There's no shortage of ryokans lining the vast Lake Kawaguchi area, but if you're seeking one with Mount Fuji views, onsens, delectable meals and a convenient location, Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou ticks all your boxes and more.
It's located some ways off from attractions like the Music Forest Museum and Maple Corridor – which means less tourist bustle, more tranquility – but should you wish to explore those spots, a quick 10 to 15-minute bus ride will get you there in a jiffy. Meanwhile, it's a stone’s throw from the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for sky-high views of the area. It’s also not too far from Kawaguchiko station, but don’t you worry about walking over with luggage in tow, because the hotel offers a convenient free shuttle service to and from the station for all guests.
View of Lake Kawaguchi from our room | Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time Out
We made our booking via Rakuten Travel, opting for a traditional Japanese-style room (Type B – Kohaku) with futons, but there's also a handful of Western-style rooms with beds. Waking up to the view of the lake right before our eyes was unreal – and the private open-air onsen facing the waters was a real treat in the chilly weather.
But don’t just stick to the bath in your room, for it’s fully worth experiencing Konansou’s public onsen, where you’ll be graced by the majestic sight of Mount Fuji on a clear day. Unwind in the onsen’s outdoor rock bath, sauna, cold tub and hot jacuzzi, and grab a complimentary popsicle from its tatami rest area to cool down once you’re done. Not a fan of baring it all? There’s also a scenic rooftop foot bath on the eighth floor which offers a similar unobstructed view of Japan’s tallest peak.
Public onsen | Photograph: Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou
Though plenty of dining options are dotted around the vicinity, you’d be remiss to skip Konansou’s lavish kaiseki dinners that’ll have even big eaters bursting at the seams. It was course after course of seasonal Japanese dishes served straight to our room, with each one meticulously prepared using the freshest ingredients and a perfect balance of flavours. And fret not if you’re staying for multiple nights, because the menu is switched up on a daily basis such that it never feels repetitive. A breakfast buffet with a mix of local and international fare awaits the next morning, with some highlights being a live egg station and Yamanashi’s local specialty of comforting hoto noodles simmered with vegetables in broth.
Photograph: Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou
Classic Japanese omotenashi (hospitality) is a given at ryokans like these, but Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou goes the extra mile to make guests feel cared for. We stepped into our room to find snacks and a tea set already prepared for us, and all guests get complimentary tokens for coffee or chocolate beverages at the lakefront lounge. When asked for navigation help, the front desk staff not only gave us detailed directions to the attraction, but also presented us discount coupons for it.
While Konansou’s zen rooms and top-notch facilities already make for an undeniably cushy experience at Kawaguchiko, it’s the little touches like these that made our stay all the more memorable.
Book your room at Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou via Rakuten Travel.