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Best route round Japan

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Natalie G
London, United...
3 posts
Best route round Japan
Mar 26, 2024, 9:46 AM

Hi, I am planning a 14 day trip round Japan all by train. I can't work out where best to fit in Hakone. Could you help me with which route makes more sense (or let me know if there is something else I haven't considered)? I'm after the easiest journeys as I'll have two young children with me.

Option 1: Tokyo - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Hakone - Tokyo

Option 2: Tokyo - Hakone - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Tokyo

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Selsy
New Zealand
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1. Re: Best route round Japan
Mar 26, 2024, 4:20 PM

Option 1 is the more logical. You would take the shinkansen to Odawara, and then take local train or bus from there. Option 2 would mean going back to Tokyo to catch the shinkansen to Kanazawa.

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JapanCustomTours
Japan
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8,151 posts
149 reviews
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2. Re: Best route round Japan
Mar 26, 2024, 9:01 PM

Best route is subjective. Did you consider dropping Hakone or doing it as a day trip from Tokyo?

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mamajelli
Tokyo, Japan
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3. Re: Best route round Japan
Mar 26, 2024, 9:56 PM

I like Option 2. Just do Hakone Free Pass and Romance Car with Odakyu line, traveling back and forth from Shinjuku. Think of it as a separate trip, not as part of the bigger loop.

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