Godere hotel Fuji Yamanakako

A resort hotel on high ground above Lake Yamanaka, with sweeping views of Mount Fuji and the lake

Godere hotel Fuji Yamanakako is a resort hotel standing on high ground in Hirano, Yamanakako-mura. Mount Fuji and Lake Yamanaka are in full view from the guest rooms, the open-air bath and the terrace, and as the official website puts it, "this is not a tourist site, but a viewing platform all your own" - the greatest draw is having the spectacular view of Mount Fuji to yourself, away from the crowds. It sits somewhat off the beaten track, about 5 minutes by car from the Fujisan Yamanakako (Hotel Mount Fuji) bus stop, but the free shuttle from Fujisan Station and Kawaguchiko Station means families without a car can still reach it. With around 28 rooms, plus adjoining glamping domes offering 200 sq m of private space, it is a place for a stay centered on the outdoors.

Japanese-style tatami and Western-style rooms, plus 3 Mount Fuji-view glamping domes

Guest rooms come in tatami Japanese-style and Western-style types. In a tatami room the family can lay futons side by side, so you can settle a small child down without worrying about a fall from a bed. Rooms have a television, refrigerator, kettle, individual air conditioning and a toilet with a washlet function, along with a full set of amenities including towels, yukata and toothbrush sets. The highlight is the 3 Mount Fuji-view glamping domes, each with its own separate living area and viewing terrace. The roomy dome interiors make for an exciting, out-of-the-ordinary night for children, and they also work for families, groups and corporate events. The domes are non-smoking, and dogs are welcome (from 3,300 yen for a small dog; a pet fee applies). Do note that Rakuten Travel review scores sit in the 2-point range rather than high, with some comments about how far off the beaten track the location is and about how the property is run, so it is safest to come mainly for the spectacular views and the glamping experience without expecting too much of the finer details of the facilities.

An open-air communal bath, a BBQ garden and a treehouse cafe

The property has an open-air communal bath looking out at Mount Fuji, where you can spend a luxurious stretch of time taking in the famous peak from the water. The all-weather BBQ garden lets you barbecue whatever the weather, and unique spots are dotted around the grounds: a camp area where you split firewood and build a fire, a treehouse cafe suspended in the air, and an outdoor izakaya (a Japanese pub). The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, and plans that include meals can be chosen. Outdoor experiences on the wide grounds, such as splitting firewood and stargazing, suit families who want to spend unhurried time in nature.

A dog run and free shuttles, and how a family stay works

There is a dog run on the grounds, part of a dog-friendly setup where dogs can run about to their heart's content (pets may stay only in the glamping domes). Fishing, cycling, hiking and, in winter, skiing make the leisure around Lake Yamanaka enjoyable through all four seasons. Check-in is at 3 p.m. (last check-in 9 p.m.) and checkout is at 10 a.m.; when booking, note that payment is by prepayment only, and credit cards cannot be used on site. The free shuttle from Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station requires advance contact. It is a hilltop resort stay where a family can take in the spectacular Mount Fuji views, glamping, the communal bath and the BBQ all in one place.