Sample itinerary of Kyoto, Hakone, Fuji and Tokyo classic route

7 to 9 days
Mt. Fuji from the shore of Lake Ashi in Hakone ©JNTO
2013.07.22
Mt. Fuji from the shore of Lake Ashi in Hakone ©JNTO

Mt. Fuji from the shore of Lake Ashi in Hakone ©JNTO

I have received many inquiries about Osaka-Tokyo one way trip plus Hakone and Fuji. In this case, Japan Rail Pass is too expensive for Osaka-Tokyo one way trip. So I would like to show you a classic itinerary for this trip. I want to share with you about how to combine several deals and single tickets.

What kind of ticket you need

From Kansai to Narita

ICOCA and Haruka one way ticket / 3000 yen
Base fare ticket from Kyoto to Shinjuku/ 7980 yen
Shinkansen Nozomi reserved seat supplement ticket from Kyoto to Shinagawa / 5540 yen
Base fare ticket from Shinjuku to Narta Airport / 1450 yen
Narita Express reserved seat supplement ticket from Shinjuku to Narita Airport / 1660 yen
Fuji Hakone Pass / 7000 yen
Limited Express surcharge for Odakyu Romance car from Hakone-Yumoto to Shinjuku / 870 yen

Total 27500 yen

From Kansai to Haneda

ICOCA and Haruka one way ticket / 3000 yen
Base fare ticket from Kyoto to Shinjuku / 7980 yen
Shinkansen Nozomi reserved seat supplement ticket from Kyoto to Shinagawa / 5540 yen
Base fare ticket from Shinjuku to Shinagawa (JR) / 190 yen
Base fare ticket from Shinagawa to Haneda Airport International Terminal (Keihin Kyuko) / 400 yen
Fuji Hakone Pass / 7000 yen
Limited Express surcharge for Odakyu Romancecar from Hakone-Yumoto to Shinjuku / 870 yen

Total 24980 yen

Itinerary

Day 1 / Kansai (KIX) – Kyoto

Kansai Airport is the gateway to this itinerary. ©Kansai International Airport Co.,Ltd/©JNTO

Kansai Airport is the gateway to this itinerary. ©Kansai International Airport Co.,Ltd/©JNTO

Ticket : ICOCA and Haruka

After arrival at KIX, go to JR Kansai Airport station and purchase ICOCA and Haruka one way ticket.
Limited Express Haruka is only direct train service from KIX to Kyoto. This is the best and the fastest. It runs almost every hour. It takes about 1.5 hour to get Kyoto from KIX.

If you are not hurry, try to complete all JR train bookings at Kansai Airport station. If you can’t, you can do it at JR Kyoto station. You have to purchase and book all ticket except Fuji Hakone Pass and Limited Express surcharge for Odakyu Romancecar.

Overnight in Kyoto

Day 2 / Kyoto

Togetsukyo bridge is the highlight in Arashiyama. ©Akira Okada/©JNTO

Togetsukyo bridge is the highlight in Arashiyama. ©Akira Okada/©JNTO

Use ICOCA for your sightseeing in Kyoto. I think 1500 yen e-money cover most of your trip in Kyoto.

Overnight in Kyoto

Day 3 / Kyoto – Tokyo – Shinjuku – Hakone

Ticket : Base fare ticket from Kyoto to Shinjuku, Shinkansen Nozomi supplement ticket, Fuji Hakone Pass

Kyoto 08:02 departure by Shinkansen Nozomi 306
Shinagawa 10:13
Take local train (Yamamote line) to get Shinjuku. It takes abut 20 minutes.
Shinjku 11:40 (Chuo Highway Bus)
Kawaguchiko station 13:32
After arrival at Kawaguchiko station, enjoy sightseeing around Lake Kawaguchi.

When you depart from Kyoto, you can take any Shinkansen train to Tokyo or Shinagawa. Please see JR Central Shinkansen timetable (PDF).

After arrival at Shinjuku station, go to Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center at Odakyu Shinjku station to get Fuji Hakone Pass.
*Please see Odakyu website to get more detail about Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center at Shijuku station.

By the way, Hakone and Fuji are located between Kyoto and Tokyo. Especially Odawara is the nearest station to Hakone and there is Shinkansen station. But I have two reasons why I skip Odawara and go to Tokyo. First of all, Fuji Hakone Pass is only unlimited ride ticket that covers both Hakone and Fuji can be purchased at Odakyu Shinjuku station only. We cannot purchase it at Odawara and any other stations other than Shinjuku. Second reason is luggage storage. In the trip to Fuji and Hakone, you will take lots of transportation and stay at different hotels for this 3 days trip. If you have a bit luggage, like full size suitcase, the luggage will be a big problem. So why don’t you leave your luggage in Shinjuku? This Fuji and Hakone trip is starting from Shinjuku and finish in Shinjuku. You can pack small luggage for just two nights trip to Fuji and Hakone. If you book hotel near Shinjuku station, you may be able to leave your luggage at the hotel. If you can’t you can use coin locker or storage service in the station.

