I was looking at somewhere on the Izu or Manza after browsing Japan-Guide, but ski season is kind of a deterrent, as you mentioned - looks like I'll have to research Izu further. Kinosaki looked nice too, but maybe a little too difficult to get to given the time constraints.

Looking at 3 nights Tokyo /2 nights elsewhere or the reverse since our flight out of HND is after midnight, so time isn't too much of an issue provided there's an airport or train in the general vicinity.

I was originally looking at the snow monkey park just outside of Tokyo, but I'm not sure how long we could view the monkeys so was hoping to find something else to do in that area. The pictures look great, but I'm a little concerned it's another attraction like Angkor Wat at sunrise where the site itself is tiny compared to the number of photographers elbowing each other to get a prime location.

Thanks again for all the suggestions - I definitely plan on using Google Maps to profile towns from here on out.