Kappo Ryokan Yoshino

A hideaway at Lake Yamanaka for just 4 groups a day

Kappo Ryokan Yoshino is a very small ryokan of just 4 rooms, standing on the shore of Lake Yamanaka. It takes no more than 4 groups a day. Its signature is the wild eel from Lake Yamanaka grilled by the third-generation owner, and the kitchen's motto is "food that is inexpensive and absolutely delicious." Far removed from the bustle of a large hotel, the appeal here is a quiet, homey atmosphere.

Every room a Japanese-style tatami room

All the guest rooms are Japanese-style tatami rooms. Sakura no Ma, for example, is a single 8-tatami room where the family can lay out futons side by side and sleep together. Unlike a hotel with wooden floors, a tatami room lets you set a crawling baby down without worry - one of the real blessings of tatami. On the other hand, because every room is a tatami room and the ryokan is small, the soundproofing is not especially strong. Sounds and voices from the next room carry easily, so during the stage when a baby cries at night you may need to be mindful of the guests around you. Whether children's yukata and bath towels are provided has not been confirmed, so bringing what you need is the safer bet.

An alkaline simple onsen you can book privately

The bath is an alkaline simple onsen (pH 9.7) drawn from the nearby Beni-Fuji no Yu source, flowing straight from the source. A simple onsen is mild in its mineral content and gentle on the skin, and is considered well suited to a small child's first onsen. The bathroom is roomy enough for about 4 to 5 adults, and in the time slot before dinner your family can book it privately. Without worrying about other guests, and in a setting where it is fine for children to be lively, the whole family can soak together. Whether baby items such as a bath chair or a baby bath are available has not been confirmed, so it is worth asking when you book if you need them.

Wild eel from Lake Yamanaka is the signature

The cooking centers on eel dishes made with wild eel from Lake Yamanaka. The owner also takes his time preparing seasonal ingredients with care. Whether children's menus or toddler meals are offered has not been confirmed, so if you need baby food or toddler meals, discussing it when you book will put your mind at ease.

Access and the surrounding area

By car it is a few minutes from the Yamanakako Interchange on the Higashi-Fuji Goko Road, and about 15 minutes from the Gotemba direction via the Tomei Expressway. The nearest station, Fujisan Station, is about 8.6 km away, and pickup is available from the Hotel Mount Fuji Iriguchi bus stop on the Fujikyu Bus line. Parking is free for 5 cars, with no reservation needed. Oshino Hakkai is about 9 minutes away by car, making this a convenient base for sightseeing around Mount Fuji.

Which families it suits

There are no children's facilities such as play equipment or a playroom, but you do get Japanese-style tatami rooms, an onsen with gentle water that you can book privately, and the eel dishes the ryokan is known for. If you want to bring a small child and spend unhurried time with just your family in quiet surroundings, this is the kind of stay that fits.