Kozantei Ubuya

Although most ryokans in the area offer a similar experience to the Kozantei Ubuya’s -- Japanese and Western-style rooms, a traditional restaurant, and indoor and outdoor onsens -- this property stands out for its stunning Mont Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi views. It is located right across the lake from the holy mountain, and all of its rooms and common spaces have been carefully designed to make the most of the panoramic views. The entire property has a strong local feel, with minimalist lines, sliding doors made with thin wooden slats, rice paper details, and a soothing neutral palette throughout. A manicured Japanese garden peeps from behind the windows in the lobby, while the rest of the windows in the hotel face the lake and Mount Fuji. Even the wellness area, complete with indoor and outdoor hot baths, offers splendid views. Rates at this ryokan are some of the highest in the Mount Fuji area, but most guests seem more than happy to pay for the views and overall quality of the property. In this price range, the Onsenji Yumedono Ryokan offers a slightly more upscale experience, with beautiful Japanese architecture and even bigger rooms. Travelers shopping around for a cheaper option may want to compare rates at the Lakeside Kawaguchiko Sunnide Resort, which is simpler but has excellent views as well. K’s House Mt. Fuji is a solid alternative for backpackers, with spotless dorms and Japanese-style rooms, a fully equipped common kitchen, and indoor and outdoor lounges.  

Kozantei Ubuya is located right on the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, in a quiet area about a five-minute drive from the city center. There are a few other hotels and restaurants in the area, but the neighborhood is mostly residential. The entrance to the bridge connecting this part of the lake to the city center is just about a minute down the road, allowing for easy access to attractions, dining, and shopping. The hotel offers free shuttle service to Kawaguchiko station between check-in and check-out times -- outside of those, guests can take a 10-minute cab ride to the trains and buses departing from Kawaguchiko. Tokyo is about an hour and a half away by car, train, or bus. Haneda Airport can be reached in about one hour and 50 minutes, while Narita International Airport is about two and a half hours away.

The hotel offers 52 rooms spread over four floors, all decorated in a traditional Japanese style, with shoji sliding screens, ample living areas with dining tables low to the ground, and plush sofas placed along floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi views. Rooms come in two different categories: Japanese or Western-style. The former have tatamis, while the latter have regular beds with mattresses and duvets. The design is traditional Japanese in all, with spacious tatami areas, wooden floors, and a soft neutral palette offset by black-wood furniture. Higher-category units have big terraces with private outdoor onsens offering unobstructed Mount Fuji views. In-room amenities are the same across the board, consisting of flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and electric kettles with full tea services. Free Wi-Fi is provided in all rooms as well, as are yukatas and slippers. Bathrooms feature tubs with handheld showers, small sinks, hairdryers, and plenty of toiletries. 

One of the hotel’s top features is the spa, which offers indoor and outdoor onsens, as well as separate areas for men and women. All sections within the spa offer panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the lake, and the indoor section features anti-fog treatment on windows for unobstructed vistas even when there’s steam inside. The wellness area also houses an herbal sauna and a salon offering an array of services. All rates include a varied Japanese breakfast (as well as some continental options on request) that can be served in the dining room or guest rooms. Lunch is not available on-site, but the restaurant serves an extensive set menu for dinner that gets mostly good reviews. Dinner can also be delivered to the room. Free coffee and tea are available at the spacious lounge, also offering stunning vistas. Travelers driving their own car to the hotel can park it free of charge in the hotel’s covered lot, which has about 50 spots.