hotel norm. ao

A private retreat in Okukawaguchiko, one group per day

hotel norm. ao stands in quiet surroundings, encircled by the lake and forest of Okukawaguchiko, and welcomes only one group per day as a private retreat hotel. Built around themes of wellness and retreat, it features a semi-open-air bath lush with green botanicals and a tea room and garden with a Japanese feel, offering an extraordinary stay with careful attention to architectural and interior detail. There is no age limit for children staying, making this a whole-villa rental that is gentle on families traveling with a baby.

Spring-water bath and mist sauna

The bath, filled with spring water from the northern foot of Mt. Fuji, can be used at any time you like during your stay. The semi-open-air bath, where you can soak while gazing at the botanicals, is comfortable, and the mist sauna, filled with high-density steam, warms you from the core. Since the hotel is rented out to only one group per day, the whole family can bathe together at a relaxed pace, and families with small children can enjoy it without worry. Wellness items such as a yomogi-mushi (mugwort steam therapy) set are also provided.

A cooking experience in the fully equipped kitchen

The spacious kitchen is stocked with a wide range of seasonings, including shoyu koji and shio koji and various spices, along with a full set of cookware such as a frying pan, pots, a microwave/oven, a low-temperature cooker, a rice cooker, and a steamer basket, and the balcony comes with an electric BBQ grill. You can enjoy a special cooking experience, preparing seasonal ingredients on the spot. Craft beer poured from a tap is offered as part of the inclusive service. Menus using locally sourced ingredients and a dinner plan with live cooking by a private chef are also available.

Tea room and relaxing facilities

In the tea room, you can enjoy herbal tea or matcha while looking out over the beautiful garden. Tea made with fresh herbs picked from the herb garden is also a special treat. The guest room has a 100-inch projector, so you can watch streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ on the big screen, and a game console can also be connected. From the master bedroom, you can take in a 180-degree panoramic lake view of Kawaguchiko.

Gear that's a relief for families with young children

In addition to a free crib (for ages 0-3, available at any time), the hotel also lends a baby chair, baby bath, mattress, and a foldable cushion mat, all of which are popular with families traveling with a baby. For peace of mind, it's best to contact the hotel in advance about which items you'd 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 arriving by train or highway bus, a shuttle service is available between Kawaguchiko Station and the hotel. Parking is 2 free spaces on-site plus 3 more nearby. The hotel is entirely non-smoking indoors (smoking is allowed on the balcony and outdoors), and pets are not permitted. In-person check-in is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the final checkout is at 11 a.m.