Fuji, Hakone or Kawaguchiko — which should you choose?
Choose Hakone for onsen-and-ryokan ease, Kawaguchiko for a more Fuji-facing trip, and a quick viewpoint only if your expectations are flexible. The mountain has a vote, whatever your itinerary says.
Answer
Fuji planning goes wrong when travellers treat the mountain like a scheduled attraction. Hakone is often the better choice if the real goal is a ryokan, onsen, mountain air and a soft break between Tokyo and Kansai. Kawaguchiko suits travellers who specifically want Fuji views and lake scenery, though it can feel less rewarding in poor visibility. A quick day trip can work, but it should not carry the emotional weight of the itinerary. Clouds, wind and seasonal conditions can flatten the whole plan. Build the Fuji area as a mood, not a promise.