need some advice on train passes.

Am planning to do both Tokyo and Hakone, over 9 days during Christmas period. Flying into NRT. Because its a relatively bigger group (6 pax, with parents) am thinking to taking the JR Narita Express.

Am considering either the Seishun 18 Kippu, JE East Pass or the Kanto Area Pass

My problem with the East Pass is that I think is not as worth because we're only going to Hakone. Meanwhile, the Kanto Area Pass is only for 3 consecutive calendar days. Would it be best to couple the 18 Kippu with a Fuji Hakone Pass or Hakone Free pass?

Worth mentioning also that am planning to spend 1-2 nights in Hakone/Five Lakes area.

Also, worth going to any gardens during that time of year? Or will all the trees be bald then?

This post has been edited by shauno: Sep 7 2015, 09:45 AM

righto, planning a 8 night trip to Tokyo with the whole family (6 of us). Because of varied interest, here's a tentative itinerary.

Planing to keep the schedule light, and mostly free and easy. Idea is to explore the districts a bit and people watch.. Not much interest in shopping

Thoughts and C&C please?

Dec 19, Sat Tokyo
Am
Mystays Hotel @ Hamamatsucho
Harajuku
Meiji Jingu
Pm
Shibuya
Winter illumination Roppongi (Tokyo Midtown)

Dec 20, Sun Tokyo
Am
Yasukuni Shrine
Ginza
Nihonbashi
Pm
Winter illuminations Ginza (Ginza Itchome Station)

Dec 21, Mon Fujigoko

Dec 22, Tues Tokyo (Hotel Check In, Shimbashi)
Am
Back from Fujigoko
Pm
Odaiba

Dec 23, Wed (Emperor’s Birthday, PH) Nikko

Dec 24, Thurs Tokyo
Am
Tsukiji
Imperial Palace
Pm
Disneyland (After 6 Passport)

Dec 25, Fri (Christmas, PH) Tokyo
Shinjuku
Shinjuku Gyoen
Winter illuminations Shinjuku (Shinjuku Station)

Dec 26, Sat
Free & Easy

Dec 27, Sun
Checkout

Cheers guys!

well, the intention is not for the rides, but rather the closing show/parade, which is supposed to be really nice for Christmas season.. besides, most aren't interested in Disneyland, only my mother is..