Should I drive? ( Shinjuku / Hakone / Kawaguchiko )

Hi guys!
It would be a lengthy post so I appreciate your time for reading.

I have an upcoming 8days trip to Japan in November.
I'll be staying 4 days in Shinjuku, 2 days in Hakone and 2 days in Kawaguchiko – and then back to Tokyo for a return flight.

My original plan was to rent a car on the last day of Shinjuku, so I could drive to Hakone and Kawaguchiko. And then have the car returned in Tokyo on the last day of my Japan trip.

However I've read about the jams and advices that it is better to just take public transport to Hakone. Given that I have no experience with driving in Japan, I'm having 2nd thoughts bout my original plan.

Unfortunately my accomodation in Hakone is relatively inconvenient (as I initially thought I would be driving).
It is at [ 940-2 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631 ] to be specific.

Do you think I should rent a car in Hakone for the 2 days?

I've set my mind to drive in Kawaguchiko as there are places I wish to explore.
It would be ideal if I could rent a car in Hakone and return it in Kawaguchiko for the 4 days, but I can't find any car rentals for these 2 stops.

I have these options now:
1. Proceed with original plan – Renting a car in Shinjuku and returning it back in Tokyo after my entire trip
2. Renting a car in Hakone, returning it in Hakone. And then renting in Kawaguchiko again.
3. Avoid driving in Shinjuku and Hakone completely

Which option would you guys choose, considering my location in Hakone?

Also if you could recommend a rental company that allows rental in Hakone and drop off in Kawaguchiko, that would be absolutely ideal!

Any tips and advices is greatly appreciated.
Thanks once again 🙂

by Junfortunate

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