Kawaguchiko Onsenji Yumedono

A hot-spring retreat modeled on Kyoto's Nijo Castle, with an open-air bath in every room

Kawaguchiko Onsenji Yumedono is a luxury hot-spring ryokan in Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Yamanashi Prefecture. Its main building is a traditional structure built entirely of zelkova wood, modeled after Kyoto's Nijo Castle, and the interior is a lavish space styled after the world of The Tale of Genji. Access is good - about 5 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyuko Line, and about 5 minutes from the Kawaguchiko Interchange on the Chuo Expressway - with free parking (20 spaces, no reservation required) and a free shuttle (inquiry required).

A garden open-air bath in every room - soak as a family without worrying about other guests

The hotel's biggest feature is that every room has a spacious garden open-air bath. The water is a natural onsen of the sodium-calcium chloride type (part of the Fuji-Kawaguchiko hot spring area), so you can soak in the onsen in your own room whenever you like, without going to a communal bath. For babies still in diapers, or small children who can't relax in a communal bath, an in-room open-air bath means the family can bathe together without worrying about other guests. There are nine room types, from the standard Japanese-Western room (50 sq m, with a garden open-air bath, an indoor bath, twin/double beds and a tatami area) up to the 200-sq m executive Japanese-style suite "Shikibu" with an 8-tatami-mat Japanese room and its own garden (capacity 6), and detached villa suites. Every room is equipped with a humidifier, an air purifier, a washlet toilet and Wi-Fi.

Kaiseki cuisine in a private dining room, morning and evening

Meals are kaiseki cuisine using ingredients sourced from carefully chosen producers. Both breakfast and dinner are served in a private dining room, so the layout makes it easier not to worry about other guests if a child gets fussy. According to information on booking sites, a kids' lunch plate is provided for children who have not yet started elementary school on meal-inclusive plans.

Staying with children

Children are welcome to stay, and co-sleeping is available for ages 3 and under, up to the same number as accompanying adults. Depending on the booking site, a facility-use fee (around JPY 4,400) may apply for a co-sleeping child, so check the terms when you book. Check-in is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and checkout is at 11 a.m. As a quiet retreat that bills itself as an "adult hideaway," it suits families who want a private stay centered on the room and the private dining room rather than children who want to run around the property - especially anniversary trips with a baby or special three-generation trips. The hotel has earned a top-tier Rakuten Travel rating of 5.0 out of 5 (98 reviews).