Mount Fuji ryokans for an authentic Japanese experience

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There’s no denying it, Singaporeans love Japan. If you’re a frequent traveller to Tokyo, you’d probably be no stranger to major city attractions such as Harajuku, Tokyo Tower, and Tsukiji Fish Market. And who can forget the iconic Mount Fuji?

Adventurous travellers would surely have climbing Mount Fuji on their bucket lists. But some of us would prefer to laze around in the comfort of our cosy ryokans and take a dip in an onsen while appreciating the beauty of Fuji-san. If you’re part of the latter camp, you’d want to book these Mount Fuji ryokans.

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What’s the difference between a ryokan & a hotel? 

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Ryokans are Japanese-style inns found in the country. They’re more traditional accommodations with Japanese structure – think tatami rooms, futon beds, and Japanese-style baths. A hotel, on the other hand, is what we’re used to – with “Western” beds and amenities.

Do note that there are certain etiquette rules to follow when staying in a ryokan, like removing your shoes and not dragging your suitcase over the tatami. Ryokans also typically have a turndown service in the evening, where the staff will set up your bed that is stowed away in the room’s closet.

If you’re looking to relax in an onsen spa after a whole day of exploring, then staying in a ryokan is the way to go. However, do note that not all ryokans have onsens – and it largely depends on

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1. Shoji Mount Hotel 

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Family-run with Lake Shoji viewpoint

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Image credit: @shoji.mount.hotel via Instagram

Ever dreamt of waking up to views of Lake Shojiko, with Mount Fuji sitting on its horizon through your window? It’s possible at Shoji Mount Hotel, which offers mountain and lake views from every room.

The hotel is located just 1 minute away from Lake Shojiko, the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes. It’s also a beautiful place to catch the sunrise and sunset – so grab some cosy blankets, pack some snacks, and head to the lake at dawn or dusk.

The dining hall also overlooks Fuji-san, for the zen-est breakfast ever.
Image credit: Kai Photo via Google Maps

Guests also get to enjoy complimentary onsen access as well as an hour of bike rental. This way, you can explore the nearby parks and campsites like a true local. There’s also a bus station right outside, where you can catch a blue-line bus to and from Kawaguchiko Station. Journeying to and from your hotel will be quite convenient, despite its rather quaint location.

Getting here: From Shinjuku Station, walk to Busta Shinjuku to take a bus that heads to Kawaguchiko Eki. Walk to Kawaguchiko Station, then board the bus that heads to Shinfuji Eki or Motosukokankoannaijo. Alight at Fujimiso (right in front of the hotel).

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2. Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou 

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Open-air onsen

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Public bath with natural onsen.
Image credit: Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou

At Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou, you get views of Mount Fuji from the onsen. All guests can access the gender-segregated public onsens with various amenities, including sauna rooms, air bubble baths, cold water baths, and the soothing embrace of utaseyu – a waterfall shower of hot spring water.

For an elevated experience, reserve the private open-air onsen baths at ¥,3,300 (~S$31.26) for 50 minutes. Additionally, there are rooms equipped with private dry saunas, perfect for unwinding in, especially in winter.

Image credit: Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou

When it comes to accommodation, there are 16 room types available. You have the freedom to select your desired view, whether it’s the beauty of Lake Kawaguchi or the iconic presence of Mount Fuji.

Getting here: 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station. Free shuttle service after 3pm, just call the hotel upon arrival.

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3. Fuji Matsuzono Hotel 

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Near popular local flower park

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Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park.
Image credit: Lake Yamanaka 

Set amidst breathtaking scenery, Fuji Matsuzono Hotel offers captivating views of both Mount Fuji and the serene Lake Yamanaka. The highlight though, is that it’s a 5-minute drive from Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park, which features stunning flower displays with Mount Fuji as the backdrop and a mesmerising winter illumination show (from ¥300/pax, ~S$2.88).

Image credit: Fuji Matsuzono Hotel 

Like most Japanese inns, there are public hot springs for all guests to soak in – overlooking Mount Fuji, at that. Afterwards, head to the 24-hour lounge garden for a scenic walk before retreating to your room. You’ll also get to choose between traditional futons or guestrooms with beds for a restful night’s sleep.

The hotel is located about a 5-minute walk away from the nearest supermarket and several Japanese restaurants. But you can always have your meals in-house – the breakfast buffet  (¥2,200/pax, ~S$21/pax) comes with good food and even better views.

