Following up on my previous post, here’s a recap of my trip to Japan last month. This time, I’ll share about a one-night trip to see Mt. Fuji up close and review the hotel where I stayed.
One-Night Trip to Fujikawaguchiko Town
I loved this itinerary so much that I went to the same place and stayed at the same hotel two years in a row. Surprisingly, it was a friend from my gym here in the U.S. who isn’t Japanese who originally recommended this hotel to me. The moment I saw the photos she sent me, I thought, I have to go there!
Recently, traveling to Japan has become incredibly popular. Many of my friends from the gym visit Japan almost every year, and it seems like someone is always heading there. When I realize some of them visit Japan more frequently than I do—or know more about it—it gives me mixed feelings (haha).
About Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji is an iconic symbol of Japan and an active volcano designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Standing at an elevation of 3,776.12 meters, it’s the tallest standalone peak in Japan. Its beautiful conical shape has long held a special place in Japanese culture, inspiring countless works of art and literature.
Last time, I visited during the summer of 2023. This time, I went in December 2024, so I got to see both the summer and winter faces of Mt. Fuji.
A Must-Stay Hotel
The hotel my gym friend recommended and where I stayed is called The Kukuna. Check out the stunning photos on their website! I love this hotel so much that I’ve decided it will always be my go-to place whenever I visit Mt. Fuji.
View from my room at dusk 🙂
Highlights of This Hotel
“Upside-Down Fuji” I took!!! Gorgeous!!
- Prime Location: Situated right in front of Lake Kawaguchi.
- Room with a View: Every room’s balcony offers views of both the lake and Mt. Fuji.
- Seasonal Cuisine: Delicious dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
- Hot Springs: The hotel has onsen and outdoor baths.
- Exceptional Service: The staff are incredibly kind and attentive.
- Fully Equipped Amenities: You only need to bring your clothes—everything else is provided, including loungewear and slippers.
- Tranquility: Perfect for relaxing and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Convenient Access: Free shuttle service from the station.
View from our room!
About Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes located in southeastern Yamanashi Prefecture, is famous for its breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. It is also a designated component of the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Site and captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty.
For a quick getaway from Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchi is an excellent destination.
Features of Lake Kawaguchi
- Seasonal Scenery: The longest shoreline among the Fuji Five Lakes, adorned with flowers and trees that change with the seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, lavender in summer, and autumn leaves in fall.
- “Upside-Down Fuji”: A mirror image of Mt. Fuji reflected on the lake surface, best seen during the calm hours of dawn and dusk for a magical view.
- Attractions: The area is packed with hot springs, amusement parks, and museums, offering plenty of activities for a full day.
- Outdoor Adventures: Popular as a base for Mt. Fuji climbing and hiking, with many trails nearby.
How to Access Lake Kawaguchi
- Train: Transfer from the JR Chuo Line at Otsuki Station to the Fujikyu Railway and get off at Kawaguchiko Station.
- Car: About 20 minutes from the Kawaguchiko Interchange on the Chuo Expressway.
- Bus: My favorite way! This time, I took the highway bus from Shinjuku’s Busta terminal. It’s a relaxing two-hour ride on a clean bus with restrooms, and you don’t have to worry about your luggage.
A Surprising and Heartwarming Story
At the hotel, check-in is a relaxing experience—you sit on a comfortable couch while the staff offers a warm towel and welcome drink. They also explain the hotel’s amenities and policies.
When they asked if we had any questions, my daughter suddenly asked, “I have a tattoo. Can I use the hot spring baths or outdoor baths?” I was quite surprised for 2 reasons:
- When she was in middle school, I once took her to a hot spring in Hakone, but she was so embarrassed about bathing with others that she wanted to leave quickly. Since then, I hadn’t taken her on any onsen trips. This time, I only brought her because I knew our room had its own private bathroom.
- I know many pools and hot springs in Japan prohibit tattoos, so I admired her courage to ask even though the odds were slim.
As some of you may know, unfortunately, many places in Japan still prohibit tattoos or require them to be covered with stickers. Some places even sell special stickers for this purpose.
Expecting a disappointing answer, I braced myself for her reaction. However, the kind female staff member surprised us by saying, “After 10 PM, the baths are less crowded, so you’re welcome to use them then.” My daughter’s face lit up with joy, and I was so relieved!
Although the hotel does offer private hot spring rentals during certain times, they weren’t available that day. My friend and I went to the baths after dinner and explained to my daughter how to use them. Later, she went on her own and enjoyed her first onsen experience in years. It was such a heartwarming moment for me 🙂
Coming Up Next
In my next post, I’ll share about Tokyo DisneySea, a Disney theme park unique to Japan. Stay tuned! ♡
Comments