Kanto

We had a fantastic experience! Hiring a private car with a driver was definitely the right move. Our driver, Mr. Sun, helped us efficiently cover all four planned stops on schedule. While he isn't a tour guide, we communicated easily using Google Translate. We were blessed with perfect weather, and the view of Mt. Fuji was as clear as a painting. We finished the day at Gotemba Premium Outlet and spent 2.5 hours, it felt a bit rushed to make it back to our hotel by 6:00 PM. Next time, we’d dedicate a full day to the outlets alone. Overall, a wonderful trip!

I redeemed the JR Tokyo Wide Pass directly at Narita Airport this time. The process was smooth and the instructions were clear, which was a big plus as I didn't have to go to a counter in the city. For someone who had just landed and still had luggage, less travel meant less expense, so the overall first impression was that it was "friendly to beginners." 🧳🗺️ In actual use, the biggest advantage is the wide range of routes covered. Places near Tokyo like Karuizawa, Kawaguchiko, and Nikko can all be covered in one trip. 🚄 As long as the itinerary is planned in advance, taking JR trains for long distances over several consecutive days quickly recoups the cost, making it very cost-effective. Seating arrangements and transfers were also smooth, requiring minimal planning. 📍 Overall, this pass is suitable for "itinerary-oriented" travelers. Those who plan their routes in advance and focus on key destinations will benefit the most. It's not for impromptu, random travel, but as long as the direction is clear, transportation costs can be kept very low. 💡