My partner and I are planning a trip to Japan over New Year's and into January. We have the beginning of our trip booked in Tokyo, the tail end in Kyoto, and a few unscheduled days in the middle. Help me decide where we should spend those days! We like food, culture, the outdoors. We're not huge nightlife people.
Two options I'm considering are Osaka and Hakone. Does Osaka add much to offer over and above Tokyo and Kyoto? It seems like a day trip to Nara is equally doable from Kyoto as from Osaka. Hakone seems like a nice option in winter for its outdoor onsens and views of Fuji. Am I right that going to Fuji itself is not worthwhile in January?
Are there obvious options I'm missing?
by Stitchin-Thyme