Top 7 Ryokan and Hotels Around Lake Kawaguchiko With Onsen and Magnificent Views of Mt. Fuji
Lake Kawaguchiko is a must-go destination on the itinerary of many travelers. And no wonder. It combines two of Japan’s most iconic landmarks: Mount Fuji and “onsen” hot springs. The feeling of soaking in hot and healing waters while soaking up the stunning view of Mount Fuji is quite indescribable. To make the most out of your trip to Lake Kawaguchiko, you may want to stay at a “ryokan” traditional inn and spend a relaxing evening. Here are some of the best ryokan and hotels you should check out around Lake Kawaguchiko.
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Immerse in Nature and Relaxation at Lake Kawaguchiko at the Foot of Mt. Fuji
Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the five lakes near Mt. Fuji. The area is popular among onsen buffs for its many gorgeous hot springs and easy access from Tokyo. Of course, no one is going to make a special trip down to this lake if it doesn’t boast other great amenities as well. Coupled with astounding views of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko is composed of intriguing museums, fascinating parks, and peaceful shrines. Regardless of whether you are traveling alone, with your partner or with children, you will find many things to fill up your itinerary. Its abundant nature and historic vibes will not only offer your eyes some respite, but also calm you with its tranquility.
Lake Kawaguchiko’s Best Ryokan and Hotels to Admire Mt. Fuji and Soak in the Onsen
1. Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konanso: Enjoy Different Views of Mount Fuji From Various Baths
Finding your way to Hotel Konanso is a breeze with the free shuttle bus service available upon your arrival at Kawaguchiko Station. With an impressive selection of 16 rooms to choose from, you'll be spoiled for choice and can look forward to a gorgeous stay. Whether you prefer a stunning view of Lake Kawaguchiko or a majestic showcase of Mount Fuji, there's a room to satisfy your visual appetite. For those seeking privacy, some rooms come equipped with open-air baths that allow you to relax in mineral-rich waters!
Understanding the importance of variety, Hotel Konanso enables you to indulge in other hot spring baths besides the one in your hotel room. You can try out not one, but two public baths with panoramic views of Mount Fuji, named “Kirameki no Yu” and “Tokimeki no Yu”. For more reserved guests, the private onsen “Nagomi no Yu” is available for you to let your hair down without worrying about the presence of other people. Also remember to check out the tea lounge, Konoha, and take in the lovely views of Lake Kawaguchiko!
After a soak in the baths, recharge with an exquisite Japanese-style dinner composed of fresh, seasonal ingredients blended in perfect harmony to treat your taste buds. Once satisfied, you can head up to the rooftop to soak your feet in the comforting warmth of Foot Spa Waku Waku for a delightful end to your day!
2. Fuji Onsenji Yumedono: Luxuriate Yourself In Paradise
Located just 500 meters away from Lake Kawaguchiko, Fuji Onsenji Yumedono makes travel convenient with its shuttle bus service to and from Kawaguchiko Station. If you're traveling with a special someone, you might consider one of the six standard rooms that comprise Japanese and hybrid Japanese-Western styles alike. And for those traveling in groups, Fuji Onsenji Yumedono provides five suite rooms that offer ample space. Regardless of which room you choose, you'll feel your stresses melt away as you take in the seamless fusion of traditional wood-crafting techniques and contemporary furniture. And of course, soaking in your open-air bath won't hurt either!
Dinner is also an exciting adventure, with an attractive visual feast awaiting you. The delectable appetizers, main courses, and desserts are composed of high-quality ingredients that dazzle with their vivid colors and lip-smackingly great tastes. Take this opportunity to learn more about the specialties of Yamanashi Prefecture, such as Koshu beef and Koshu chicken eggs. If you enjoy drinking, you're in for a treat as Fuji Onsenji Yumedono offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages brewed in Yamanashi, including Japanese sake, whisky, and wine. Have fun pairing your food with your beverage of choice to give your palate a wholesome lift!
