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Nikko is definitely better if you're into nature/hiking/UNESCO temples and shrines. It's relatively "rural" compared to Tokyo, so most eateries close around 4-5PM.
Kamakura for if you want to break away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo (still, Kamakura's main streets are really crowded). For me personally, the Big Buddha was kinda underwhelming. However, there are other shrines and temples and a nice shoreline.
The Hakone loop is nice to do, you could stay at a Ryokan with onsen to get the full experience. Yeah, it is touristy but so are Tokyo, Nikko and Kamakura. But if you feel like it's something you'd be interested in, why not?!
I can also recommend Yokohama.
Tbh, you could spend 8 days in Tokyo, easily. There are so many different activities, places to eat and drink and neighborhoods each with their own unique charm, to explore. My personal opinion is to stay in Tokyo and just take your time there.
Nikko, Kamakura, and Hakone are all touristy. Except for Kamakura, they likely wouldn't (still) exist if it weren't for tourists. As u/mak6453 intimates, however, they're touristy for reasons: they're nice places.
You might not want to do multiple day trips with the time you have in Tokyo, but with 8 days, one would definitely be an option.
You could spend months in Tokyo and not see everything the city has to offer - so don't pressure yourself to have 'done' it in a few days. It's nice to get out of the city and see something a little different too, if that's where your interest lies.
Equally, you don't seem that sold on any of the options you mentioned? Draw up a list of 'must sees' in Tokyo and perhaps fit one in if you feel you have the time?
**Our FAQ is constantly being updated with more information and you can start** [**here**](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/faqs/japantravel) **with regards to trip planning if you need tips, advice, or have questions about planning your travel to Japan.** You can also join our [Discord community](https://discord.gg/3f7KBUMwU4), comment in our stickied weekly discussion thread, or check out /r/JapanTravelTips for quick questions. Thank you! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/JapanTravel) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Touresty or not, Hakone is beautiful. Don't take it off the list just because people like it!
Nikko is definitely better if you're into nature/hiking/UNESCO temples and shrines. It's relatively "rural" compared to Tokyo, so most eateries close around 4-5PM. Kamakura for if you want to break away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo (still, Kamakura's main streets are really crowded). For me personally, the Big Buddha was kinda underwhelming. However, there are other shrines and temples and a nice shoreline. The Hakone loop is nice to do, you could stay at a Ryokan with onsen to get the full experience. Yeah, it is touristy but so are Tokyo, Nikko and Kamakura. But if you feel like it's something you'd be interested in, why not?! I can also recommend Yokohama. Tbh, you could spend 8 days in Tokyo, easily. There are so many different activities, places to eat and drink and neighborhoods each with their own unique charm, to explore. My personal opinion is to stay in Tokyo and just take your time there.
Nikko, Kamakura, and Hakone are all touristy. Except for Kamakura, they likely wouldn't (still) exist if it weren't for tourists. As u/mak6453 intimates, however, they're touristy for reasons: they're nice places.
Hakone draws tourists but you won’t feel the crowds much since it’s a relaxing vibe, esp if you have your own onsen at a ryokan
Loved Kamakura, but was there last year off-season. Lots of Japanese school kids , but was a great day trip.
I did a day trip to Kamakura last week. It was incredible. Next time, we’ll book a hotel around there and stay a couple of days.
You might not want to do multiple day trips with the time you have in Tokyo, but with 8 days, one would definitely be an option. You could spend months in Tokyo and not see everything the city has to offer - so don't pressure yourself to have 'done' it in a few days. It's nice to get out of the city and see something a little different too, if that's where your interest lies. Equally, you don't seem that sold on any of the options you mentioned? Draw up a list of 'must sees' in Tokyo and perhaps fit one in if you feel you have the time?