Getting there and moving around.

[thenotebook]

Is it possible to get to Nikko from Narita Airport without going through Tokyo?
Is there, perhaps, a direct bus?

If I rent a car in Narita, how long it will take me to reach Nikko?

Does it make sense to rent a car for a day or two in Nikko instead of going by buses to onsens and places to see? Will I have to pay for parking at each place? How much?

How much does bus cost? Is there such thing as an unlimited day bus pass?

[fleming]

From Narita, Nikko is North of the airport/Tokyo. You could rent a car but it's much less stress to take a train. Also, in one of your other posts, you mentioned you might go to Kamakura. That is south of Narita and Tokyo. I would recommend staying in Tokyo first to enjoy the nightlife (it really is more remarkable in some ways that New York!), then get a fresh start to Nikko in the morning. Getting to Nikko means having to get to Utsunomiya first, and it's better to take a train than to worry about asking for directions to get there by car. Kamakura can be visited in 1/2 day. Nikko to truly enjoy it needs about a full day. Go for the train option. We can help on VT!