Summer vacation season is here, and for the first time in three years, events all around the country are making a comeback! One particularly popular spot is the beautiful area around Mt. Fuji. Easily accessible from Shinjuku, you can get to Mt. Fuji in as little as two hours via the direct, limited-express Fuji Excursion train, operated by JR and Fujikyuko Railway.
Here we introduce several great places to stay near Mt. Fuji. Each accommodation offers magnificent views of Mt. Fuji and is within reach of other popular tourist destinations, such as Fuji-Q Highland and Lake Kawaguchi, one of the famous Fuji Five Lakes.
1. Fuji View Hotel: You’ll love the changing views of Mt. Fuji from these expansive grounds
Situated next to Lake Kawaguchi
Katsuyama is a highland village abundant in greenery, located just west of the center of Lake Kawaguchi on the south side. It’s a prime destination for water sports like windsurfing and black bass fishing.
The Fuji View Hotel is convenient, with a free shuttle bus from Kawaguchiko Station and English-speaking staff.
Cherry blossoms and hydrangeas give the garden a variety of seasonal looks
Founded in 1936 and possessing a history of more than 80 years, the hotel grounds cover a vast area of approximately 10 hectares (25 acres). There are tennis courts, golf courses on the premises, and gardens to enjoy in all seasons.
Moderate Twin room (Mt. Fuji side) with an exceptional view of Mt. Fuji
The rooms offer a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji, and guests can choose between those on the Lake Kawaguchi side or on the garden side, which has charming natural scenery that changes with the seasons.
There are various room types, including Western-style rooms with beds, rooms that combine Japanese and Western styles with tatami mats, and fully Japanese-style rooms. All have free Wi-Fi.
The bold atmosphere of the men’s bath
Fuji View Hotel’s hot spring is called “Shurei no Yu” and is one of five hot springs in the Kawaguchiko Onsenkyo. The décor of the baths differs, with the men’s bath designed like a classic folk house bearing a sense of strength and profundity, while the women’s bath is reminiscent of the warm delicacy of a Kyoto townhouse.
Guests with tattoos may use the baths but are requested to use free tattoo covering stickers.
Special kaiseki menu featuring Koshu beef and elaborate dishes
The beautiful main dining room serves full-course meals of French cuisine and a la carte dishes made with plenty of local ingredients, as well as fresh seasonal kaiseki (home-style Japanese) meals.
2. La Vista Fujikawaguchiko: The feeling of southern France and a view of Mt. Fuji
Resembling a citadel in Provence
La Vista Fujikawaguchiko is northeast of Lake Kawaguchiko. The area is home to the world-famous music boxes and automated musical instruments of the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum and the 600-meter Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor lined with spectacular red leaves in autumn.
As a ho…