Hi,
I am planning a trip to Japan in November. I have decided on a rough itinerary, but would like to know the best way to get around during the trip.
Days 1-3 in Tokyo
Day 4: Leave Tokyo for a one-night trip to Hakone (figured we would stop for 1 night since it's on the way to Kyoto and we want to see some of Mt Fuji).
Day 5: Depart Hakone for Kyoto
Days 6-10 in Kyoto. From here, I plan to do at least 2 day trips, one to Nara and one to either Himeji or Hiroshima.
Day 11: Kyoto to Osaka b/c on Day 12 I have an early morning flight out of KIX.
My questions are:
1) Do I just buy a 7 day JR pass and use that to get from Tokyo to Hakone and to Kyoto and for the day trips? If so, what would I buy to from Odawara station into Hakone and around Hakone?
2) or.. Do I skip the Shinkazen to Hakone and take the Romance Car instead? Would that justify buying a Hakone free pass? and if that's the case, would I still want to buy a JR pass to get from Hakone to Kyoto and to use for the day trips?
3) If you had to choose: Hiroshima or Himeji Castle? Is Hiroshima worth a day trip? We could do 1 overnight but I prefer to just base in Kyoto
I'd welcome feedback on my itinerary in general as well.
Thanks in advance!