Villa Saison Fuji

A private villa of about 1,100 tsubo, booked exclusively by one group

Villa Saison Fuji is a private villa in Katsuyama, Fujikawaguchiko, where grounds of about 1,100 tsubo (a traditional Japanese unit of area) are booked exclusively by one group at a time. Past the gate, a lawn garden and a pool deck open up, and no one outside the staying group can enter the property. The main villa building (178 sq m) has three bedrooms and the annex has three more, sleeping up to 24 guests. The villa has been featured in Nihon no Akogare Hotel 100 (Japan's Most Coveted Hotels), Jalan Kazoku Ryoko (Jalan Family Travel) and elsewhere.

Pool, sauna and jacuzzi

The pool deck has a proper private pool, 7 m long, 4 m wide and 1.2 m deep. It is an outdoor pool, heated to 28°C from the end of April (Golden Week) through the end of October; from November to the end of April it holds unheated water and is used as a cold plunge for the sauna or simply enjoyed for the view. Alongside it are a fully glass-walled sauna looking straight out at Mount Fuji, with an electric stove and loyly (water poured over the hot stones), and a jacuzzi that can be used year-round with the temperature set as you like. Out of consideration for the neighbors, the pool and sauna can be used until 9 p.m. For the pool, the villa is said to provide large and small floats including arm rings, water pistols, and electric and manual air pumps, as well as swim diapers for children; checking availability and the conditions of use when you book will give you peace of mind.

Facilities for families and larger groups

Beside the pool is a covered BBQ deck with a gas grill made by Broil King, so you can barbecue even in the rain. At the fire pit you can build a fire and enjoy toasted marshmallows or s'mores. The multipurpose space has an amusement corner with table tennis, billiards, air hockey and darts, and the Japanese-style tatami living room has karaoke, so rainy days pass easily. The kitchen is fully equipped with an oven, dishwasher, microwave, rice cooker, hot plate and more, so you can bring your own ingredients and cook meals or party dishes. There is also a 300-tsubo dog run of natural grass, enclosed by a high fence so large dogs are welcome as well.

Bedrooms and baby facilities

The bedrooms offer a wide range of bedding, from king beds and single beds to bunk beds and futons, and can be arranged to suit the makeup of your group. Cribs and baby chairs are available with advance notice, and every bedroom has an air purifier and a humidifier. Rakuten Travel's listing also notes that the villa has facilities that make it easy for guests traveling with babies to stay.

Access and parking

About 10 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyuko Line (about 1,300 yen by taxi), or about a 5-minute walk from the Shikishima no Matsu bus stop. A shuttle runs between the villa and Kawaguchiko Station, in a 9-seat vehicle and with advance reservation required. Parking on the property is free for 6 cars, and one EV charging point can also be used free of charge. A convenience store is about a 3-minute walk away and a supermarket about 5-6 minutes by car, which makes stocking up on food easy.