My husband and I have a few days in Tokyo at the Four Seasons hotel, following his business trip. We would like to do two side trips, one to Kamakura (day trip) and the other to Fuji-Hakone area (possible overnight). We are experienced travelers (we are American expats living in Singapore) and whenever possible, prefer to do things on our own. But I keep hearing that it's easier to get around in Japan on tours, because of the language problem. Is it silly to try to visit these places on our own? Will we miss the "good stuff?" <BR><BR>An overnight in Hakone would mean one day less in Tokyo. Is it necessary to stay over to see everything and not feel rushed?<BR>Also, if we stay in Hakone, (we are interested in the Fujiya Hotel) is it practical to go straight there, drop our bags at the hotel and then sightsee? Some of the self-guided itineraries seem to indicate the best sight seeing is on the way there. But I am not keen at the prospect of sightseeing while dragging my overnight bag.<BR><BR>Any hints or suggestions anyone might have about these 2 trips will most appreciated! Our trip starts on April 18. thanks!

Lindsey,<BR>I think you can easily do it by yourself. There are several ways to get to Hakone-Miyanshita (where the Fujiya Hotel is). Check with the Tokyo TIC Office when you are there. The Romance train is most direct if you do not have a Rail pass, I would not think you need one for such a short visit. After the Romance train you switch to the Tozen mountain railway, and get off at Miyanashita. Then you walk down the hill from the station and a short walk along the level street and drop your bags off at the hotel. It will not be a problem. Then you can go back up the hill to the railway and continue on your journey to the funiculare, skyway, boat etc to make the circut. Then end up back at your hotel. My son (16) and I did this in 2000, so I do not think you will have any problems. However, we stayed at a roykan in Miyanashita, but walked around so I know where the hotel is. If you do a search on Roykans in Kyoto (on this forum) you will find the URL of the place we stayed. They told me they had a private room with private bath for a couple- that would be quite worth trying for. There is also another roykan, seemed more elegant, but I do not know the name of that one, you could ask at the Tokyo TIC office. <BR>Warning- that first day we did not see Mt. Fuji, but early the next morning we went up to the Skyway and did- later in the day it was shrouded in clouds. Have a great time.<BR>Lisa

A day-trip to Fuji-Hakone would be a bit rushed--- I did it last November and wished I had stayed overnight in the area. As long as you have a good guide-book (or info from the Japan National Tourist Organisation http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ --- I found their instructions pretty clear and useful) you should be OK to do the trip on your own.<BR><BR>Avoid weekend visit if possible--- if the weather is nice, it can be very crowded.<BR><BR>Have a good trip!

Lindsey,<BR>On my very first trip to Japan, I took a day trip to Kamakura. I spoke no Japanese, had been in Japan 3 days, and had no guide book. I just had a desire to see something special outside of Tokyo and a sketch with the names of the train stations and of the temples in Kamakura. I had a wonderful time, and it was the day that inspired me to come back and explore Japan again and again.<BR>Since then I have discovered how useful it can be to have a good guidebook. In the book, "Japan Solo, by Kanno and O'Keefe", on page 129 they have printed all you need to know to do Kamakura on your own. I assume the Hakone section is equally accurate. <BR>Have fun!

Thanks everyone, for taking time to answer. You have convinced me we can do this on our own. I do have a good guide book and have printed a lot of info from the Net. With a stop at the TIC in Narita to gather some more maps, I think we will be set. If I figure out any good tips, I will post here when I get back.<BR>BTW, if anyone needs info on Singapore, I am happy to try to help. We have been living here 8 months and love it!