Stay in Mt Fuji area or Hakone?

To have a better view of Mt Fuji and enjoy a less stressful day in November:

1) If i can have only one choice, should i stay in Mt Fuji Kawaguchiko or Hakone area? Why?

2) How many hours required to make round trip from Tokyo to Hakone?

3) How many hours required to make round trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji five lakes?

2) Which place is more expensive, Mt Fuji or Hakone?

3) Which area is less crowded, especially during weekend? Mt Fuji or Hakone?

4) Is the journey from Hakone direct to Mt Fuji cover by JR pass? Or it is easier to go back to Tokyo first before making another trip to Mt Fuji?

Thank you

If i can have only one choice, should i stay in Mt Fuji Kawaguchiko or Hakone area? Why?

Kawaguchiko has the better views and higher chance of actually seeing the mountain. But Hakone is more interesting. So, if the views are most important to you, I recommend Kawaguchiko. Otherwise, I recommend Hakone.


How many hours required to make round trip from Tokyo to Hakone?

It depends on the pace of travel. But I basically recommend a full day. The train ride between Tokyo and Hakone takes about two hours one way.

How many hours required to make round trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji five lakes?

The bus ride between Tokyo and Kawaguchiko takes also about two hours one way.

Which place is more expensive, Mt Fuji or Hakone?

There is no difference.

Which area is less crowded, especially during weekend? Mt Fuji or Hakone?

I think that kawaguchiko gets less crowded.

Is the journey from Hakone direct to Mt Fuji cover by JR pass?

No, as explained here:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6905.html?aFROM=5200_6900

Or it is easier to go back to Tokyo first before making another trip to Mt Fuji?

No.