In Fuji and Hakone, Odakyu Railway’s website provide nice itinerary and information about this trip. Please see Fuji-Hakone model course. But in this itinerary, recommended accommodations are a bit pricey. You can make an arrangement whatever you want.

Overnight in Lake Kawaguchi

Day 4 / Lake Kawaguchi – Gotemba – Hakone

Hakone Ropeway is one of the best way to see the mountains surrounding Hakone. ©Odakyu Electric Railway/©JNTO

Hakone Ropeway is one of the best way to see the mountains surrounding Hakone. ©Odakyu Electric Railway/©JNTO

Ticket : Fuji Hakone Pass

From Lake Kawaguchi to Gotemba, you can take Fuji Kyuko Bus by Fuji Hakone Free Pass. Unfortunately English timetable is not available, but you can check it at Japanese website. Please check Fuji Kyuko Bus website. There are two tables. Lower table is to Gotemba from Lake Kawaguchi. Lake Kawaguchi is shown as “河口湖駅” at the top of the table. Gotemba is shown as 御殿場駅（着）at the 4th row from the bottom. If you want to go to Gotemba Premium Outlet, you see “御殿場プレミアムアウトレット” at 2nd row from the bottom. If you click “11時～15時”, timetable shows timetable between 11:00 and 15:00. If you click “16時～19時”, you will see the bus between 16:00 and 19:00.

From Gotemba to Hakone-Togendai, take Odakyu highway bus. Timetable is shown on this PDF.

After arrival in Hakone-Togendai, you can enjoy cruise on Lake Ashi, Gondola ride or Hakone Tozan bus. All transportation guide in Hakone can be seen at Hakobe Navi.

Overnight in Hakone

Day 5 / Hakone – Tokyo

Ticket : Fuji Hakone Pass, Supplement ticket for Odakyu Romancecar

First of all, access to Hakone-Yumoto station. You can access there by Hakone Tozan Bus or Hakone Tozan Railway.

After arrival in Hakone-Yumoto station, you can take Odakyu Limited Express train “Romancecar” to Shinjuku directly. You have to pay additional 870 yen on Fuji Hakone Pass. But it is fast and more comfortable than local train. I strongly recommend to take this train.

If you leave your luggage in Shinjuku, don’t forget to pick up. Lots of shops and restaurant open until late in Shinjuku. You can enjoy Tokyo even after come back from Hakone.

Overnight in Tokyo

Day 6 / Tokyo

Ticket : Maybe subway pass (not included in total cost)

If you visit several places in one day, you may think about purchasing subway pass. Please see the post, Fast, economical and convenient for sightseeing in Tokyo. Learn about Tokyo Subways.

Overnight in Tokyo

Day 7 / Tokyo – Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND)

Ticket : Single ticket to Narita from Shinjuku and Supplement ticket for Narita Express (to Narita)
Single ticket to Shinagawa from Shinjuku (JR) and Shinagawa to Haneda Airport International Terminal (Keihin Kyuko)

If you go to Narita, Narita Express is the best option from Shinjuku. It is direct service and on time. You may be able to take direct limousine bus to Narita from the door of your hotel. Please see the post, Compare many rail services and shuttle bus. How to get downtown Tokyo from Narita airport.

If you go to Haneda, it is simple. Just purchase the ticket at the vending machine in the station. You don’t need to prepare in advance.

You can extend as you like

I tried to put everything in 7 day. So I skipped Osaka and Nara. Of course you can add anywhere between Osaka and Tokyo if you have extra time. If you want to stop at Osaka, you can still use ICOCA and Haruka. ICOCA can be used for Osaka subway as well. If your ICOCA is empty before you go to Kyoto, you can add Kyoto city pass for your sightseeing in Kyoto.

Of course you can complete this itinerary in reverse. Total cost is a bit higher but not much different.

Comments

  1. Jerry says:
    December 21, 2013 at 4:52 am

    Dear Takeshi-san

    I plan to go to Japan with the following itineraries:

    Day 1: ETA KIX 3.30pm – over night in Osaka
    Day 2: Kyoto – over night in Kyoto
    Day 3: Kyoto/Nara – over night in Kyoto
    Day 4: Tokyo – over night Tokyo
    Day 5: Hakone – over night Tokyo
    Day 6: Disneyland – over night Tokyo
    Day 7: Tokyo – ETD 11.50pm Haneda Airport

    Could you advise what trains should I be taking for the itineraries above, should I only take the trains after 9a.m (to avoid the peak crowd)

    Kind regards & Thank you

  2. Andy says:
    November 12, 2013 at 7:07 am

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    This is my itinerary.