In addition, Fuji Onsenji Yumedono will make your heart sing with its picturesque garden, which allows you to be nestled in the embrace of greenery. Likewise, its spacious lounge elevates the atmosphere with intricately designed lights, sturdy wooden chairs, and bonsai. It's undoubtedly one of the best hotels from which to admire the views of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji!
3. Hotel Asafuji: Take In Stunning Mount Fuji Without Breaking The Bank
Hotel Asafuji is a cozy establishment with only 13 rooms that offer breathtaking views of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji. Hence, you can see how the lake and mountains combine to create a beautiful work of art. What's more, it's a three-star hotel that won’t cause a dent on your budget. Japanese culture enthusiasts will be delighted to know that the rooms feature traditional “tatami” straw mat flooring, low tables and chairs, and “shoji” paper screens. Live like the Japanese by donning a “yukata” robe, sipping green tea, admiring the magnificent scenery, and experiencing a different perspective of your surroundings by pampering yourself in the public hot-spring baths.
For meals, up to 40% of Hotel Asafuji's guests opt for the “funamori” meal plan, an assortment of sashimi served on a special wooden boat and Asafuji’s “kaiseki” traditional multi-course cuisine. Seafood lovers will relish the opportunity to savor fresh, umami-rich seafood and add some zest to their vacation. If this has already got your mouth watering, act now and book a stay at this affordable gem! Don’t forget to request a complimentary pick-up service from Kawaguchiko Station.
4. Ooike Hotel: Admire Mount Fuji With Your Kids
Parents, rejoice! From the moment you arrive at Kawaguchiko Station and board the shuttle bus, all your needs will be taken care of. No need to worry about your children getting bored, as Ooike Hotel boasts a kids’ room that is stocked with plenty of engaging toys and books. This kids’ room is also spacious, allowing your little ones to run around freely without getting hurt. If your children are independent, you may even want to relax in the lounge while they occupy themselves with the toys and books. Sipping coffee or tea while listening to jazz music is a great way to take a break.
Ooike Hotel possesses a variety of accommodation options, from its suites and deluxe rooms to its hybrid Japanese-Western rooms, all featuring open-air baths that offer awe-inspiring views of Mount Fuji without leaving the comfort of your room. On the other hand, its standard and casual rooms do not have private baths - which are more than adequately made up for via its fascinating public baths. On the fifth floor, a large indoor bath provides a sweeping view of Mount Fuji, while an open-air garden bath offers a rustic atmosphere, with rocks, greenery, and wooden beams making you feel serene. You and your children will have a great time exploring these baths.
When it comes to food, Ooike Hotel provides a gastronomic feast that will excite your taste buds. Its breakfast buffet features a wide range of Japanese and Western cuisine. Freshly baked croissants, in particular, are a great way to start your day on a positive note. For dinner, the hotel's chefs leverage the best of Yamanashi-grown ingredients to prepare dishes popular among Yamanashi residents. Pair the food with Yamanashi sake or wine for the ultimate dining experience!
5. Yamadaya Hotel: Feel Like You Have Mount Fuji All To Yourself
The Yamadaya Hotel doesn't offer complimentary shuttle bus services, but it does provide free parking. Adventurous travelers would embrace the chance of renting a car in Tokyo and driving their way here. If you would rather not drive, there's a direct bus at Kawaguchiko Station that takes around 35 minutes. Being located in a peaceful corner of the Lake Kawaguchiko area, it's a great escape from the busy crowds and offers a tranquil retreat. Plus, it's a rare hotel that welcomes pets, so it's good news for those of you who can't bear to part with your furry friends.
The rooms at Yamadaya Hotel are mainly Japanese-style and have a cozy ambiance. No matter which room you choose, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Lake Shoji. What’s more, there are two open-air baths where you can soak while gazing at the majestic Mount Fuji. The water is drawn from a natural source and contains calcium, sodium, and sulfur, thus leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated after a refreshing dip.
Dinner at the Yamadaya Hotel is an equally delightful experience, with the restaurant's open-view concept allowing you to enjoy unspoiled views of Mount Fuji and Lake Shoji. Sink into sweet comfort with a colorful kaiseki meal, featuring many dishes that offer a satisfying balance of flavors and textures, leaving you feeling satiated!