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4. Kikkake Green and Mt.Fuji – Hostel 

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Affordable guest house with camping-style rooms

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Image credit: Kikka-ke

Those looking for an authentic Japanese living experience with a touch of camping wilderness, Kikkake Green and Mt.Fuji – Hostel is your answer. It’s ultra family-friendly, with an outdoor playground for dogs and an indoor play space for kids. Plus, it’s a 5-minute walk away from one of Japan’s largest amusement parks, Fuji-Q Highland.

The shared kitchen at Kikkake Green and Mt.Fuji – Hostel.
Image credit: Kikka-ke 

Another highlight of this inn is its concept of having different themed rooms. Families of 4 can consider their “Vineyard” themed room, which has 4 bunk beds in total. There’s also a camping-style room, where you’ll be sleeping in pitched tents – perfect for sort of adventurous people.

Think of Kikkake Green and Mt.Fuji – Hostel as more of a dormitory or staying in a relative’s house. Whip up home-cooked meals with ingredients from Don Quijote, a 2-minute walk away, in the shared kitchen – or have a mini BBQ party outdoors. The guesthouse makes it easy with its BBQ package (from ¥1,600/pax, ~S$15.36), including everything you need – from charcoal to oil and utensils.

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5. Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Rakuyu

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Near famous music forest museum 

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Image credit: Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Rakuyu

Kawaguchiko is a popular spot to see Mount Fuji, and Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Rakuyu is another accommodation option to consider. There are both “Western” and tatami rooms here, which may just leave you spoilt for choice.

And if all you want to do is soak in the onsen while admiring the views, the traditional bath looks out to views of Kawaguchi Lake. Else, have a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the rooms themselves, making this the perfect romantic getaway for couples.

Image credit: @cwiziwc via Instagram 

Should you want to explore, the ryokan is located near the famous Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum. Here, you can see the world’s largest dance organ and Karakuri puppet show at just S$12.99/person.

Getting here:  Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Rakuyu is located a short 16-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.

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6. Fuji Gran Villa Toki 

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2-3 bedroom villas 

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Image credit: Fuji Gran Villa Toki 

Ryokans can be a tad small, especially if you’re travelling in big groups. It’s more likely that everyone’s tatamis will end up overlapping at night and hardly anyone will be getting a good night’s sleep. Well, what if you could get a whole villa for the price of a ryokan, and still get VIP views of Mount Fuji?

Fuji Grand Villa Toki has 2-3 bedroom villas, a private BBQ pit, and food delivery service. With menus from 6 local restaurants serving up Japanese and Italian cuisine in the area, you can literally have breakfast in bed.

Sunset with views of Mount Fuji, anyone?
Image credit: Fuji Gran Villa Toki 

There are 3 villa types for you to choose from – Balcony Villa, Rooftop Villa with 2 kitchens, and Rooftop Villa with a theatre room on the 2nd floor. Both Rooftop Villas feature a “Kasagumo” terrace – which translates to wind and clouds in Japanese. Don’t worry though, no matter which villa you pick, there’ll be Mount Fuji views to keep you company throughout your stay.

Getting here: From Kawaguchiko Eki, board the bus that heads to Gotenbaeki and alight at Akasaka (3 stops). Walk for 8 minutes.

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7. Dream Resort 223 

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Modern Japanese-style home

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Enjoy A, one of the traditional Japanese houses.
Image credit: Dream Resort 223 

Since we are on the topic of villas with views of Mount Fuji, we’ve got another one to recommend: Dream Resort 223. If you’ve got a thing for interior design, there are 4 different themed villas to accommodate your style. Enjoy A and B are traditional Japanese houses; while Beautiful A and B are modern chic apartments.

Beautiful A.
Image credit: Dream Resort 223 

All villas are located less than a 5-minute walk away from convenience stores or supermarkets, which by now, we all know is a must-have when it comes to a holiday in Japan. These can also fit up to 16 people, with 3 bedrooms and classic Japanese tatamis. All guests are also entitled to free shuttle service from Kawaguchiko Station – an essential if you’ll be coming with big bags.

Getting here: Free shuttle bus from Kawaguchiko Station (remember to inform them during the reservation process). Otherwise, a 10-minute walk from Fujikyuko Station (Fuji-Q Highland Station).

Address:

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8. Fuji Guesthouse Ao 

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Free coffee & bike rentals

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Views of Mount Fuji right outside your room.
Image credit: Fuji Guesthouse Ao

Cycling is one of the most convenient and leisurely ways to get around Kawaguchiko – bonus points if your hotel comes with FOC bikes to borrow. Located in a residential area, Fuji Guesthouse Ao is both quiet and affordable – a respite from hectic city life.

