asakusa station - there's even a Spacia X-shaped bento box! After eating, you can take home the Spacia X model as a souvenir. Another version of these special bento boxes can also be found in the Tobu Nikko Station, the difference is it includes golden utensils!
Now onto boarding the train. If you have the Nikko digital pass, prepare your QR code, head to the information side of the turnstiles, and show the code to the station staff so you can get through to the platform (you don’t need to show your express ticket but still keep it with you for when train staff check it).
The Tobu Asakusa Station has been specially renovated for the new Spacia X. All passengers boarding Spacia X will use this platform, other passengers are also welcome to check it out. There’s a warm and nice feeling to it with the wooden design and warmer lighting, evoking the natural scenery that’ll greet you in Nikko.
The Spacia train we took may have looked a bit dated compared to the new Spacia X but it was still very much spacious and comfortable! We then arrived at the Tobu Nikko Station after about two hours.
Arriving in Nikko, Tochigi
Upon arriving, you’ll notice the travel times to Nikko’s major attractions, this will help you gauge your itinerary accordingly. As mentioned a while ago, if you have the Nikko Pass with you, you can take the bus to World Heritage Sites like Toshogu Shrine, the famous Shinkyo Bridge, or other equally beautiful places like Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. This will all depend on which Nikko Pass you decide on, either the World Heritage 2-Day Pass or the All Area 4-Day Pass. Since the journey will take you about two hours, it’s best to plan your stay for two days or more to make the most of your Nikko trip.
Autumn in Nikko is something you have to experience for yourself because pictures aren’t enough! While any season is incredible, the autumn foliage in Nikko is truly a sight to see.
We recommend taking the morning train if you only have a day to squeeze in a trip, so you can get to a lot more spots to make your trip worthwhile! When you arrive, you could take a bus to the famous Shinkyo Bridge and then have lunch nearby. From there, you can also take a leisurely stroll to temples like the Rinnoji Temple and Toshogu Shrine.
On the way back to Tokyo, we were finally able to experience Spacia X! Similar to the trip headed to Nikko, we prepared our digital Nikko Pass and our Spacia X tickets. Head to the side counter so you can show the station staff your Nikko Pass QR Code for entry.
If you also decide to book your Spacia X limited express train tickets on Klook, you don’t need to exchange them for physical tickets anymore! Your limited express train ticket for Spacia X will be an online voucher, you will only need to present this and or the confirmation email to the train staff when requested.
The train usually arrives at the station about half an hour before ETD, so we recommend being at the platform early for an even more fuss-free experience AND to take pictures with no crowds.
We were able to secure Spacia X’s standard seats (the special seats do sell out fast, so you better plan accordingly!) and as soon as we entered, we felt the warm, cosy, and inviting atmosphere.
The windows are large and we were able to enjoy the countryside views. The seats are also very spacious, it wasn’t a problem for us to even stretch out our legs!
There’s also a luggage storage area where you can scan your Suica card to use it. However, the luggage racks are quite limited so it's better to pack light when travelling to Nikko.
Once you’re settled on your seat and if you’re interested in trying out the cafe onboard, wait for the train attendant to come by and notify you that the lottery ticket draw is open, this is when you can scan the QR code in the cafe guide located in front of your seat.
Klook Tip: If you’re looking to have a full meal (and want to make sure you don't get hangry), consider getting a bento box before boarding since the cafe lottery tickets are limited.
♨️ Hot springs and where to stay in Nikko
Ready to experience Spacia X from Asakusa, Tokyo to Nikko?
Now that you’ve learned more about Spacia X and what to expect from our co-Klookers, don’t forget your Japan essentials before you go and experience the charm of Nikko!
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💜 This article was transcreated with the Klook Taiwan team
