Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone? Which one?

I have to choose between Nikko, Kamakura and Hakone for a single day excursion from Tokio. Only one day and three places to choose. Please tell me what to do anyone. Depending on what you say, I'll opt for one option or another.

Nikko: huge ornate temple complex in old cedar grove, very impressive...mysterious on a rainy day, kind of festive on a sunny day. Chuzenji falls and Lake Chuzenji are also beautiful. An old hotel, the Kanaya, is worth a look (imo) for its historic 'East meets West' style. Not a lot else there. Sometimes you can see monkeys; I've been three times and never have.

Kamakura: Less colorful grand temples/shrines, but beautiful nonetheless. There are many different sights here and the Big Buddha is worth a stop as well. Kamakura is also a very upscale Japanese Tokyo bedroom community/tourist destination so there are many shops and restaurants - has a very lively feel.

Hakone: Okay, there some cool things about Hakone. There is the chance to have a good view of Mt. Fuji, especially in the winter, and early in the morning. There's a whole tourist route that involves a pirate ship, a rope-way, eggs boiled in sulfurous hot springs, and many souvenir opportunities. On weekends and during summer holidays it can get quite crowded. But I'm not a Hakone fan (though I like the Hakone checkpoint museum). Despite my curmudgeonly view, many people really enjoy it, so others will no doubt chime in with differing opinions.

Because I like shopping and the option to look at temples and then do something completely different like, oh, shop, I would go to Kamakura. It's a great combination.

I love Kamakura but would choose Nikko if I only had one choice as it is truly unique.

Hakone--very touristy and onsen ryokans are overpriced

Nikko--Nice temples. Onsen ryokans not far away. Tobu Nikko rail pass offers great value

Kamakura--very cute town with nice temples and yuppie vacation homes. Only a day trip destination. No onsens

Hmmm... it seems that Hakone is falling behind, but Nikko and Kamakura are still quite balanced. How can I make up my mind?

I think Kamakura is rather small (compared to Nikko) and I�Ld recommend to see Nikko instead.

Also depends on the season. Nikko is really beautiful in autumn, because of the trees and its location.

Try to use the whole day for sightseeing and get an early start!

Tanja

Nikko is beautiful and mysterious but given one choice I would go to Kamakura and see the great Buddah also the Kannon temples and the shrine there. If there is one image that is Japan it is the Dai butsu.

If you like a more natural setting (mountians, forests, waterfall), go to Nikko.
If you like shops & restaurants, go to Kamakura.
You'll see historic temples/shrines either way.

I recommend Nikko.

Kamakura (I admit the Buddha is a sight but) is a small area, and has the "city" feel. To me it's a modern city overall, with quiet zen temples embedded here and there in the city scape.

Nikko really takes you away from the central Tokyo/metropolitan feel completely, and you get to see gorgeous temples, mysterious-feeling cedar forest, a beautiful lake and awesome waterfalls.

So... if I had just one full day to spend, yes, I'd get an early start and head for Nikko.