Is Mt. Fuji Worth It?
 

Is Mt. Fuji worth a day from Tokyo on the way to Takayama? Is it scenic or merely cheesey? How long will it take to Hakone via JR and local train? Is it easy to get to?

Hakone is very cute. Make sure you visit the Hakone Shrine right on the lake. You can take a train called Romance Car from Tokyo (I think trains are frequent) and buy a Hakone transit pass. A day trip is ok but you have to start early and return late. Perhaps it's worth it to stay at a Japanese style inn for one night there. I did this once and it's one of the most memorable experiences in my life. Stays on weekdays are a lot cheaper.

Sure it's worth it. I took a daytour from Tokyo over 20 years ago and it still lingers as a very fond travel memory. Fuji is such a remarkable landmark it's must in my opinion.

I have been to Hakone and stayed overnight in a ryokan. I am not sure whether you are talking about going to Fuji Five Lakes area which is much closer to Fuji (and can extend very close to the base of the mountain) or Hakone, which is south of Tokyo and further away from Fuji, but has Fuji views. Hakone gets more tourists as I think there is more to do. Fuji Five Lakes is more nature driven, Hakone has other attractions. HOwever, it should be noted that there is an amusement park (I think it is called Fuji Highlands?) at bottom of Mt Fuji w/a hotel next to it.

Hakone is not cheesy IMO. There are many choices re what to do, lots of small (and some special interest) museums of arts, crafts, and other content. There is a large themed bathing resort, Yunessen. But I found these places well done and interesting and fun, not cheesy. However, I chose not to do the "toursit circuit" where you do the electric switchback train, cable car, boat to the lake, as I thought it sounded very touristy and we really were not interested in that. There are many other things to do.

I want to go back to Hakone. It is lovely.

If you can afford the time then yeah I think it's worth it just for the view. Just don't be too disappointed b/c when you get there, you're just going for the view... I'm not sure if you'll have time to see Hakone.

For some it's a memorable experience, I enjoyed it thoroughly but it's not one of my most memorable experience of Japan so it's hard for someone to say to you if it's worth it or not...that'll depend on you. But like I said, if you can afford that extra day from your trip, then go for it.