My kyoto-hiroshima-hakone-tokyo trip plan. Can it work

Hi there!

It does make for a speedy trip but I think it works out just fine! You combine a lot of great places but still have a good amount of time to enjoy them. I would say switch Osaka and Kyoto around if you are not really into shrines. Kyoto has many great and beautiful places, most of them traditional however Osaka has a lot to offer too, you could for instance visit Universal City.

2.) Yes you made a good estimation! If you really would like to know the exact travel times and route information, consider using Hyperdia it truly is a great resource for traveling by train in Japan. We have a detailed blog post about it to help you get started.

3.) Around Tokyo station is great, one stop from Tokyo on the Yamanote line you can find Kanda, hotels here are generally prices a lot better and you can access Tokyo station quickly from there. Otherwise Shinjuku a very good option too, you can take a direct train from there to Hakone.

4.) If you have a day extra with the JR-Pass: Visit a city that is not so well knows outside of Japan, there are some great gems out there, like Kanazawa, Takamatsu or Kagoshima.

Without the JR-Pass: consider a day trip out of Tokyo, such as going to Nikko or Yokohama. I think Nikko will impress you, even if you are not really into temples. Yokohama is a blast too! Personally I love the China Town. Of course you can just spend the extra day in Tokyo, the city has so much to offer. Lastly consider a day to Disney Sea, the 2nd Disney park just besides Disney land.

Have a great time in Japan!
-Daniel

Thanks for your quick reply and very helpful tips and I shall look into them further.