Fujisan Resort Hotel

A reasonably priced hotel near Kawaguchiko IC, with Mount Fuji rising right out front

Fujisan Resort Hotel is a large hotel about 3 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway and Fujiyoshida IC on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road, and about 5 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyuko Line. Its greatest draw is its spectacular setting, with Mount Fuji rising directly in front of the hotel. The rooftop observation deck opens onto a panoramic view of Mount Fuji that only staying guests can enjoy. Fuji-Q Highland and the leisure facilities around Lake Kawaguchi are close by, making the hotel a convenient base for sightseeing in the area. Its Rakuten Travel rating is 3.35 out of 5 (472 reviews), with guests praising the view of Mount Fuji, the free parking, the communal bath and the reasonable prices. It suits families happy to spend their energy on sightseeing and leisure and to keep the accommodation itself simple, enjoying the view and the bath at a modest price.

A communal bath with Mount Fuji views (Fujisan Buro) and en-suite bathrooms in every room

On the first floor is Fujisan Buro, a communal bath that looks out on the grandeur of Mount Fuji. In addition to Mount Fuji framed in the window, the wall carries a painting of cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji and the Chureito Pagoda by a sento (public bathhouse) muralist from Asakusa, so the atmosphere of Mount Fuji is there whatever the weather. The bath is spacious, making it easy for families with children to soak without feeling rushed. Every room also has an en-suite bathroom, so when the communal bath's hours do not fit your schedule, or when a young child is still uneasy about a large bath, you can bathe in your room instead. Whether items such as baby baths or baby chairs are lent in the bathing area is not stated, so please check directly with the hotel when booking if you need them.

More than 100 rooms, for families, groups and training camps

The rooms have a clean, fresh feel, starting with the View Triple Room that looks out on Mount Fuji. With more than 100 rooms (listed as 220 rooms on Rakuten Travel), this is one of the largest hotels around Lake Kawaguchi. Even the windowless rooms, among the lowest-priced in the area, are finished mainly in white so they do not feel closed in, making them an easy choice for families keeping costs down. As a large hotel that also supports school study trips and training camps, it works well for groups and multigenerational trips. Rooms come with a television, refrigerator, free Wi-Fi, kettle and hair dryer. Co-sleeping is accepted for up to one child under school age per adult. Whether cribs, bed guards and other baby items can be borrowed is not stated, so it is safest to bring what you need or confirm with the hotel in advance.

Japanese and Western buffet morning and evening, and free parking for 30 cars

Meals are served as breakfast and dinner buffets in the restaurant. Because the buffets combine Japanese and Western dishes, it is easy to find something children will eat, which parents will appreciate. Plans that include a meal at Tetsuan, a well-known charcoal-grilled yakiniku restaurant, or the sushi restaurant Sushibei are also available. Little is stated about baby food or toddler meals, so it is reassuring to plan on bringing your own food for babies and toddlers. Parking for 30 cars is available free of charge behind the hotel, with no reservation required. It is easy to pull in after a day at Fuji-Q Highland, which makes the hotel a practical base for touring the Mount Fuji area by car. Barrier-free rooms and wheelchairs to borrow are also available.

How to plan a stay with children

The hotel lends itself to a simple routine: spend the day at Fuji-Q Highland or around Lake Kawaguchi, park in the free lot behind the hotel and drop off your bags, wash off the day in the communal bath with its Mount Fuji view or in your room's own bathroom, then start the next morning with the Japanese and Western buffet, a leisure base that keeps costs down while still offering the view of Mount Fuji and a good soak. As a large hotel, its facilities are standard, and little is stated about dedicated services for babies and toddlers. Confirm cribs, co-sleeping and children's rates with the hotel all at once when you book, and make the most of what it does best: the Mount Fuji view, the communal bath and the en-suite bathroom in every room.