Yamanakako Pension Pause

A homey log-cabin-style pension by Lake Yamanaka

Pension Pause is a small pension founded in 1999, set in green surroundings about a 5-minute walk from the shore of Lake Yamanaka, the lake closest to Mount Fuji. The name "Pause" means "rest" in German. The log-cabin-style building is full of the warmth of wood, and families use it as a base for escaping the summer heat and enjoying the outdoors in the Fuji Five Lakes area. All 6 guest rooms are Japanese-Western style, and every room has heating and air conditioning as well as free Wi-Fi. There are deliberately no televisions in the rooms; instead, evenings are spent talking with the owner couple and fellow travelers in the dining room or lounge, in keeping with the pension's focus on connecting with people.

Facilities for time with the children

The lounge, which doubles as a playroom, has a piano, a marimba, karaoke, a range of games, a computer and a television, giving children a relaxed place to spend rainy days and evenings. The dining room has a microwave, refrigerator, kettle and tableware that guests are free to use, which is handy for preparing formula or warming baby food. There is a large Ogino supermarket about a 2-minute walk away, and guests are welcome to bring in their own food and drinks.

About meals (please confirm)

Rakuten Travel's listing states that meal service has been suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so stays are currently room-only as a rule. The suggested approach is to bring your own ingredients and enjoy a lively time in the dining room, which guests can use freely. Whether meals are served may change over time, so please confirm directly with the pension before booking.

The bath

There is no onsen or communal bath on the property. The bath is a family bath used by one room at a time, with a lock on the inside, so families with young children can bathe without worrying about other guests. Discount vouchers offering 10% off at Beni-Fuji no Yu, the day-use hot spring run by Yamanakako Village, are also available.

Access and parking

About 3 minutes by car from the Yamanakako IC on the Higashi-Fuji-Goko Road, or about 25 minutes by public bus from Fujisan Station on the Fujikyuko Line. Fuji-Q Highland is about 7 minutes away using the expressway, so access is convenient. Parking is free for 10 cars, with no reservation required. The pension can also help arrange outdoor experiences such as tennis, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, paragliding and pottery.