Originally Posted by
chgoeditor
we're planning to spend May 28-June 1 outside of the city (with June 1 departure from NRT).
Bear in mind that ryokan prices are higher on holidays/weekends and days before holidays/weekends. So changing the dates around would let you avoid crowds and reduce costs. You could (if you wanted) spend your final night at a
ryokan in Narita city. Narita might not have the fanciest ryokan in the country, but they're reasonably priced and it's not a bad way to deal with an 11am departure. Actually, a night there might offer an interesting contrast with a de-luxe inn somewhere else.
Originally Posted by
chgoeditor
would you recommend 1 night at a more expensive ryokan then skimping for 2 nights at another hotel?
Yeah. I would do that.
Originally Posted by
chgoeditor
areas still within a ~2 hour Tokyo travel radius that are less touristy but still a worthy destination?
For a rural retreat, you could head to the Izu peninsula or take a Shinkansen to Nagano or up to the Tohoku region. However, your friend might want to see cultural and historical things rather than natural attractions.