    Day 1: Land at KIX at 0825 (stay in Hotel Ichiei, near around Nankai Namba station)
    Osaka sightseeing

    Day 2: Kyoto sightseeing

    Day 3: Hakone (Stay at Ashinoko Ichinoyu)

    Day 4: Tokyo (Stay at Grand Arc Hanzomon Hotel)

    Day 5: Tokyo

    Day 6: Disneyland

    Day 7: Tokyo
    Return home via Haneda International Airport at 2345

    Could you recommended which pass should i buy?

    How much do you i think i need to spend on the tickets?

    I’m interested to take the romancecar but should i stop directly to Shinjuku instead at Odawara from Osaka (just like your sample itinerary) ?

    Or

    Can i get the Hakone Free Pass from Odawara? And then upgrade to romancecar when travel to Shinjuku?

    Thank you in advance for your kind help.

    Regards,
    Andy

  3. Tina says:
    November 5, 2013 at 1:25 am

    I am thankful for your detailed information listed.

    However, I am wondering if it is wise for me to take the 7 days JR Pass or the 14 days JR pass or simply buy ticket per ticket on each travel.

    I am arriving in Haneda Intl terminal on 11 Jan 2014.
    Planning to stay 2 nights in Tokyo Station Hotel before heading out to Nagano, then to Yudanaka Onsen area.
    Will be staying in Yudanaka for 2 nights before going back to Shinjuku Keio Plaza hotel for another 5 nights stay.
    Will travel within Tokyo to various areas like Ueno, etc.
    Also a day trip to Fujisan / Lake Kamagouchi / Lake Ashi / Hakone / Sea of forest.
    Plus a side trip to Yokohama as a day trip

    Finally I am departing from Keio Plaza Shinjuku to Narita Airport for departure.

    In all, I am wondering whether it is better for me to purchase the JR Pass or just get tickets as and required? The JR pass indicated that some Nozomi trains cannot be taken without adding surcharge, so is it still ideal to use JR pass for all the places I am thinking to cover?

    Kindly let me know at your convenience.

    I am confused whether the JR Pass can be used on all the lines I need to take whilst travelling to the areas I am going to.

    Are you able to suggest or comment?

  4. johan says:
    September 14, 2013 at 7:13 pm

    Hello all helpers,

    We will be in Kawaguchi Lake on Oct 10, 2013 then to Osaka the next day, what will be the best route available to take? by bus, by train or a combination of bus and train with the shortest travel time. Thank you for all your help,

    Cheers,
    Johan

  5. Chelsea says:
    August 21, 2013 at 11:57 pm

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    I am planning my trip and would need your advice whats the best options to travel, as follows:

    25 Dec – Narita to Shinjuku hotel: By Narita Express.
    26 Dec – Shinjuku to either Tokyo or Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka: Hikari.
    28 Dec – Osaka to Kyoto to Osaka (1day trip): What pass should i use?
    30 Dec – Osaka to Hakone (1 night stay). How do i get to Hakone? What pass should i use?
    31 Dec – Hakone to Tokyo: Shinkasen?
    4 Jan – Shinjuku to Narita: Narita Express.

    Can you advice should i get the 7 or 14 days japan rail pass?

    Thank you.
    Cy

  6. ES says:
    August 19, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    I will have 7 days in Japan and this is our itinerary via 7-day JR Rail Pass, I would appreciate it if you have any recommendations:

    Day 0: Arrive in Narita at 8:30pm, limousine bus to Tokyo
    Day 1: Free day in Tokyo
    Day 2: Take Shinkasen to Kyoto and overnight
    Day 3: Take train to Osaka
    Day 4: Free day in Osaka
    Day 5: Take train to Kinosaki-Onsen
    Day 6: Return to Tokyo
    Day 7: Depart Tokyo via Narita at 11:10am

    Please advise. Thanks so much for your help 🙂

  7. SC says:
    August 12, 2013 at 12:53 am

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    Many thanks for your reply.

    I have made changes to the plan, please advise:

    ICOCA & Haruka Pass (one-way type, 3,000 Yen or roundtrip, 4,000 Yen; the ICOCA card consists of e-money 2000 Yen):
    Day 1: using Haruka Pass from KIX to Shin-Osaka
    Can we re-use the Haruka Pass for Shin-Osaka to Kyoto or the pass is a one-time use? If it is not feasible, can we use ICOCA used for Shin-Osaka to Kyoto via JR Special Rapid Service?

