"SPACIA X" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Tobu Railway's sightseeing limited express train, "SPACIA X," which connects Asakusa Station with Tobu Nikko Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station. It covers timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This flagship limited express train, which debuted in 2023, highlights key points to consider before your trip.
*The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, sales conditions, and purchase methods may change. Please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before use.
The "SPACIA X" is a sightseeing limited express train operated by Tobu Railway, connecting Asakusa Station with Tobu Nikko Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station. It debuted on July 15, 2023, and is operated by a 6-car N100 series train, featuring six different types of seats and private rooms. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. The train's exterior features a design that makes the letter "X" appear to float, and the window frames incorporate designs inspired by traditional crafts along the railway line, such as Kanuma kumiko (woodworking) and Edo bamboo weaving.

What is "SPACIA X"?

The "SPACIA X" is a flagship sightseeing limited express train that debuted in July 2023, succeeding the 100 series "Spacia", which had been the flagship limited express train of Tobu Railway since 1990. Based on the concept of "Connect & Updatable," it features a design that blends tradition and innovation, and the white color of the train's exterior is inspired by "gofun," the white pigment used in the Yomeimon and Karamon gates of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Initially, there were two train sets, but the number has now been increased to four.

Train Features and Popular Aspects

The greatest appeal of the "SPACIA X" is the variety of seating and private rooms available, ranging from Standard Seats to Cockpit Suites, with six different options. The "Cockpit Lounge" in Car 1 features a café counter, "GOEN CAFE SPACIA X," where passengers can enjoy a menu that encapsulates the charm of Nikko, including craft beer "NIKKO LAGER" and craft coffee "Nikko Coffee." The "Cockpit Suite" in Car 6 is the largest private room on a private railway express train, measuring 11 square meters, and is the highest-class seating option based on the concept of a "moving suite." Each car features a different themed interior, and every detail is carefully designed to allow passengers to experience the traditional culture and nature of the Nikko and Kinugawa area just by riding the train.

Timetable for "SPACIA X"

*The "SPACIA X" operates six round trips daily, with four round trips to/from Tobu Nikko Station and two round trips to/from Kinugawa Onsen Station.

Downbound (Towards Tobu Nikko/Kinugawa Onsen) Timetable

Upbound (Towards Asakusa) Timetable

*This is a representative example.

The "SPACIA X" operates six round trips daily, with four trips to/from Tobu Nikko Station, and two trips to/from Kinugawa Onsen Station. Departure and arrival stations differ depending on the train number (e.g., No. 1 & 2, No. 5 & 6), so please check your destination before boarding. On days when trains 1, 2, 5, and 6 are not operated by the "SPACIA X," they may be replaced with the 100 series "Spacia" train.

Operating Days and Suspension Information

The "SPACIA X" operates daily throughout the year. Of the four train sets used for service, three are normally used, and occasionally, due to regular vehicle maintenance, the 100 series "Spacia" may be used as a substitute. During peak seasons such as weekends, extra trains may be added. During peak seasons such as weekends and long holidays, in addition to the regular schedule, extra "SPACIA X" trains may be operated.

Operating Sections of "SPACIA X"

Main Sections

• Asakusa Station to Tobu Nikko Station
• Asakusa Station to Kinugawa Onsen Station (branching at Shimo-Imaichi Station)

Tobu Nikko Station is a base for sightseeing to the World Heritage Site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" (Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Shrine) and Kegon Falls. Kinugawa Onsen Station is the gateway to Kinugawa Onsen, and there is a free footbath in the station square. Shimo-Imaichi Station is a junction station for lines going to Nikko and Kinugawa, and is also known as the gateway to the "SL Taiju" steam locomotive.

Stations Served by "SPACIA X"

Main Stations Served

• Asakusa Station
• Tokyo Skytree Station
• Kita-Senju Station
• Kasukabe Station
• Tochigi Station
• Shin-Kanuma Station
• Shimo-Imaichi Station
• Tobu Nikko Station
• Tobu World Square Station (towards Kinugawa)
• Kinugawa Onsen Station (towards Kinugawa)

*Stations served may vary depending on the train.

Fares for "SPACIA X"

Fares for Representative Sections

*Actual fares may vary depending on the section of travel and the purchase method. Please check the latest fares on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

• Limited Express Fare, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Breakdown of Basic Fare and Limited Express Surcharge

The fare for the "SPACIA X" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express surcharge. The limited express surcharge varies depending on the type of seat, with Standard Seats being the basic fare and Premium Seats costing 580 yen more. Since all seats on the "SPACIA X" are reserved, there is no unreserved seat fare. Children's fares and limited express surcharges are half the adult fares (rounded up to the nearest 10 yen).

Additional Fares for Special Seating

Box Seats (for 2 people, 400 yen), Cockpit Lounges (500 yen for 1 person to 2,000 yen for 4 people), Compartments (for 4 people, 8,000 yen), and Cockpit Suites (up to 7 people, 18,000 yen) all require an additional fare on top of the Standard Seat fare. There is only one Cockpit Suite per train set, so it is a very popular seat and difficult to reserve.

