best way to get from Nikko to Hakone

We will be in Japan for 12 days and will be visiting (in order):
Tokyo 3 nights
Nikko 2 nights
Hakone 2 nights
Kyoto 4 nights (sude trips to Nara and Himeji)
Tokyo 1 night before flying out.

What is the best way to get from Nikko to Hakone?

Is the JR Pass an economical option for this itinery? We are a family of 2 adults and kids (ages 6 & 8).

Thank you in advance for your tips.

Diemha

What is the best way to get from Nikko to Hakone?

Via Tokyo. If you have a Japan Rail Pass: Nikko - (JR Nikko Line) - Utsunomiya - (Tohoku Shinkansen) - Tokyo - (Tokaido Shinkansen) - Odawara (at the entrance to the Hakone region)

Is the JR Pass an economical option for this itinery?

Yes. The 7-day pass will pay off for your side trip to Kyoto. And, although, the 14-day pass might actually end up a little bit more than regular tickets, I think it is still a good value, considering the comfort and flexibility that comes with a rail pass.

thanks so much for your help.