Hi all, just need some advise. We are travelling to Tokyo the first two weeks of May. Flights and hotel all booked. After booking we realise that the first week of May happens to be 'Golden Week' with lots of local holidays. So, Tokyo will basically be packed with people and travelling will be hectic to say the least.

Since we are staying in Yotsuka/Shinjuku area, our plan will be to stay around Tokyo and visit local sights in and around Tokyo, doing as much on foot as possible. I think the Metro will be quite easy to navigate if need be.

The second week will be quieter (theoretically), since the holiday season is over. We plan day visit to Hakone/Mt Fuji etc. The question I want to ask is has anyone experience using the Hakone Freepass, or Hakone Kamakura pass operated by Odakayu Railways? They offer a 2 or 3 day pass for travel from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto Station. Then all travel on trams, Ropeway and busses are free. The price for a 3 day pass includes travel to Kamakura and Enoshima is Yen6500. Romance-car has an additional Yen1060 per journey. Sound reasonable to me as we have unlimited use of all transport choices. Just wonder what you peeps think?

I have read mixed reviews with regards to the Gora, Sousan, Owakudani, Pirate Ship journey. Those who have made this trip, I appreciate your comments. Also is Enoshima - Kamakura a worthwhile day trip? Lastly what about the Chinatown in Yokohama? All these places are around hour or hour and half by train.

Thanks for the reply! Is it easy to use? Did you enjoy the trip?

I think so too. Our 16 day trip to Tokyo this May, we are staying at Yotsuya (near Shinjuku), try to visit as many places in and around Tokyo and make a few day trips to Hakone/Mt Fuji, Kamakura and Enoshima. More relax this way, I think.

Sorry to ask again. Its about the Hokone Loop. Starting from Hokone-Yumoto, Gowa, Ropeway to Owakudani, Pirate Ship, Hokone Port, bus back to Hokone-Yumoto. How long is the total journey. We plan to leave early from Shinjuku to arrive by 9, maybe 10 am to avoid the long queues (apparently the queues can be horrendously long). We are travelling in early May. Btw some travellers suggest doing the journey in reverse, is that a good idea?

The reason is we are hoping to complete the loop to arrive back at Hakone-Yumoto say by 4pm so that we can enjoy the onsen before heading back to Shinjuku on the same day.

Thanks, appreciate your reply!

Thank you very much for this, really useful info for my planning! We are planning 2 week May, so hopefully not too busy on weekday.

Yes, my wife and I will be there that week 😊. Staying until 16th. Book flights and accommodation then found out later about the golden week. Never mind. Will still enjoy nonetheless. We plan to stay around Tokyo centre the first week, try to avoid trains and metro. Second week then visit Kamakura, Yokohama and Hokone Mt Fuji loop. Hope all goes well 👌

For me, Shinjuku ftw, We stayed in Tokyu Stay Yotsuya for 14 nights. Larger than usual hotel rooms, has a kitchenette and washing mc which is a bonus! No room service and room cleaning is once a week. There is a station (Yotsuya) nearby, 5 minutes by foot. Four lines pass through this station so it is very convenient. It is away from the busy tourist areas but enough restaurants, snack and convenient stores. Shinjuku main station is 3 stops away, but be aware that it is a very huge multi-level station (reputed to be the largest in the world). It is always busy, rush hour is a nightmare. We got to Hakone using Odakyu from Shinjuku station. We also did the so called Hakone Loop which covers Gora, Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi etc. Mt Fuji is really worth it and should be considered as part of your trip to Hakone. Make sure the weather is nice, i.e. not cloudly or worst rainy. Mt Fuji can be very shy,lol.

Shibuya, I find more suited for young crowd and a bit chaotic as it is close to Harajuku (another 'young' ppl place). Tokyo station is a bit out of the way but most Shinkansen leave from here!

To be fair, any of the areas you mention is really good and as long as you are near the metro, everything else is ok. Tokyo, I think has one of the best of not the best metro network. Take a little time to study the rail map and you will be ok. The three lines I use most of the time to travel around Tokyo are the Red, Marunochi Line, the Yello Ginza line and the very useful but busy Green Yamanote Loop. Good luck!

We booked the Hakone Enoshima 3 day pass and stayed a night in Gora Shinanoki Ichinoyu which has a private onsen. Well worth it and we were glad we stayed the night as on the first day we did not get to see Mt Fuji. On the second day the weather was gorgeous and we had the full view of magnificient Mt Fuji, really a sight to behold. The best view was on the Ropeway and at the Owakudani stopover. We didn't do the 'pirate ship' the second time as its just a bit gimmicky unless you want to visit the towns by the lake. After the second round to see Mt Fuji we returned to Hakone enroute to Kamakura and Enoshima. Both nice places to visit. Then back to Shinjuku on a local express train. Sit on the left side of the train to get a last view of Mt Fuji as the train leaves Odawara (I think!) From Hakone, its just another hour or so to Kamakura then another short journey to Enoshima. The trains there are quite unique. Google to find out more

Yes, we took the Romance Car to Hakone but just the regular express back. Less stops and more comfortable on Romance Car. Also you can book seats and order bento meals (ekiben) on board. Supposedly a very Japanese thing but I'm not much of a fan. Expensive too. Lol.

BTW the trains taking you to Kamakura and Enoshima is also quite unique. I enjoyed riding on them and the coastal route is ery scenic. Enjoy your trip!