They have multiple room options up for grabs, from basic sleeping pods to twin rooms. Since it’s a guesthouse, it’s not going to have hotel-level amenities – and guests will have to use shared bathrooms.

Image credit: Fuji Guesthouse Ao

However, don’t let this faze you. The rooftop terrace is absolutely worth it for the price. Pick up your daily cup of joe – yes, coffee is free-flow – and head up to the roof to chill on the hammocks with Mount Fuji right in front of you.

Getting here: 7-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.

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9. Konohanakan Ryokan 

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Surrounded by greenery for cottage core vibes 

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Image credit: Konohanakan Ryokan

Those looking for accommodation near Fuji-Q Highland, the iconic amusement park on the foothills of Mount Fuji, can consider Konohanakan Ryokan. It’s located a 13-minute drive away.

Image credit: Konohanakan Ryokan

Onsen-wise, each guest room has a private hot spring bath with views of the surrounding greenery – giving ultimate cottagecore vibes. But if you prefer views of Mount Fuji instead, then simply retreat into the comfort of your own room. The guest rooms here are more “Western”-style – all decked in Muji aesthetics with their neutral colour palettes and natural finishes.

Getting here: From Shinjuku station in Tokyo, head to the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal and hop on a 2-hour bus ride to Oshino Murayakuba mae bus stop.

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10. Dog Resort Woof 

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Dog-friendly hotel near Lake Yamanaka 

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Your furbabies will love paddling about in the dogs only pool.
Image adapted from: Dog Resort Woof

If you love dogs or are travelling with one, we suggest Dog Resort Woof. It’s not your typical pet-friendly hotel though; your furkids actually get king treatment here. For one, the hotel’s main restaurant serves both human and dog food. The hotel also has a dogs-only pool – so your little ones can spend an afternoon paddling away.

The indoor pool is heated – so they’ll definitely get in some splash time here no matter the season. If your dog isn’t a swimmer, check out their dock diving spaces and empty field for some ball and disc throwing.

Image credit: @caro_dogresort_woof via Instagram

Of course, you’ll be able to get a good view of Mount Fuji from their rooms, some of them even come with private baths so you can relax and rewind after a fun-filled day with your furkid. Lake Yamanaka is also a 14-minute walk away, perfect for morning walks with your pal for more bonding time.

Getting here: From Kawaguchiko Eki, board the bus that heads towards Gotemba Station. Alight at Yamanakako-murayakuba-mae. Walk for 13 minutes to reach your destination.

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Bonus: Bself Fuji Villa 

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In-room onsen

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Image credit: Bself Fuji Villa

It’s not every day you come across a ryokan with in-room onsens for an affordable price. Well, let us introduce you to Bself Fuji Villa. Choose the Cottage Room or Cottage Garden View for private hot springs, with the latter boasting a traditional wooden tub outdoors.

Image credit: Bself Fuji Villa

If you often find yourself trading privacy for convenience when it comes to overseas accommodations, we’re here to let you know you can get the best of both worlds here. The villa is within walking proximity to Don Quijote, an okonomiyaki restaurant, and the famous Fujiyama Onsen.

Though you won’t be able to see Mount Fuji from here, the view of the greenery, especially in autumn, is pretty much still to die for. For the overall vibes, tranquillity, and affordability, we’d say the trade-off is worth it.

Getting here: 30-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station. Cut through Fuji-Q Highland for a shorter walk since entrance is free – unless you want to take the rides. Alternatively, take the Kawaguchiko Loop shuttle bus from the station and alight at Shobosho-mae. The hotel is an 18-minute walk from there.

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Stay in these charming Mount Fuji ryokans 

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Travellers to Tokyo are often yearning for views of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. And we have to agree, it’s worth travelling out of the city to see the mountain with your own eyes. But with all the different train lines, it can be rather intimidating to explore accommodation options outside of the city.

Trust us, book one of these ryokans during your next trip. It’d be all worth it when you wake up to majestic views of the lakes and Mount Fuji. If you’ve got the yearning to live your small-town dreams, this is your sign to do so.

For more travel content on Japan:

• 12 Japanese onsen towns
• Best Tokyo hostels under $80/night
• Muji Base Kamogawa

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Cover image adapted from: Fuji Matsuzono Hotel, Bself Fuji Villa, Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou. First published on 22nd July 2023. Last updated by Dewi Nurjuwita on 20th May 2024.