"Shrines and Temples of Nikko" is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so they must be pretty good, right? ... On the other hand, Mt. Fuji is holy mountain number one. So which do you think is better? For hiking, there are great trails around Nikko and Hakone. I think Hakone is set up as a more integrated circuit for tourists. Nikko requires a bit more work.

If I could only go to one or the other, it would depend what mood I was in. If I were looking to be pampered at a posh spa resort and not have to do a lot of thinking in advance, I'd head for Hakone. For a break with some history, some driving and some hiking, I'd choose Nikko.