Unwind at Fuji Matsuzono Hotel: Stunning Mount Fuji Views

I'm excited to share a unique experience at a hotel with stunning views of Mount Fuji. Fuji Matsuzono Hotel (富士松園ホテル) isn't located at the popular Lake Kawaguchi but rather at the picturesque Lake Yamanaka. Nestled between mountains and water, the hotel offers a tranquil lake view in the front and a majestic view of Mount Fuji in the back, creating a breathtaking scenery that feels like stepping into a painting.

📍 195 Yamanaka, Yamanakako, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0501, Japan

Pricing and Reservations

The room rates vary depending on the season and holidays. When we stayed, it was about 10,000 yen per person. Note that in Japan, hotel prices often depend on the number of guests, so be sure to confirm the number of people when booking to avoid extra charges. Prices can surge during Japanese holidays, weekends, and the autumn foliage season.

Room Details

We opted for a traditional Japanese-style room, around 20 square meters in size. The beds were Japanese tatami mats, which you can move freely. A highlight was room 530, which we booked. It directly faces Mount Fuji, offering an unobstructed, fantastic view. If you're interested, you can ask the hotel front desk about the availability of this room.

Hotel Facilities

The hotel features a natural open-air onsen (hot spring). Although there's an additional 300 yen tax, soaking in the onsen while gazing at the starry sky is a supremely romantic experience. The front desk service was also excellent, with a friendly staff member from Taiwan who provided us with a map of local dining options, making our stay very enjoyable.

Outdoor Activities

If you love outdoor activities, consider cycling around the island. There are bike rental shops nearby offering single and tandem bikes for visitors. The cycling path around the lake is about 14 kilometers long, with picturesque views along the way. Half of the route offers views of Mount Fuji, capturing a magnificent beauty that even the best cameras can't fully capture.

Getting There

Traveling from Tokyo to Lake Yamanaka is convenient by bus:

1. From Tokyo to Mt.Fuji Station (富士山駅):
   • Take a highway bus from Shinjuku Station (新宿駅) or Tokyo Station (東京駅).
   • The journey takes about two hours.
   • Tickets can be purchased at the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (バスタ新宿).
   • During peak tourist seasons, bus tickets are often hard to buy, so it's advisable to book tickets in advance on the official website (https://highway-buses.jp/).
2. From Mt.Fuji Station to the Hotel:
   • Take a local bus to TBS-ryo-mae Bus Stop (about 25 minutes).
   • The bus will drop you off right at the hotel's doorstep.

For the return trip:

• There is a bus stop next to the hotel.
• Check departure times with the hotel front desk or on Google Maps.

If you enjoy a slow-paced vacation, savoring natural beauty and a serene atmosphere, I highly recommend visiting Lake Yamanaka. Although the transportation might not be as convenient as Lake Kawaguchi, the stunning scenery and tranquil environment here are definitely worth the trip.