Apologies it took so long to reply -- I was interviewing the day this post came out, and so didn't catch it the 1st time around.
Chad's already been to Nikko, so he can give you direct advice about whether he thought it was worth it (I think it should be on everyone's goto list.) If I remember Chad's blog, he's also been to Hakone, which is another one of my favorites.
As to gifts: all the major temples sell little charms, many of which are quite pretty, and all are pretty uniquely Japan. Plus, they're supposed to bring good luck. And they're small, don't take up much luggage space, and make neato Christmas Tree ornaments/cubicle decorations. :-)
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Chad's already been to Nikko, so he can give you direct advice about whether he thought it was worth it (I think it should be on everyone's goto list.) If I remember Chad's blog, he's also been to Hakone, which is another one of my favorites.
As to gifts: all the major temples sell little charms, many of which are quite pretty, and all are pretty uniquely Japan. Plus, they're supposed to bring good luck. And they're small, don't take up much luggage space, and make neato Christmas Tree ornaments/cubicle decorations. :-)