8 days itinerary Tokyo - Kyoto - Hakone

Hi all,

We are planning our first trip to japan this March and planning it as followed:
Day 1: NRT to Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo to Kyoto
Day 4-6: Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto to Hakone
Day 8: Hakone to NRT

We're planning to get a JR pass but still look for options to pay for the extra day. Since our flight will come to NRT quite early in the afternoon (2.30pm), we'd like to explore Tokyo a bit that day as well. NEX Tokyo Direct ticket on the first day sound like the best option for us from NRT to Tokyo. What about transport in tokyo for that day (probably we'll stick to the Yamanote line)?

The other question is transport from the Shinkansen to Hakone (we're staying near Minami Onsens). What's the best way to go from Odawara station to there? Is JR Pass valid?

Thanks all!
Anh

We are planning our first trip to japan this March and planning it as followed:
Day 1: NRT to Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo to Kyoto
Day 4-6: Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto to Hakone
Day 8: Hakone to NRT

We're planning to get a JR pass but still look for options to pay for the extra day. Since our flight will come to NRT quite early in the afternoon (2.30pm), we'd like to explore Tokyo a bit that day as well. NEX Tokyo Direct ticket on the first day sound like the best option for us from NRT to Tokyo. What about transport in tokyo for that day (probably we'll stick to the Yamanote line)?

The other question is transport from the Shinkansen to Hakone (we're staying near Minami Onsens). What's the best way to go from Odawara station to there? Is JR Pass valid?

I arrived in Narita at same time before 230pm and its actually pretty busy at that time. It will be at least 330pm when you finish customs, maybe get lost a little bit and get to the trains. Then the Narita Express to Tokyo is 1 hour. So earliest into Tokyo station is about 430pm. Then of course making your way to your hotel 30-40mins more. More or less it will be 5-530pm before you can explore the nightlife in Tokyo ^_^

For Narita to Tokyo Station you can get the NEX Ticket 3020 yen

Once at Tokyo station you can get Suica or Pasmo card. Load up some money on the card and you can use it at most train stations for the train fares and also use the card at vending machines and even at convenience stores. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html

Activate the JR Pass on day two and it will be valid on all JR trains including the main Yamanote Line in Tokyo and the Narita express NEX trains back to Narita.

However the JR Pass is not valid from Odawara Station to Hakone. You can buy the Hakone Free Pass at Odawara Station. 2 day pass is 4000yen that you can use the area's trains and bus. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2358_008.html

However I'm not sure if the bus in the area goes to your Onsen stay.

Hope this helps!

Have fun!!!!