Here are my recommendations on where to stay near Kawaguchiko (also known as Lake Kawaguchi.)
I recommend renting a car, if you can, from Tokyo and spending 2 nights in Hakone and then driving on to Kawaguchiko for another two nights. A car allows for the flexibility to stop at all the Mt Fuji viewing spots along the way. You can stop for food in random spots, rent bikes and cycle around Lake Kawaguchi, stop in Fuji-Yoshida, do Fuji Q highland etc.
I then recommend returning the car to Tokyo (in Japan it is super expensive to return a car to a different spot – and it’s easier to then jump on a bullet train to your next spot anyway.)
Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links – meaning that, if you book accommodation using one of my links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
If you don’t want to stress about ANY of the traffic or logistics for getting to Lake Kawaguchi / Kawaguchiko. I recommend booking a day tour with TokudAw – they are my personal favourite company to use. They understand the importance of carseats for children and babies, unlike many other transfer or tour companies in Japan they use legally registered tour vehicles and legally registered tour drivers. Another amazing fact that I love about this company, they don’t hire drivers that smoke (not just while on their breaks – drivers who do not smoke at all!) I have pictures of some of their vehicles and carseats here.
I do speak about “Private Onsens” or “Private Baths” in this article. Please please note that “Private” does NOT mean you can wear swimwear. Onsens and private and public baths in Japan are still about respecting Japanese culture. It is not a hot tub. It is a bath for bathing (which is why there are facilities next to the bath for washing your body.) I know that they nudity idea is a bit much for some people – sure was for me for many years – but, if it isn’t something you can try at this time, please skip this experience and wait until you stay somewhere overseas that has a hot tub / jacuzzi instead.
I have written an article for those who don’t feel naked being in an onsen here.
I also recommend renting a car in Tokyo on Klook (link here) or Booking.com and driving to Hakone for 1-2 nights and then 1-2 nights in Lake Kawaguchi. It’s a really easy road trip and easiest to pick up and return the car to Tokyo (cheaper that way as Japanese rentacar companies charge soooo much more if you want to drop off and pick up the car at different locations. Tokyo also has the most availability options.
We have stayed here as a family (there are many different villas on the same property and, outside of some of June, July and August) you are pretty much guaranteed incredible view of Mt Fuji in this whole area. It’s called Rakuten Villa Kawaguchiko. The whole villa is so spacious and has a sauna too!
1. If you can, book Villa Fuji Bon Voyage Sora, Fujikawaguchiko right now! It has the most amazing view of Mt Fuji from the window! Three bedrooms! The owner can also provide a high chair and a baby gate if needed. 10 mins walk from Kawaguchiko Station.
2. This is quite a luxurious place to stay but you won’t regret it.
Bessho Sasa Ryokan is outstanding. Children of all ages are welcome. Rooms are a mixture of Western and Tatami mat styles. Many of the rooms also have private onsen baths on the balcony with a view of Mt Fuji. Lush ! There are also public onsens for all guests to use (even if you don’t have a private onsen in your room.) The ryokan provides pjs for staying guests and yukata style robes to wear to and from the public bath. There are often drum or other traditional shows for guests in the evenings. There is also an open bar for guests in the lounge from 9pm-11pm. Dinner is kaiseiki-style. It’s amazing.
Cherry blossoms bloom around the gardens on the property in the right season and it is also stunning during Autumn.
Bessho Sasa is located in Fujiyoshida. It is a little awkward to get to without a car so once you arrive at Fujisan Station or Kawaguchiko Station, call the hotel and a shuttle will come and collect you.
3. If you want a view of Fuji from your room – book to stay at the Fuji View Hotel as a family. Choose the rooms with a Fuji view (not a park view.). There is a public bath here for guests (separated by gender, no clothing or swimwear allowed, of course.) Guests can rent the tennis courts here. Children can feed the carp here. Yukata provided for everyone to sleep in.
There is a lovely buffet breakfast here too.
Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links – meaning that, if you book accommodation using one of my links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Here is the most amazing roadside stop service area with a Mt Fuji view that, if you are driving back to Tokyo from the direction of Shizuoka – I recommend stopping by !
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in the Kawaguchiko area, I recommend trying Shaw’s Sushi Bar & Dining. As well as sushi, they serve tempura and other dishes here. Children welcome. They accept most major credit cards.
And for a traditional Japanese meal that is ALSO vegan, I recommend making a reservation at Traditional Japanese House Nakamura.
Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links – meaning that, if you book accommodation using one of my links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
