Tokyo-kawaguchiko-kyoto-takayama-tokyo-Narita

Hi there,

For travel options to Kawaguchiko see:
https://www.jrpass.com/blog/itinerary-tip-mt-fuji#Access%20to%20Kawaguchiko

Unfortunately, it is not the easiest place to get to and will take time. It is indeed correct that your JR Pass will cover travel up to Otsuki station.

The fastest way from Kyoto to Takayama is to take the Shinkansen to Nagoya, followed by the ltd. express train to Takayama. This will take about 3-4 hours. There are departures every 30 minutes, so you can basically travel when you want. Same for Tokyo, take a train back to Nagoya and then Shinkansen onwards.

Hopefully this helps!
Daniel

Daniel-San,

Thank you for your comprehensive reply.

I just think of other option to Hakone / Gotemba instead of kawaguchiko. What is the best way to reach it? Shinkansen from Tokyo to Atami or Mishima and continue with Ltd Express to Gotemba? Or any other better option?

Another question for traveling from Takayama to Tokyo. Is it better to take your suggestion to return to Nagoya and shinkansen to Tokyo or I go from Takayama using ltd express to Toyama and then continue with shinkansen to Tokyo?

Which one is faster and cheaper? Considering I have a return flight on that day from Narita.

Thank you.

Hi again!

"Shinkansen from Tokyo to Atami or Mishima and continue with Ltd Express to Gotemba?" This would indeed be the fastest way, or you could take a local train from one of these stations when there is no ltd. Express.

"Nagoya and shinkansen to Tokyo or I go from Takayama using ltd express to Toyama and then continue with shinkansen to Tokyo?" The difference in time in small and may even be faster depending on what time of day you travel. Last time I did the route, going through Nagoya was faster. The route to Nagoya is very scenic, and you can see Fuji on a clear day from the Shinkansen, so that also went into that decision. I did it by JR Pass so the price did not matter, but I do think going through Kanazawa could cost a bit less. The answer was is faster, depends on your time of travel, so be sure to check the time tables.

Kind regards,
Daniel