Itinerary Check: Help Me Choose Between 3 Options for 14 Days (Late Feb – Early Mar)

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking and planning my first trip to Japan for this February/March. I've narrowed my plan down to three possible itineraries and I'm having a hard time making the final call. I would be so grateful for your insights!

Trip Dates: Feb 23rd (evening arrival) to March 9th (evening departure).

Interests: A good mix of everything! Big city energy, traditional culture (temples, shrines), beautiful nature, and great food. Seeing the Jigokudani Snow Monkeys is also a priority for me.

Here are the three options I'm considering. They all start and end the same way, but the middle section is where I need help.

Option 1

Feb 23 – 26: Tokyo (3 nights)

Feb 26 – 27: Hakone (1 night)

Feb 27 – Mar 3: Kyoto (4 nights)

Mar 3 – 4: Osaka (1 night)

Mar 4 – 6: Nagano (2 nights)

Mar 6 – 9: Tokyo (3 nights)

Option 2

Feb 23 – 26: Tokyo (3 nights)

Feb 26 – 27: Hakone (1 night)

Feb 27 – Mar 4: Kyoto (5 nights)

Mar 4 – 5: Osaka (1 night)

Mar 5 – 6: Nagano (1 night)

Mar 6 – 9: Tokyo (3 nights)

Option 3

Feb 23 – 26: Tokyo (3 nights)

Feb 26 – 27: Hakone (1 night)

Feb 27 – Mar 3: Kyoto (4 nights)

Mar 3 – 4: Osaka (1 night)

Mar 4 – 5: Kanazawa (1 night)

Mar 5 – 6: Nagano (1 night)

Mar 6 – 9: Tokyo (3 nights)

My Dilemma:

I'm torn between the luxury of more time in Kyoto (Option 2), giving more time to mountains (Option 1), or adding the variety and efficiency of Kanazawa (Option 3).

Which of these itineraries would you personally choose, and why?

Thank you so much for your time and advice