Second Japan trip in May — day trips from Tokyo or 2–3 days somewhere else?

Hi everyone,

My partner and I will be in Japan from May 22 to 29, flying in and out of Tokyo. It’ll be our second time in Japan.

Last time we did Tokyo, Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, and honestly our itinerary was way too packed. We still had a great time, but this time we want to take things a bit slower. We’re planning to spend maybe 2–3 days just shopping, walking around, eating, and enjoying Tokyo without a strict schedule.

For the rest of the trip, we’re not sure what to do. Would it be better to take day trips from Tokyo, like Kamakura, Nikko, or Hakone? Or would it make more sense to take the Shinkansen somewhere we haven’t been before and stay there for 2–3 days?

We went to DisneySea and Universal Studios last time and really enjoyed both, so we’re also open to fun or unique experiences, not just temples/shrines.

Would love to hear what you’d recommend for a second Japan trip based in Tokyo. Thanks!