HOW TO GET TO MASHIKO
Getting to Mashiko is easier than you think
About two hours from central Tokyo — by train, highway bus or car. Pick the route that suits your style.
Free pick-up & drop-off within Mashiko town
All our tours meet at Mashiko Station as standard — and if you're staying overnight anywhere in Mashiko town, we'll pick you up at your hotel or guesthouse and drop you off after the tour, free of charge.
Public Transport
EASIEST
Train + local bus via Utsunomiya
Tokyo Stn. / Shinjuku Stn.
JR Line
1h40m
Utsunomiya Stn.
Local bus
1h
Mashiko Stn.
The most straightforward route. Buses are operated by Kanto Bus and depart from bus stop No. 14 at the Utsunomiya Station west-exit rotary. They run about once an hour and stop right in the pottery district — please check the timetable before you travel.
SCENIC
The local railway route
Tokyo Stn.
JR Line
45m
Omiya Stn.
Mito Line
25m
Shimodate Stn.
Moka Line
45m
Mashiko Stn.
A slower, lovely ride on the one-car Moka Railway through the countryside.
Route on Google Maps (Shinjuku → Mashiko via Oyama)
open_in_newDIRECT BUS
Yakimono Liner from Akihabara
Akihabara Stn.
Highway bus
2.5h
Mashiko Stn.
One direct bus, no transfers — from Akihabara (the stop is right in front of Yodobashi Camera) straight to Mashiko in about 2.5 hours. For the latest timetable and fares, please check the operator's site.
FROM NIKKKO
Nikko → Utsunomiya → Mashiko
Nikko Stn.
JR Nikko Line
40m
Utsunomiya Stn.
Local bus
1h
Mashiko Stn.
Visiting the World Heritage shrines of Nikko? Mashiko pairs beautifully with it — ride the JR Nikko Line back to Utsunomiya, then take the local bus into the pottery district. Buses run about once an hour, so check the timetable when planning your day.
Rental Car
BY CAR
Rental car from Narita Airport / Haneda Airport
Narita Airport / Haneda Airport
Local bus
2h
Mashiko stn.
The flexible option if Mashiko is one stop on a longer countryside itinerary. Free parking at most studios and sights.
Parking at the meeting point
Public parking lot near Mashiko Station
Mapcode:
39 176 152*33
A Mapcode is a short number you can type into your rental car's navigation system instead of a Japanese address — every rental car in Japan supports it. Ask the rental desk to show you how, or simply use the Google Maps links above.
What is a Mapcode? (DENSO official)
open_in_newDriving in Japan
Japan drives on the left. Expressway tolls apply on this route — rental cars can include an ETC card (ask at the rental desk); the purple "ETC" lanes at toll gates are for ETC-equipped cars only, so use the "一般 / General" lane if paying cash. For the basics of Japanese traffic rules, see Traffic Rules in Japan.
JAF — Japan Automobile Federation
open_in_newAccess Map
TOKYO
About
2
~
3
hours
MASHIKO
See all routes — How to Get to Mashiko