Noob's query to Hakone

[urban_closet]

Hi guys

Had viewed the Hakone thread but wanted to ask the experts for their customized advice (thanks in advance )

Hotel reservation: Hotel Route-Inn Gotenba Ekiminami
Duration: 2 nights
Travel: Direct to Hakone after landing at Narita

Question: should I buy the Hakone free pass?
Question: should I upgrade to the Romance Car?
Question: it's stated on the website that a greater discount can be obtained by buying the free pass direct @ the station. If that's the case, won't I be at the mercy of only knowing what seats are available at such late notice?

Considerations: I intend to visit a hot spa and also fit in a few attractions along the way. I don't like to rush around to view all attractions just to make the unlimited pass worthwhile though..

Will add in more points as I think of them... this being my first trip to Hakone; I want it to be a good experience Seek your sagely advice

 

[ralliart_ray]

Hakone is awesome. I really like Mt.Fuji. (My fav part of my visit last year and the kaiseki dinner I had at the hot-spring resort - the very best!)

Here you go

I took a bus to Hakone the last time. However the Romance Car looks good from the video. Hakone free pass prove to be a good buy if you plan to visit several attractions.

I quoted from japan guide : If you do the classic round course by train, cablecar, ropeway, boat and bus, regular tickets (which I did) would total about 6300 Yen, i.e. you can save considerably by purchasing the free pass. Furthermore, using a single pass is a major convenience over buying single tickets each time you ride a train or bus.

However, if you only go, for example, from Shinjuku to Lake Ashi (Moto-Hakone) and back (about 4200 Yen by regular tickets), the purchase of the free pass would not be justified.

 

[tomicaguy]

The Romancecar does not go to Lake Kawaguchi. Only to Gotemba.

 

[coldmilk]

Hakone is nice. My family and I did a 2 nights/3days trip there in Nov last year. There are plenty to do and places to explore while you are there.

To answer your questions;
1) Get the free pass. This pass apply to all the travels within Hakone which is a big place. The cable car rides are great and would cost quite a bit if you buy them on its own. Same for the boat rides. Buy the 2 nights/3days pass which is just slightly more than the 1 nights/2days pass.

2)Romancecar is only slightly faster but have more comfortable seating. If you are on a budget then no need to get the upgrade, which cost quite a bit. You need to change train anyway.

3) I bought my pass at the Suibuya station, a few days before my trips.

A few suggestions.
- I think it would too tiring to travel straight from narita airport after a long flight. Suggest that break your visit to tokyo with a side trip to Hakone in the middle.
- Avoid the weekends and PH. It can get really crowded and most spas/inns cost more as well.
- use the Hakone Baggage Service. It is quite cheap and a god-send! I use them both ways and it allows me to have my side-seeing before and after my stays at the onsen. It is available from the Hakone Yumoto station.
- After we left our lugguage at the Hakone Yumoto stattion, we had a picnic by the river that runs along the town. Very nice! Alternatively, there are places for lunch within the town before you head up to Hakone.
- Most onsens have dinner/breakfast options. Go for it as dinners can gets expensive in Hakone.

 

[urban_closet]

Thanks for all the feedback guys!

Unfortunately I have already booked my hotels in Hakone (3D2N) which means I'll need to travel to the area immediately after I touch down at 1940hours in Narita. Sadly I am also traveling to the area on the weekend.. wish me luck then!!

I noted that the website said it was cheaper to book at Shinjuku station. Would I run the risk of having no available seats if I book on the spot at Shinjuku for the Romance Car?

 

[Litmuss]

Just came back from Tokyo with a trip to Mt Fuji / hakone. My god, hakone is like a heaven on earth. Everything there is so picturesque. Peaceful, tranquil.... Envy those who own houses there sitting by the lake... Good place to retire.

Only regrets is I did not plan for an overnight stay at one of the inns or hotels.

 

[jimmytango]

You can actually make reservation for Romance Car through email <welcome@odakyu-dentetsu.co.jp>
There's few type of romance car, some come with observation deck, you can book it from there as well.