How to Buy Tickets for "SPACIA X"

Tobu Limited Express Ticket Internet Purchase and Reservation Service

Tobu Railway's "Tobu Limited Express Ticket Internet Purchase and Reservation Service" allows you to purchase ticketless limited express tickets without registering as a member. You can check the availability of seats for each seat type and make a reservation, and board the train simply by showing your smartphone screen. Limited express tickets go on sale one month before the date of travel.

Ticket Offices and Vending Machines at Tobu Line Stations

You can purchase limited express tickets at ticket offices and vending machines at any Tobu Line station. However, if you purchase a limited express ticket on board the train or on the platform just before boarding, an additional fare of 200 yen will be added to the limited express fare for both adults and children.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies, including Tobu Top Tours, also offer tour packages that include seating options for the "SPACIA X" train. These include Premium Seat, Standard Seat, and Cockpit Suite options.

How to Purchase for International Tourists

Since the "SPACIA X" is operated by Tobu Railway (a private railway company), the JR Pass cannot be used. Tobu Railway offers special tickets such as the "NIKKO PASS" for international tourists, but even when using these passes, a separate limited express ticket is required to ride the "SPACIA X".

Is Ticket Issuance Required?

If you purchase your ticket through the "Tobu Limited Express Ticket Internet Purchase and Reservation Service," you can board the train simply by showing your smartphone screen as it is a ticketless service. If you purchase your ticket at a station ticket office or vending machine, you will need to receive a paper limited express ticket before boarding.

Can IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments Be Used?

When riding the "SPACIA X," you will need separate tickets for the basic fare and the limited express surcharge. IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used as the basic fare portion on Tobu lines. However, the limited express surcharge cannot be paid using the balance on your IC card; you must purchase a separate limited express ticket in advance.

While some Tobu Railway lines and stations have introduced contactless credit card payment services, the availability of this service across the entire route of the "SPACIA X" varies from station to station.

Seating Information for "SPACIA X"

Seat Types (All Seats Reserved)

The "SPACIA X" offers six types of seats and private rooms: Standard Seats, Premium Seats, Box Seats, Compartments, Cockpit Lounges, and Cockpit Suites. There are no unreserved seats.

Distinctive Seating

The Cockpit Suite in Car 6 is the largest private room on a private railway express train, measuring 11 square meters, and features large windows on the front and sides, making it the most luxurious seating option based on the concept of a "suite room on wheels." The Cockpit Lounge in Car 1 is based on the concept of a "lounge that transcends time," and is a tranquil space inspired by the Nikko Kanaya Hotel and embassy villas, where passengers can purchase items at the adjoining cafe counter on a priority basis. The connecting decks of each car are equipped with ceiling LCD displays and aroma diffusers, and a scent reminiscent of Nikko is released at each station the train stops at.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Large luggage storage areas are provided within the train. If you are using a private room or lounge seat, there is also space to place your luggage around your seat.

Accessibility Facilities

Car 5 has wheelchair-accessible seating. If you will be using a wheelchair, we recommend contacting the Tobu Railway Customer Center in advance.

Ekiben and Onboard Dining on "SPACIA X"

At the "GOEN CAFE SPACIA X" cafe counter in Car 1, you can enjoy exclusive menu items that can only be found here, including craft beer "NIKKO LAGER" and craft coffee "Nikko Coffee," and appetizers and sweets made with ingredients from Nikko. Priority access to the cafe is given to passengers using the Cockpit Lounge, Cockpit Suite, and Compartments.

*Products and terms of use for the onboard cafe may change.

Points to Note When Riding "SPACIA X"

Since all seats on the "SPACIA X" are reserved, we recommend booking early if you have a specific date in mind. Please note that the Cockpit Suite is very popular and difficult to book, as there is only one room per train set. Also, keep in mind that the view from the Cockpit Lounge/Cockpit Suite (front view or rear view) differs between southbound and northbound trains when choosing your seat.

Purchasing limited express tickets on board will cost 200 yen more than purchasing them in advance, so we recommend purchasing them online or at a station ticket office before boarding. If you wish to use the cafe, reserving priority seats such as the Cockpit Lounge will make the process smoother.

Summary

The "SPACIA X" is a Tobu Railway sightseeing limited express train with all reserved seats, connecting Asakusa Station with Tobu Nikko Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station. It offers a variety of seating options, including Standard Seats, Premium Seats, private rooms, Cockpit Lounges, and Cockpit Suites, allowing passengers to enjoy the journey itself. Since fares and passenger capacity vary depending on the seat type, choose a seat that suits your group size and purpose, and book popular seats early. If you plan to use the onboard cafe, it's best to check the eligible seats and usage procedures in advance for a smoother experience.

When sightseeing in Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, or Kinugawa Onsen, be sure to check the schedules of local buses and shuttle services from your arrival station, and plan your train journeys and local transportation together.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.