Travel 15 days Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto-Ikoma-Tokyo

Hi there,

I recommend using a 7 day JR Pass and start using it from day 8. This is the part where you do the most travel and can make good savings using a JR Pass.

I must make a note about IKOMA, this is a station served by the Kintetsu railway company and this station is not included in the JR Pass.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Hello Daniel-san,

Hope you can help as we have a few more questions about our itinerary and best travel tickets.

1. If we purchase the 7 day pass, should we purchase a return NEX express for our journey from and to Narita airport? We considered purchasing limousine bus shuttle but looks like travel time will add on another half hour journey. Is this correct?

2. Is there a combo ticket we can get that would cover our travel from narita airport to Shinjuku and also cover our travel in Tokyo during the first 5-6 days?

3. Hakone stay - we are currently only spending one night in Hakone, staying in ryokan. We're thinking of visiting the volcano and open-air museum during our visit to Hakone. Is one night enough or too rush?

4. Ikoma - you mentioned it's Kintetsu railway so the travel from Kyoto to Ikoma, can we use the JR pass? And how about the journeys from Ikoma to Osaka/Nara/Kobe and also return to Shinjuku - does this mean JR Pass would not be valid and we would have to purchase separate tickets? Please advise.

Thank you
Kelly

Hi, Hope you can help us with our questions above? We are leaving on 11th May so hope you can provide guidance before we leave.

Thank you.

Hi Kelly,

Sorry for the delay in response. I try to answer within 24 hours but sometimes posts slip though.

To answer your questions.

1.) This is not a bad option to consider. The NEX is fast and reliable. A limousine bus can be good to and sometimes they stop in front of your hotel which adds convenience.

2.) What you could look at are day tickets for the Tokyo Metro or JR in Tokyo. These are about 750yen and good for a whole day of travel. Can be nice if you plan on visiting a lot of sightseeing spots.

3.) This should be fine in terms of time, most people visit Hakone 1-2 days and you can do a full circle with a bit of planning. A Hakone Free Pass can be a good option when exploring the Hakone Area.

4.) The Kintetsu railway is not included in the JR Pass, as Kintetsu is a private railway. You would indeed need normal tickets here.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Thank you Daniel san.