hotel norm. ao

A private resort in Okukawaguchiko, one group per day

hotel norm. ao stands in the quiet surroundings of Okukawaguchiko, encircled by the lake and the forest, and takes just one group per day as a private resort hotel. Built around themes of wellness and retreat, it has a semi-open-air bath lush with green botanicals along with a tea room and garden with a Japanese feel, and the care given to every detail of the architecture and interiors makes for time well away from the everyday. Children of any age can stay, so it is a private villa that welcomes families traveling with a baby.

Spring-water bath and mist sauna

The bath uses spring water from the northern foot of Mount Fuji and can be used at any time you like during your stay. The semi-open-air bath is a comfortable place to soak while looking out at the botanicals, and the mist sauna, filled with high-density steam, warms you from the core. Because the property is booked by only one group a day, the whole family can bathe together at an easy pace, and families with small children can enjoy it without worrying about other guests. Wellness items such as a yomogi-mushi (mugwort steam therapy) set are also provided.

A cooking experience in the well-stocked kitchen

The spacious kitchen holds a wide range of seasonings, including shoyu koji, shio koji and various spices, together with a full set of cookware: frying pans, pots, a convection microwave oven, a low-temperature cooker, a rice cooker and a steamer basket. The balcony has an electric BBQ grill as well. You can enjoy a special cooking experience, preparing seasonal ingredients right there. Craft beer poured from the tap is offered as an inclusive service. Menus using locally sourced ingredients and a dinner plan with live cooking by a private chef are also available.

Tea room and spaces to relax

In the tea room you can enjoy herbal tea or matcha while taking in the beautiful garden. Tea made with fresh herbs picked from the herb garden is a particular treat. The guest room has a 100-inch projector for watching streaming services such as NETFLIX, Amazon PRIME and Disney+ on the big screen, and a game console can be connected too. The master bedroom looks out over a 180-degree panoramic lake view of Kawaguchiko.

Equipment that helps with young children

Alongside a free crib (for ages 0 to 3, available at any time), a baby chair, baby bath, mattress and foldable cushion mat are available to borrow, all well received by families traveling with a baby. It is a good idea to contact the property in advance about the items you would like to use.

Access

About 10 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station, and about 15 minutes from the Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway. If you come by train or highway bus, you can use the shuttle service between Kawaguchiko Station and the property. Parking is two free spaces on the property and three more nearby. The building is entirely non-smoking, with smoking allowed on the balcony and outdoors, and up to 3 toy dogs weighing less than 5 kg may come along. In-person check-in is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the final checkout is at 11 a.m.