    As mentioned in your reply, ICOCA can be used in the following areas:
    Osaka
    – JR line (eg. Shin-Osaka –> Namba)
    – Can the card be used for Subway Line?
    ** eg. Shin-Osaka –> Hommachi –> Osakako Station (Subway Chuo Line)
    ** eg. Shin-Osaka –> Shinsaibashi (Subway Midosuji Line)

    Kyoto
    – can the card be use for City Bus (to reach Kiyomizu-dera and Higashiyama area)

    Tokyo
    – JR East (can it be use for Yamanote Line?)
    – can it be used Oedo Line, Fukutoshin Line, Hibiya Line and Asakusa Line

    As for Kyoto to Tokyo, this is the information that I got from hyperdia, please advise if it is correct:
    — 13,520 Yen via Shinkansen Nozomi 126 (141 minutes)

    Lastly, for children below 6 years, is it a need to buy the ICOCA + Haruka package?

    Thanks in advance,
    SC

    • JPRail says:
      August 12, 2013 at 1:00 pm

      Hi SC,

      All train services will be covered by ICOCA in your itinerary. But you have to be careful at these following things:

      1) Once you exit the station, Haruka ticket is expired. So you have to use the fund from ICOCA for Shin-Osaka to Kyoto transfer. If you just transfer the trans, you still can use Haruka portion ticket.

      2) ICOCA and Haruka also include 500 yen deposit. So you will have 1500 yen e-money in ICOCA. If you make it empty and return ICOCA in Kansai area, you can receive 500 yen deposit. You can never get deposit in Tokyo area. Only it can be possible in ICOCA area.

      3) ICOCA and Haruka is not prepared for children. Children under 6 years old is free with adult passengers. If you see lots of empty seats in Haruka, your child can get a seat. But it’s full, you may have to share the seat with you child.

      You may be already read my post. But just in case, I put the link about ICOCA and Haruka post:
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  8. SC says:
    August 6, 2013 at 11:15 pm

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    Please advise if the below-mentioned plan is feasible?

    Travel Date: 25 Oct – 2 Nov
    Day 1 – 4: Osaka and Kyoto
    Day 5 – 9: Tokyo

    7 day JR Pass
    Kansai Airport –> Shin-Osaka
    Shin-Osaka –> Kyoto
    Kyoto –> Tokyo

    3 day Kansai Thru Pass – to be used in Osaka & Kyoto areas.

    Pasmo Card (for subway/buses) – to be used in Tokyo areas.

    Is there a single card whereby we can use for subway/buses in both kansai and tokyo area?

    thanks in advance,
    SC

  9. KKK says:
    August 2, 2013 at 5:01 am

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    thanks for your advice. I understand that Suica card can be used in Osaka and Kyoto too, is that right? The only restriction is that we will not be able to return the card and get our deposit back except in Tokyo? Will we be able to top up cash value on the Suica card out of Tokyo eg: in Kyoto or Osaka?

    Will you suggest that we return the Suica card when leaving Tokyo and buy the ICOCA and Huraka card for Osaka/Kyoto?

    Please advise. Thanks again!

    • JPRail says:
      August 2, 2013 at 7:30 am

      Hi KKK,

      You can use Suica in Osaka and Kyoto. You can put some more fund into Suica in Osaka and Kyoto too. But you can’t refund it there.

      You can’t purchase ICOCA and Haruka because it is available only Kansai airport. You can purchase ICOCA only. But you have to fill in the form and take a time. So keep your Suica and use in Osaka and Kyoto. It’s easier.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  10. KKK says:
    July 31, 2013 at 10:52 pm

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    is this our itinerary, could you please recommend if we should buy the 7 day JR pass and add on ICOCA pass at the beginning? Or shd we buy the JR West or Kansai area pass instead?

    Day 1: Land at Narita Airport at 10.30am, Sightseeing at Asakusa area and Disneyland in the evening
    Day 2: 1 day trip to Mt Fuji (* We are considering a Japan Sunrise day tour)
    Day 3: Take shinkasen to Kyoto.
    Day 4 and 5 Kyoto sightseeing
    Day 6: Arashiyama sightseeing, overnight at Arashiyama
    Day 7: Train to Osaka
    Day 8: Day trip to Hiroshima/Miyajima, back to Osaka at night
    Day 9: Osaka sightseeing
    Day 10: Return home via Kansai International Airport.

    Thank you in advance for your kind help.

    • JPRail says:
      July 31, 2013 at 11:47 pm

      Hi KKK,

      As you guess, 7 days pass can be used for day 3 to 9.

      You can use Suica & N’ex or taking Limousine bus to Tokyo from Narita.
      This is the best option for you.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

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