Forest Inn Chipmunk

A pension surrounded by forest beside Lake Yamanaka

Forest Inn Chipmunk is a pension on high ground beside Lake Yamanaka. It took over Pension Chipmunk, in business since 1984, and reopened after renovation in spring 2018. The inn sits in a quiet setting surrounded by forest, and from the glass-walled, open-atrium lobby you can take in the grandeur of Mount Fuji.

Two kinds of private-hire bath

According to the hotel, there are two baths, a view bath looking out toward Mount Fuji and an open-air bath scented by the forest breeze, and both are used as private-hire baths. It also has an open-air bath, which is unusual for a pension.

A place where pets can stay with you

Pets are welcome to stay. There is a pet amenity service, walking paths through rich natural surroundings, and a dog run. Small, medium, large and extra-large dogs are accepted, as are cats and small animals (please consult the inn in advance about large dogs). Owners bring their own pet supplies, such as pee pads, paw-wiping towels, towels, a leash and food.

Rooms and meals

There are 10 rooms in total, with a TV, Wi-Fi, a toilet with a washing function (some rooms only), body soap, shampoo and conditioner. Free drinks are served in the tea lounge, and a shared refrigerator and microwave are available to use. Meals are served in the dining room: besides the plan with breakfast and dinner, you can choose room only, breakfast only or dinner only.

What to know when traveling with children

Rakuten Travel's notes for guests state that co-sleeping is limited to one child under school age per adult. Children who have not yet started elementary school and elementary school children can both stay. One review notes that, unusually for a pension, there is even an open-air bath, so the family can enjoy a soak together. Whether children who are not yet out of diapers (not yet toilet-trained) may use the baths is not stated, so it is best to confirm with the hotel in advance.

Access and shuttle

By car, the inn is about 15 minutes from the Yamanakako IC on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road and about 40 minutes from the Gotemba IC on the Tomei Expressway. By public transportation, come by train or highway bus as far as the Asahigaoka area of Lake Yamanaka, and a shuttle is then available between the inn and the Asahigaoka bus stop (advance notice required). In winter (November to March), a heating charge of 1,100 yen per room applies separately, and because it snows around Lake Yamanaka, winter tires or tire chains are recommended.

Things to note

• All rooms are non-smoking (there is a designated smoking area)
• Curfew is at 11 p.m., and the last check-in is at 9:30 p.m.
• Stays with a large dog require advance consultation by phone
• A heating charge of 1,100 yen per room applies separately from November to March