This was an unplanned stop between Fujikawaguchiko and Tokyo, and finding an available room at a reasonable price just a day before was already a stroke of luck.
The hotel is in a very quiet, secluded spot. It may not be the most obvious comparison, but it reminded me of the hotel from The Shining, and I mean that in the best way! Checking in on a rainy evening, with the dimly lit lobby, the armchairs, the fireplace and an Asahi vending machine, felt a little magical. I also loved the architecture by the staircase, which looks out onto a small garden in the middle of the building.
The room is beautifully arranged, with sliding panels separating the futon area from the bed, which gives some privacy. The view of Mt. Fuji from the window is stunning. When it rains, though, the drops from the roof are fairly loud and might bother light sleepers.
As many have mentioned, the onsen isn't brand new, but that's part of its charm, and the slightly worn look didn't bother me at all. The water was clean and hot, which was especially nice on a chilly evening.
Note that the room has no private shower, so you'll need to book the onsen in advance to wash. It wasn't an issue for us, since the onsen was almost always available and we only stayed one night, but on a longer stay it could be inconvenient.
The surrounding area is very scenic, and if you want a break from the tourist crowds, this is the perfect place. I also highly recommend Kitchen En nearby for lunch. The food is delicious (cash only, closed on Mondays).
Overall, a really lovely experience!
Traduire