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Where to Stay in Mt Fuji

Where to Stay in Mt Fuji

Mt Fuji West Of Tokyo, Japan Travel Guide

Diverse Lodging Choices

General Accommodation Types

  • Hostels/Guesthouses

    Budget-friendly, dormitory or simple private rooms. Social atmosphere, shared facilities. Found in Kawaguchiko. Find hostels on Hostelworld.

  • Business Hotels

    Compact, efficient, and clean. Standard amenities, functional base for travelers. Found in Gotemba or Mishima.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    More amenities and space than business hotels. Located in Kawaguchiko and Hakone. Explore IHG Hotels.

  • Luxury Hotels/Ryokan

    High-end service, private onsen, exquisite dining. Often with direct Mount Fuji views. Premium experience with refined comfort.

Unique Local Stays & Alternatives

  • Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inns)

    Cultural experience, futon bedding on tatami mats, communal baths (onsen), multi-course Japanese meals (kaiseki) often included. Deep cultural immersion. Find ryokan on Booking.com.

  • Minshuku (Family-run Guesthouses)

    Simpler than ryokan, more intimate and home-like experience. Often includes homemade meals.

  • Vacation Rentals/Apartments

    More space and self-catering options. Suitable for families or groups. Good localized experience. Search rentals on Vrbo.

  • Camping and Outdoor

    Campsites available around Fuji Five Lakes (Yamanakako, Motosu). Popular during warmer months. Some sites have cabins or glamping options.

Neighborhood Guide Fuji-Hakone Region

A breakdown of areas and their distinct characteristics, proximity to attractions, and safety.

Kawaguchiko

Highlights
  • Most popular of Fuji Five Lakes.
  • Excellent Mount Fuji views.
  • Many tourist attractions and dining.
  • Convenient transport options.
Considerations
  • Can be crowded during peak season.
  • Less tranquil than other lakes.

Hakone

Highlights
  • Famous for hot springs, art museums.
  • Historical sites and sightseeing loop.
  • Extensive transport network.
  • Many onsen ryokan.
Considerations
  • Can be very crowded on weekends.
  • Less direct Fuji views from most areas.

Yamanakako

Highlights
  • Largest of Fuji Five Lakes.
  • Less developed and more quiet.
  • Popular for watersports and cycling.
  • Good Fuji views from northern shore.
Considerations
  • Fewer dining and shopping options.
  • Less public transport connectivity.

Safety and Ambiance

Safety Information:

All areas in the Mount Fuji region maintain a very low crime rate. You can feel secure exploring any neighborhood.

Noise Levels:

The region is generally quiet and peaceful outside major tourist hubs and peak seasons. Yamanakako provides a calmer ambiance. Hakone offers busy transport hubs and quiet onsen resorts.

Booking Strategies

Tips for securing the best accommodation, from advance booking to price fluctuations.

Booking Recommendations

  • Advance booking is wise for peak seasons (cherry blossom, autumn leaves, summer climbing season, Golden Week, New Year).
  • For popular ryokan (private onsen, Fuji views), book several months ahead.
  • For shoulder seasons, a few weeks ahead typically works.
  • During low season, there is more flexibility, but booking remains a good practice.

Cancellation & Pricing

  • Always check deposit and cancellation policies. Many properties allow free cancellation up to a few days prior.
  • Prices are fixed in Japan; walk-in negotiation is not customary. Booking in advance generally secures a better rate.
  • Prices are highest during peak seasons, weekends, and public holidays. Weekdays in shoulder or low season offer better value.
  • Staying mid-week can significantly lower costs.

Trusted Booking Platforms

International Platforms
Local & Direct Booking
  • Rakuten Travel
  • Japanican
  • Direct booking with ryokan/hotels for best rates or special packages.

Consideration

Walk-in Rates

Negotiating walk-in rates is not customary in Japan. Prices are generally fixed.

Peak Season

Peak seasons see the highest prices. Book very early to secure preferred lodging.

Meal Inclusion

When booking a ryokan, confirm if meals are included. Many offer packages with dinner and breakfast, adding value.

Accommodation Recommendations

Examples of accommodation types tailored to different preferences.

Accommodation Types Overview

Hostel/Guesthouse

Budget-friendly for solo or social travelers. Dorms or simple private rooms.

  • Price Range: ¥3,000 - ¥6,000
  • Features: Shared facilities, social atmosphere, often near stations.
Business Hotel

Mid-range, efficient, clean, compact. Good for solo/duo travelers.

  • Price Range: ¥7,000 - ¥15,000
  • Features: Sometimes includes breakfast.

Accommodation Types Overview Cont.

Ryokan Traditional Inn

Mid-range to luxury, cultural immersion. Tatami rooms, futons, onsen, kaiseki meals.

  • Price Range: ¥15,000 - ¥50,000+ (per person, with meals)
  • Features: Communal or private onsen, authentic Japanese dining.
Resort Hotel

Luxury, Western-style comfort. Extensive amenities, often with Fuji views.

  • Price Range: ¥20,000 - ¥60,000+
  • Features: Wide array of services and facilities.

Specific Traveler Options

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Many hotels and some ryokan provide family or connecting rooms. Vacation rentals offer more space and kitchen facilities.

  • Solo Traveler Options

    Hostels and business hotels are good choices. Some ryokan provide solo plans for a cultural experience.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Vacation rentals or weekly/monthly apartment rentals in towns like Fujiyoshida or Mishima can be cost-effective for longer visits.

  • Cultural/Historical Significance

    Many traditional ryokan, especially in Hakone, have long histories. They display deep cultural immersion through architecture and service.

Camping Opportunities

  • Campsite availability

    Campsites are available around the Fuji Five Lakes, like Lake Yamanakako and Lake Motosu.

  • Seasonal Preference

    These sites are popular during warmer months, from spring to autumn.

  • Cabin and Glamping

    Some campsites offer cabins or glamping options for a more comfortable outdoor experience.

  • Typical Price Range

    ¥1,000 - ¥3,000 (per person/tent).

Cultural Immersion Through Accommodation

Ryokan Experience

Guests use communal baths (onsen), and traditional multi-course Japanese meals (kaiseki) are often included.

  • Rooms feature futon bedding on tatami mats.
  • Deep cultural experience is part of the stay.
  • Highly recommended for the Fuji/Hakone area.
Homestay Opportunities

Homestay experiences are less common here compared to major cities. Some local initiatives may offer this for a connection with local communities.

  • Research community tourism projects for availability.

Helpful Reminder

Confirm Meals

When booking a ryokan, verify if meals are included. Many offer packages with dinner (kaiseki) and breakfast, which significantly improves the experience and value.

Price Variation

Prices are highest during peak seasons and on weekends or public holidays. Weekdays often offer better value.