15 days itinerary

Hi Natalie,

I think that a 14 day JR pass would be a great option for your travel. By visiting Miyajima and Kyoto you will make great use of it. It covers all of your travel including Gotemba if you want.

What I am wondering about is why do you plan to hire a car? Gotemba and Hakone can both be reached using the Shinkansen and JR and the JR Pass covers the full journey and you can also use to train to travel to Ito if you wish.

Your plan looks great for the rest, it is indeed a lot in two weeks but all very doable. Traveling from Narita/Tokyo to Miyajima is the longest distance and you could also make the journey after you arrive at Narita Airport to get most of your travel out of the way.

I hope this helps!
Daniel

Hi Daniel,

You're very helpful, thanks for all the info!

A 14 day JR pass it is! Hopefully with the amount of JR and Shinkansen travelling it will cover the cost of the pass.

We have done some research on Hyperdia looking at the Shinkansen and JR trains or travelling by car on day 11. I guess by car we can experience driving in Japan. Tavelling by rail will take more time, have some transfers but is less stressful.

Please tell me your thoughts on our plan for this day and if travelling by car or train is better.

Departing from Kyoto to see Mt. Fuji , our plans include:
- experience the Hakone ropeway and cruise, stopping at Owakudani and Togendai, - Gotemba city and outlets if there is time, - Hakone then to Izukogen for overnight stay.

We are international travelers with luggage. If there are no luggage storage facilities we thought a car would be handy.

Thank you for your time and advice!

Natalie

Hi Natalie,

I have to be honest here and say that my car travel in Japan is somewhat limited to trips with friends and family and usually use the train myself. Travelling by car in Japan is pretty straight forward, however the high amount of toll roads can make it rather expansive. Also - depending from where you live in the world - driving on the left side of the road could be hard as well. On the other hand, I can certainly see the advantages too.

You can reach all places from Mt. Fuji by either car or train/bus so both option would work. When it comes down do budget I do think that using the train will use a lower budget.

Lastly if you do go by car, plan ahead well, it is easy to underestimate travel distances in Japan!

Have a great trip!
Daniel