6. Kozantei Ubuya: Celebrate Life’s Milestones With Mount Fuji
Hotel Ubuya sets itself apart from other ryokan and hotels by celebrating its guests' life milestones. While witnessing Mount Fuji is already an unforgettable experience, the staff goes the extra mile to make your stay even more memorable by honoring your significant occasions. Be it your child's first birthday, your wedding anniversary, or your birthday, you can commemorate this special moment with Hotel Ubuya's original “kusudama” balls (decorative paper balls used in Japanese celebrations since ancient times,) dig into a cake shaped like Mount Fuji, and don a Mount Fuji-themed “happi” (loose informal Japanese coat). Talk about celebrating in style!
At Hotel Ubuya, guests can choose between Japanese-style and Western-style rooms. All Western-style rooms feature an open-air bath that lets you immerse in the water and bask in the beauty of Mount Fuji. However, for an authentic Japanese experience, you may prefer staying in the Japanese-style rooms. Hotel Ubuya has a public bathhouse that provides a soothing ambiance to soak in Mount Fuji's calming vibes. This onsen comprises various types of baths, including reclining and seated baths, letting you enjoy a unique and fun experience. After your relaxing bath, unwind and continue your therapeutic journey with the massage chair in the lounge. All your pains and aches will magically disappear!
Getting to Hotel Ubuya is easy, thanks to the complimentary shuttle bus service from Kawaguchiko Station.
7. Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato: Exercise While On Vacation
Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato is the perfect choice for active travelers who don't want to spend their entire day cooped up in a hotel. Upon arrival, use the complimentary shuttle bus service from Kawaguchiko Station and check in. Then, head over to the lovely Yagizaki Park, which is right in front of the hotel, for a stroll. Here, you'll find various herbs and flowers thoughtfully cultivated to create a pleasant aura. These pretty plants provide the perfect backdrop for a photo with the towering mountains in the distance. Delight in how these scenic views are exclusive to guests of Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato, thanks to its prime location on the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko.
After your stroll, it's time to relax in the hotel's indoor and outdoor baths. Both offer panoramic views of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Yagizaki Park, thus captivating your attention. In particular, the outdoor bath “Amanogawa” is open at night, allowing you to enjoy the starry sky while you soak in the hot water.
For dinner, Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato offers kaiseki cuisine. The varied dishes are meticulously prepared and are sure to impress your tastebuds! Each dish is exquisite in its own right. At the end of the day, retire to either a Japanese-style room or a hybrid Japanese-Western room for a peaceful night's sleep. Wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
How to Get There
Most hotels and ryokan in the Lake Kawaguchiko area offer complimentary shuttle bus services to and from Kawaguchiko Station, so you just need to know how to get there from Tokyo. Firstly, take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station. Once you arrive at Otsuki Station, transfer to the Fujikyuko Line. Since Kawaguchiko Station is on the Fujikyuko Line, the train you board at Otsuki Station will take you directly to Kawaguchiko Station. The entire journey typically lasts 2.5 hours.
However, if you plan to use the Japan Rail Pass for your trip, note that it only covers your travel from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station. The Fujikyuko Line is not a part of Japan Railways, so you will need to use IC cards like Suica and Pasmo to pay for your ride from Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station. Alternatively, you can use the JR Tokyo Wide Pass which covers the entire journey from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station.
Alternatively, you can also take a direct bus from Shinjuku Bus Station or Shibuya Bus Station to Kawaguchiko Station.
Stay at the Best Ryokan With Onsen and Mt. Fuji Views at Lake Kawaguchiko
Travelers who crave natural beauty and relaxation will find Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko an unparalleled destination. Whether you're on a budget or willing to splurge on luxurious comfort, traveling as a couple or with your family, you'll discover a hotel or ryokan that caters to your specific needs. Why not book your stay at one of the fabulous hotels or ryokan mentioned above and experience the magic of Lake Kawaguchiko for yourself?
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The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.