What is the most convenient way to travel from Tokyo to nearby cities like Hakone and Kamakura?

Hey! If you're heading to Hakone and Kamakura near Tokyo, choosing the right transportation can make your trip much easier and more enjoyable. I've been to both places multiple times, so here's my advice—keeping it simple!

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### Getting to Hakone, the "Hot Spring Town"

People visit Hakone mainly for hot springs, nature, and art museums. The key is getting there comfortably and exploring seamlessly.

#### 🥇 Top Pick: Odakyu Romancecar + Hakone Freepass

This is the most popular choice and my top "no-brainer" combo—hassle-free and cost-effective.

*   **How to take it?**
    *   At **Shinjuku Station** in Tokyo, find the **Odakyu Department Store** and follow signs for the **Odakyu Line**.
    *   Purchase a **Hakone Freepass**—this is your golden ticket!
    *   Then separately buy the **Limited Express ticket** for the "Romancecar."

*   **Why is it recommended?**
    1.  **Direct & Convenient:** The Romancecar departs from Shinjuku and runs non-stop to **Hakone-Yumoto Station**, the gateway to Hakone. No changing trains with luggage—super convenient.
    2.  **Great Experience:** Features large scenic windows and comfortable seats. Snagging a "Vista Seat" in the front car offers premium views!
    3.  **The Hakone Freepass is Magical:** Tailor-made for tourists! It includes:
        *   **Round-trip** regular train tickets between Shinjuku and Hakone. (Buying the Romancecar upgrades your comfort).
        *   **Unlimited rides** on almost all Hakone transport: Mountain Train, Cable Car, Ropeway (for views of Mt. Fuji and Ōwakudani!), Lake Ashi Pirate Ships, and local buses.
        *   Exploring Hakone typically involves looping around on these transports. With the pass, just show it—no ticket buying for each ride.

*   **In short: At Shinjuku Station, buy a "Hakone Freepass" and a "Romancecar ticket" – then explore Hakone freely!**

#### 🥈 Alternative: Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

Consider this if you have a **JR Pass** or are staying near Tokyo/Shinagawa Stations.

*   **How to take it?**
    *   Take the **Tokaido Shinkansen** from **Tokyo** or **Shinagawa Station** to **Odawara Station** (about 30 min).
    *   Transfer to the **Hakone Tozan Railway** at Odawara for the scenic ride to Hakone-Yumoto.

*   **Pros & Cons:**
    *   **Pros:** Fast (to Odawara). Uses JR Pass coverage, saving costs if you have it.
    *   **Cons:** Usually more expensive overall (without JR Pass). Requires a transfer at Odawara. You'll still need separate tickets or a Hakone pass for local transport within Hakone.

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### Getting to the "Ancient Capital" Kamakura & Enoshima

Kamakura and Enoshima are often combined for temples, the Great Buddha, coastline, and the *Slam Dunk* anime spot. JR is the main way here.

#### 🥇 Top Pick: JR Yokosuka Line / JR Shōnan-Shinjuku Line

The most direct, fastest, and metro-like option.

*   **How to take it?**
    *   Near **Tokyo or Shinagawa Station?** Take the **JR Yokosuka Line** towards "Zushi" or "Kurihama" – direct to **Kamakura Station** (~1 hour).
    *   Near **Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ikebukuro?** Take the **JR Shōnan-Shinjuku Line** southbound – also direct to **Kamakura Station**.

*   **Why is it recommended?**
    1.  **Fast & Direct:** One train from major Tokyo stations.
    2.  **Frequent:** Trains run every 10-15 minutes—no need to rush for specific departures.
    3.  **Flexible:** Get off at "Kita-Kamakura" to explore temples heading south to Kamakura Station, or start directly at "Kamakura."

*   **Getting around Kamakura:**
    *   Must try the **Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway)!** That charming green vintage train winds through neighborhoods and coastline. Get the **JR "Kamakura-Enoshima Pass"** (¥710). It offers unlimited rides for one day on JR local lines, Enoden, and the Shonan Monorail in the area—great value!

#### 🥈 Alternative: Odakyu Line (from Shinjuku)

Ideal if staying in Shinjuku with Enoshima as the focus.

*   **How to take it?**
    *   From **Shinjuku Station**, take the **Odakyu Line** to **Fujisawa Station**, then transfer to the **Enoden** for Kamakura/Enoshima.

*   **Money-saving Tip:**
    *   Odakyu offers its **"Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass."** More comprehensive than JR's, it includes:
        1.  **Round-trip** train ticket from Shinjuku.
        2.  **Unlimited rides** on the entire Enoden line.
    *   If starting from Shinjuku for a full day, this pass is cheaper than separate JR + Enoden tickets.

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### Quick Summary

| Destination | Top Recommendation | Depart From | Key Point / Money-Saving Tip |
| :---------- | :----------------- | :---------- | :--------------------------- |
| **Hakone**  | **Odakyu Romancecar** | **Shinjuku Station** | Must buy the **Hakone Freepass** – covers nearly all local transport. |
| **Kamakura/ Enoshima** | **JR Yokosuka / Shōnan-Shinjuku Lines** | **Tokyo/Shinjuku/Shibuya etc.** | Once there, get the **JR Kamakura-Enoshima Pass** for unlimited Enoden rides. |

Hope that's clear! To recap: Lock in Odakyu for Hakone and JR for Kamakura—you can't go wrong this way. Enjoy your trip!