Kawaguchiko Lakeside Hotel

The hotel is family-run with no staff, and we were warmly welcomed by Masa-san, who does everything—from driving the shuttle bus and handling reception to carrying luggage and guiding us through the hotel. He is incredibly warm and friendly, always greeting us with a smile whenever we stepped in or out of the hotel. He was also very kind to my toddler—during the Kawaguchiko Winter Celebration fireworks, when my child cried from the loud noise, Masa-san quickly showed us a safe and quiet indoor spot to watch the fireworks, making us feel truly cared for. Even after we checked out, he messaged us to wish us a good trip in Japan and reminded us to take care of our health due to the changing seasons. This level of thoughtfulness is something you rarely experience, and it made our stay even more memorable. Things to Note: • Limited food options in Kawaguchiko – Luckily, there is a Lawson nearby, which became our lifesaver. • Location – The hotel is not near Kawaguchiko Station (20-minute walk) but is very close to Lake Kawaguchiko. • Amazing Mt. Fuji view – You can enjoy a breathtaking view from your window. • Comfortable rooms with good heating – Essential for cold seasons. • Super clean hotel and onsen – Everything is well-maintained. • Shoeless hotel – You must remove your shoes at the entrance. • No elevator – The hotel has two floors and no lift, but Masa-san carried my two 20kg suitcases without hesitation. • Room layout – Our room had a private toilet and bathtub, twin beds, a living area with a table, and space for a futon. • Charming vintage aesthetic – Though the hotel is not new, its vintage charm matches well with the warmth of the owner.

Got a warm welcome by the boss (should be), he showed me around during the short journey from Kawaguchiko station to the hotel. He even printed a map and told me where is the convenience store, nice food etc. He also brought me to my room and showed me what's inside. I had a very good sleep as it was really quiet. There is also a heater which i can use as it rained the next morning. I managed to see clear Mount Fuji view on the day I arrived. Regret that I only booked for one night. Shower at a public bath outside of the room, but it is fine for me. Can even enjoy onsen there.

This place is absolutely lovely, Masa-san (owner) absolutely goes out of his way to help in any way he possibly can. Fantastic view of Mount Fuji from our well equipped room and just a wonderful experience, onsen is lovely and relaxing. Entire area is so beautiful. Trip finished with us checking out early in the morning as we anticipated having to walk up to the station (about 20 minutes from the hotel) around 8am. Despite Masa-san being in the middle of providing breakfast for other guests he insisted on driving us up so we'd time for a coffee. Oh, and getting up early to watch the sun rising on Mount Fuji will remain with me for the rest of my life.

The stay is perfect! We had the warmest greeting from the host. I think we also have got the nicest room with the perfect WOW Mt Fuji view. The room even got a moisturizer when the heater made the air dry. This could be arranged because there seems to be only two groups, including us in the hotel. We enjoyed the perfect view at breakfast, too, as we booked the earliest timeslot (as we needed to hike). One 1 Jan, the host even prepared a piece of Japanese radish in Mt Fuji shape for our breakfast to celebrate the new year 😆 One of the best things about this hotel is that the host is very responsive, clear, and funny. 😄 The warmest thing is that even after we checked out, the host would still send us a message thanking us for our stay and asked us to have some rest after the long journey back to Shinjuku. I can't recall any hotels or hostels who have ever sent me a follow-up message after I checked out. I truly appreciate it! The host would pick us up at the train station and introduce us to the spots and restaurants all the way to the hotel. He introduced the food at breakfast and helped us take photos. I will definitely choose this hotel if I visit Fujikawaguchiko again! It is a wonderful stay!

Normally I do not put a lot of effort into writing a good review, but Lakeside Hotel deserves an exception because it was that excellent and unforgettable !! The service of this family hotel is unlike I have ever seen. Best example: the hotel owner went with us to the train-station to make sure we got the last 2 seats on the bus we needed to take. And friendliness is taken to the next level by the whole staff! Now the hotel itself. If you want to experience Japanese culture in a hotel setting, this is the place to go. We recommend the Japanese style room! Waking up with an impressive Mount Fuji view is something else :) The Onsen is also incredibly relaxing. After a long day cycling around the lakes chilling in a thermal bath is just what you need. It is accessible for everybody in the hotel, and it’s naked. No worries, men and women are separates. But believe me, it’s worth it to set your self awareness aside and let those butt cheeks free. The breakfast was amazing. It’s super Japanese. You feel like you are in a manga. And it’s all homemade. And when you eat you have again an impeccable view of Mount Fuji. Location wise it’s also amazing. Close to a bus stop where all the hop on hop off busses passes. So easy to go everywhere. Amazing Japanese restaurants in the area and the lake views are amazing. A short stroll from the hotel and you can see the reflection of Mount Fuji in the water. When you choose to visit Kawaguchiko, go to the Lakeside hotel and you will have an amazing stay!