Nikko vs. Hakone?
Mar 1, 2013 | 11:48 pm
#16
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: M&M
Posts: 59
A friend of mine travelling to Japan soon has asked me the exact same question. It really depends. I think it depends a lot on whether this is the first visit to Japan, and on the weather. and even the day (i always found Hakone unbearably crowded during weekends). Most of the people I know were more impressed with Nikko on their first visit, but the temperature difference is bigger than I thought. Right now it is -2 degrees celsius in Nikko vs. 10 degrees in Hakone. So it might be best to decide on the spot, according to the weather that day.
Mar 4, 2013 | 11:53 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 464
I ended up deciding on Hakone. Since I'm visiting some shrines and the giant Buddha statue in Kamakura, as well as a visit to Kyoto, Nikko just seems like overkill with shrines for my trip. Hakone might be a nice change of pace with its hiking activities, Mount Fuji stuff, and Onsen.
Mar 4, 2013 | 2:49 pm
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: SEIBU PRINCE CLUB Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 21,779
I ended up deciding on Hakone. Since I'm visiting some shrines and the giant Buddha statue in Kamakura, as well as a visit to Kyoto, Nikko just seems like overkill with shrines for my trip. Hakone might be a nice change of pace with its hiking activities, Mount Fuji stuff, and Onsen.
I'd just get off at Hakone Yumoto station, walk past all of the storefronts, climb the first staircase into the mountain that you see while heading up the mountain, and go wherever the path takes you.
(BTW, plenty of mountain hiking opportunities in Kamakura as well!)
Mar 5, 2013 | 8:37 am
#21
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: WAS
Posts: 892
Just want to make sure you know the general consensus of the board regulars (me included)- Fuji is gorgeous from a distance, but often foggy and always barren up close. It is a volcanic mountain (brown, black and grey) and most think it isn't worth the climb. That said, I'm sure you can get find some really nice views in the Hakone area.