Discover Lake Yamanaka and Mt. Fuji: Top Hotels and Hidden Gems

On my recent trip to Mount Fuji, I decided to stay around Lake Yamanaka and chose the highly acclaimed Murabito Hotel (夢来人). With an impressive rating of 4.9 out of 5, it truly lives up to its reputation. The owner, a young woman who traveled the world in 2015, left a lasting impression on me with her meticulous attention to detail. The hotel features a convenient kitchen, and a thoughtful whiteboard in the lobby displays daily sunrise and sunset times.

📍 29-2 Yamanaka, Yamanakako, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0501, Japan

Morning Stroll and Breakfast

I started my day early, heading out before sunrise. A half-hour walk along the lakeside, moving clockwise, brought me to Nagaike Water Park (長池親水公園). This serene spot is less frequented by tourists, allowing me to enjoy the lakeside beauty in peace.

I highly recommend the lakeside cafe - 農家カフェ. It opens early, offers stunning lake views, and is reasonably priced. I enjoyed a delicious breakfast set for just 900 yen, which was truly value for money.

📍 Hirano, Yamanakako, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0502, Japan

Exploring Oshino Hakkai

Around 9 AM, I took a bus to Oshino Hakkai (忍野八海). Be sure to check the bus schedules in advance as the service is infrequent. Once there, I wandered through the scenic area, capturing beautiful photos. Despite the presence of many foreign tourists, the charm of the place remained undiminished.

Hiking and Sightseeing

Next, I decided to go for a hike (beginner level). I took a bus to Mt.Fuji Station (富士山駅) and then transferred to a train heading north. Among several options, I chose to visit Shiraito Falls (白糸の滝). The breathtaking beauty of the waterfall left me spellbound and reluctant to leave.

Relaxing at the Onsen

By 2 PM, I was back at Mt. Fuji Station, where I took a bus to Yamanakako Onsen Benifuji no Yu hot spring (紅富士の湯). This is a must-visit spot! The entry fee is 900 yen. If it's your first time experiencing a Japanese onsen, remember to follow basic etiquette. You'll need a 100 yen coin to store your shoes and another 100 yen coin for your clothes, but these coins are returned to you.

The onsen features both indoor and outdoor areas, providing a supremely relaxing experience. After soaking in the onsen, I also visited the sauna and steam sauna areas to unwind further. Before leaving, I treated myself to a bottle of refreshing local milk, which made me feel completely revitalized.

This journey around Lake Yamanaka and Mt Fuji left a lasting impression on me. I hope my itinerary and recommendations enhance your travel experience as well. Enjoy your trip!