AboutRobert Expertise General questions about tourism/travel and life in Japan, including shopping, visa issues, culture-shock, finding accommodations and employment, proper cultural etiquette, and common problems ex-pats in Japan experience. Bachelors Degree in Japanese Culture and Masters Degree in Marketing.
Question QUESTION: My husband, 18 yr. old daughter and myself have three nights (two and a half days) in Narita at the end of September and would like to visit Hakone National Park. We have spent a great deal of time trying to decipher the various train maps looking for the most direct route from Narita to Hakone. We know we can take a train from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Hakone Yumoto station. Is it necessary (and would it be the quickest route)for us to travel from Narita via Tokyo to Hakone or can you suggest an alternate train route with various connections. As we will only have one day in the Hakone area we obviously are looking for the least travel time. Would the 2 day free Hakone pass also be the most economical means of buying our tickets even though we are only there for one day. Thanking you in anticipation. Regards, Gail
ANSWER: Hi,
I think that leaving from Shinjuku to Hakone is a good way to go; as far as getting to Shinjuku Station, you could either take a train or bus. The trains altogether might be a bit cheaper -- you could take the Keisei to Ueno Stn from Narita, and then the subway or JR Yamanote Line
to Shinjuku. But an easier way would be to take the Limousine Bus straight from Narita to Shinjuku Stn. That way you don't have to carry your bags all over the place.
You can take the Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, depending on your own itinerary. Look into the Hakone Free Pass for a lot of activities at a discount.
For more info, look at
www.narita-airport.jp/en
www.limousinebus.co.jp/en
www.odakyu.jp/english/freepass/hakone_01.html
www.wikitravel.org/en/Hakone
www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/english/area/hakone.html
Best wishes,
Robert
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Many thanks Robert for your prompt reply. One thing you may be able to clarify re the Hakone Free Pass. We are only going to Hakone for the day (returning to Narita that night) so we are trying to ascertain whether it is still cheaper to pay for the 2 day pass (as it appears a one day is not available)as opposed to buying individual tickets. Also what is the Romance car? Thanks again
Answer Hi,
The Romancecar is simply a limited express train from Shinjuku to Hakone. It got that name a long time ago for its two seaters with no
armrest -- kind of like love seat. As for the free pass, a lot depends on how much you plan to do within that one day. The difference though it
not that much, in any case. For more info you might look at
