1. The Garden
    Photo: Lim Chee Wah The Garden
  2. Hoshinoya Fuji
    Photo: Hoshinoya Fuji
  3. Ubuya
    Photo: Ubuya

7 hotels and glamping sites in Kawaguchiko with the best Mt Fuji views

Book these accommodations and be the envy of all your Instagram followers

Emma Steen
Edited by
Emma Steen
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When it comes to choosing a hotel for a vacation, everyone has their preferences for the view they'd like to wake up to each morning. But there's one scenery that should be on every traveller's list: the majestic peak of Mount Fuji, the icon of Japan. Towering over the surrounding landscape, the (sometime) snow-capped peak of Fuji-san is a symbol of Japan's rich culture and history; it’s also a source of inspiration for artists and travellers alike. 

For those seeking the ultimate view of Mount Fuji, there are few better options than staying at a hotel in Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes that offers the best unobstructed views of the iconic peak. From luxurious resorts to traditional ryokans, here are the accommodation options to choose from, each offering a unique perspective on Japan's most famous mountain.

RECOMMENDED: Where to get the best views of Mt Fuji

Hoshinoya Fuji offers a unique glamping experience that few of Japan's most exquisite hotels can match. The property's geometric cabins are nestled in the pine-draped mountains of Yamanashi Prefecture, overlooking Lake Kawaguchiko, thus providing you with a stunning, unobstructed view of Japan's sacred mountain. This exceptional retreat elevates the concept of glamping, providing the ultimate digital detox in nature. 

You can choose between indulging in picnic baskets on your private balcony while gazing out at Mt Fuji, participating in outdoor wood-fired pizza workshops, or savouring a feast of local game including wild boar and venison. Beyond the cabins, you can explore the surrounding scenic mountains, go on guided trekking trips, embark on early morning canoeing on Lake Kawaguchi, or bicycle along the lake's shores.

The rooms at The Garden Resort have clean, bare walls and no extra furnishings save for the white beds and a few grey cushions, but that's not to say they're bland by any standards. As soon as you step through the door, Mt Fuji, in all its majesty, commands your attention, visible through the expansive floor-to-ceiling window that graces every room.

Although the hotel itself is small, its optimal location unlocks a world of excitement and adventure. Firstly, it's within walking distance from Kawaguchiko Station. Plus, a short six-minute drive will land you at Fuji-Q Highland, one of the most renowned theme parks in Japan and home to record-breaking rides such as the adrenaline-pumping Dodonpa, which holds the world title as the roller coaster with the fastest launch acceleration.

After an adrenaline-filled day, unwind at Hotou Fudo, a charming local eatery conveniently located near Kawaguchiko Station. This popular eatery is famous for its heart-warming pots of miso vegetable stew, filled with soft, chewy udon noodles – the perfect local delicacy to refuel and relax after a day of adventure.

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Designed as an ultra-luxe retreat, Fufu Kawaguchiko offers a truly sumptuous experience, with 32 lavishly furnished suites that boast unparalleled vistas of the majestic Mt Fuji and the sparkling waters of Lake Kawaguchiko.

Each suite has its own private open-air hot spring bath lined with volcanic rock, where you can enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery that surrounds the grounds. During the colder winter months, stay warm and comfortable with heated floors and a personal bioethanol hearth while taking in the crystal-clear panorama made possible by the dry air.

Another standout gem is Ubuya, where the rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated with traditional Japanese elements such as tatami mats and shoji screens. The hot springs here feature naturally sourced mildly alkaline water known for its healing properties and ability to soothe tired muscles. Some of the suites come with their own private outdoor baths, allowing you to soak in the warm waters while taking in the breathtaking scenery. 

In addition to its picturesque surroundings, Hotel Ubuya also boasts a variety of amenities to enhance your stay, including a fine dining restaurant serving up local cuisine, a relaxing spa, and a table tennis room for some family-friendly fun.

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For a quintessential ryokan experience, head to Hotel Konansou on the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, where you’ll find a haven of serenity and relaxation. This traditional onsen hotel offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your room or from the hotel's outdoor hot spring baths.

Konansou features a variety of rooms, ranging from traditional Japanese-style abodes with tatami floors and futon bedding to modern Western-style rooms with plush beds and contemporary amenities. In addition to its world-class hot springs, Konansou also offers in-room kaiseki dining with an extensive selection of sake. 

Take a trip to Yamanashi and enjoy the natural scenery that surrounds Japan’s favourite volcano, Mt Fuji. The grounds at Pica Fujiyama are an ideal spot for ambitious climbers: it’s just a half-hour drive or 40-minute train ride to the volcano’s fifth station, which is the highest starting point for ascending the mountain on foot. However, the stunning scenes of Lake Kawaguchiko and the secluded environment make it a worthwhile destination even outside of the climbing season.

With all this space, paragliding courses are an option for adrenaline junkies. There are also kayaking, glass blowing, cooking classes and pottery classes for visitors who prefer something slower paced.

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Located in the stunning open plains of Oishi, Dot Glamping Fujiyama is the perfect destination for travellers seeking a unique and luxurious outdoor experience. This contemporary campsite features a range of accommodations, from spacious tents equipped with modern comforts to cosy cabins with panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty.

At Dot Glamping Fujiyama, you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking and fishing. The campsite also features a communal lounge complete with a fireplace, providing the perfect place to unwind and relax after a day of outdoor adventure. In the morning, you can wake up to the breathtaking sight of Japan's iconic peak, and watch as the sun sets behind the mountains in the evening.

Further away in Shizuoka

That a hotel features a view of Mt Fuji is a selling point on its own, but the Fuji Speedway Hotel also offers a direct line of sight to the race track's exhilarating final corner and home straight, right from your room. Part of the Hyatt's Unbound Collection, this motor-mad haven serves up adrenaline and comfort in equal measures.

Complementing this high-speed theme, the hotel’s Fuji Motorsport Museum provides an in-depth exploration of motorsport evolution. Exhibits span from vintage classics to state-of-the-art sportscars, giving insights into the technology underpinning these speed machines.

Beyond high-octane attractions, the Fuji Speedway Hotel houses four diverse restaurants, each showcasing a range of culinary styles from local to Italian. After a day engrossed in the fast-paced world of racing, the Omika Wellness Spa offers a calming respite. Here, an onsen, fuelled by local spring water, provides a serene backdrop of Mt Fuji. The fast lane has never looked so inviting.

The Hotel Clad over in Gotemba, Shizuoka offers an enchanting retreat that seamlessly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern sensibilities. As soon as you step into the hotel lobby, you will be mesmerised by the panoramic view of Mt. Fuji, seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows. 

During your stay, you will have complimentary access to Konohana no Yu, an attached spa that offers a wide range of healing and relaxation facilities. You can enjoy the open-air and indoor baths,  and sauna, all of which offer breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the changing seasons.

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