Yamanashi Wine to Kateiryori Hotel Bell Kaneyama

A homey hotel beside the mountain stream of the Katsura River

Yamanashi Wine to Kateiryori Hotel Bell Kaneyama is a casual, family-run hotel beside the mountain stream of the Katsura River in Fujiyoshida, at the northern foot of Mount Fuji. The owner and the whole staff look after guests together, and the warm atmosphere feels like visiting a relative's home. Outside the windows you hear the murmur of the Katsura River and see Mount Fuji, and nature is close at hand: the viewpoint in the rural park is about a 1-minute walk away, and Kaneyama Falls about 5 minutes on foot.

Handmade home cooking and Yamanashi wine

Dinner, called okaeri-meshi ("welcome-home meal"), and breakfast, called itterasshai-meshi ("have-a-good-day meal"), are entirely handmade home cooking, with dishes that change daily. Rather than a buffet of frozen convenience food, as is common these days, the meals are warm and made by hand, and they have earned a good reputation. Dinner is served in the cafe lounge from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and after 9 p.m. it is brought to your room. There are also plans featuring French home cooking supervised by Brasserie CHEVAL, a French restaurant popular with locals, as well as a tasting and pairing set of 5 Yamanashi wines. Wine Wall FUJIYAMA on the fifth floor always stocks more than 100 kinds of Yamanashi wine, and staying guests can go in at any hour of the day, though food and drink are allowed only until 10 p.m.

Family-friendly touches

Double and twin rooms sleep up to 3 guests with an extra bed, and rooms for 3 to 5 guests sleep up to 6 with an extra bed. Children's yukata and children's slippers are available to borrow, along with items such as Othello. Reviews also praise the staff's flexibility, with comments such as "They served our children okaeri-meshi and switched the adults to the French menu" and "At breakfast they brought out side dishes our children were likely to enjoy."

Baths (no communal bath or onsen)

There is no communal bath or onsen at the hotel. Every room has an en-suite bathroom that uses the natural vanadium mineral spring water flowing from every tap throughout the building and in every room, which feels gentle on the skin. Bath amenities are well stocked too.

Access and shuttle

From Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway, take Route 138 toward Lake Yamanaka and turn at the traffic light at the entrance to Michi-no-Eki Fujiyoshida; the hotel is just past the turn. Fuji-Q Highland is about 7 minutes away by car. For guests arriving by train or bus, a free shuttle runs from Mount Fuji Station and the Fuji-Q Highland Expressway Bus Terminal from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. (reservation required, available for as few as one guest), and pickups and drop-offs at nearby places other than the station can also be discussed. Parking is free for 15 cars. There are also dedicated rooms where you can stay with your dog, from small breeds to large ones.