The Best Hotels At Lake Kawaguchiko
- Ollie Toth
- 2 days ago
- 11 min read
Updated: 19 hours ago
An expert analysis based on customer reviews and knowledge of Japan, showcasing the best accommodation in the Fuji Kawaguchiko area
The Kananso Onsen Hotel
Overview
Lake Kawaguchiko and the Fuji Five Lakes (Fuji Kawaguchiko) area offers some of the best accommodation in Japan. Famous for having the most magnificent views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko is the largest and most popular lake of the Fuji Kawaguchiko area, and features a wide range of attractions and beautiful natural scenery. But how do you know which location is best, how much to spend, and what type of accommodation to choose?
I decided to compile this list based on my expert knowledge of the area, and combine it with a thorough analysis of customer reviews, to determine an accurate list of the best hotels at Lake Kawaguchiko. Unlike other websites, this is not a generic article with a top ten list, instead of providing a subjective opinion full of sponsored content and Google Ads, this article gives you measurable data and metrics.
The only filters I've personally applied are:
- a minimum average review rating of 8.5 out of 10
- the location must be convenient for sightseeing
- a minimum of 50 reviews
- must have decent photos (visuals are key)
Our listing for each place has a convenient summary which includes a:
Gallery
Description
Highlights
Average Price (incl. peak and offpeak)
Review Score
Review Example
The Best Hotels In Fuji Kawaguchiko
High End
$250 - $600
The Kanansou Onsen Hotel — 9.4
The Mizno Hotel — 9.4
Mid-Range
$150 - $300
The Lakeside Hotel — 9.5
The Asafuji Hotel — 9.4
The New Century Hotel — 9.2
Hostels
$30 - $100
The Michikusa Hostel — 9.5
K's House Mt. Fuji — 8.6
The Best Luxury Hotels Near Lake Kawaguchiko
1. The Konanso Onsen Hotel
The Konanso Onsen Hotel has become famous for its impeccable location, beautiful onsen baths with Fuji views, and traditional Japanese atmosphere. It's located right on Lake Kawaguchiko, which is perfect for strolling around, exploring the area, and taking in the gorgeous views. The rooms are spacious, welcoming, and filled with tatami mats and shoji screen doors. You're just a 2-minute walk from the ferry port where you can join sightseeing cruises, and also have a range of restaurants and bars nearby. Staying here really feels like a special experience, I'd recommend at least three nights so you don't feel short on time, but even just one night is worth it.
• Highlights:
─ Spacious rooms featuring private onsen baths, balconies, and filled with tatami mats and shoji screen doors.
─ Incredible location on Lake Kawaguchiko, only a 2-minute walk from the ferry port and a variety of restaurants and bars. ─ A traditional Japanese onsen hotel, serving amazing Kaiseki cuisine, and also offering a really nice international breakfast buffet.
• Price Range: $400 - $700 per night
• Review Score: 9.4 ★ (2000+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"I wish I could give this place an 11 out of 10. The staff welcomed us at the door taking our luggage to our room, prepared tea for us, and walked us through the amenities of the hotel. The dinner that was provided was colorful and delicious. Watching the sunset over Fuji in our private onsen was unbelievable and the highlight of our trip. The breakfast had so many options and I could not ask for a better experience!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Qoonel Glamping Resort
The Qoonel is an amazing boutique glamping resort offering the most peaceful escape from crowds and overtourism. Located on the mountainside, the Qoonel offers a free shuttle service from Kawaguchiko train station to ensure convenient travel and sightseeing around the lake. The glamping cabins are ridiculously charming and innovatively designed, featuring an outdoor deck area with your own fire, kitchen, and lounge area with a heated kotatsu blanket, you can even bring your own food to roast on the fire. You have heaps of privacy as all the cabins and tents are individually separated. The sunrise and sunset views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko are truly captivating, and the location provides the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of travelling Japan.
• Highlights:
─ An incredible glamping experience with unique and stunning views of Fuji.
─ The perfect escape away from crowds and surrounded by nature.
─ A Boutique cafe and bar serving mulled wine, craft beer, and tiramisu latte.
• Price Range: $280 - $400 per night
• Review Score: 9.4 ★ (500+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"We absolutely loved our stay at Qoonel. The view was incredible! The glamping pod we stayed in exceeded our expectations as it was very spacious and the decking area had a lovely seated area with a fire for when it was cold. The sheltered area with the BBQ, kitchen area and heated blanket kotatsu was perfect. The coffee and drinks available from the little café were great - we loved the festive mulled wine and tiramisu latte! Some nice craft beers too. The staff were lovely. There's a nice little walk to a waterfall nearby. The shuttle service to and from Kawaguchi station was great. Wish we had stayed longer!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3. The Mizno Hotel
The Mizno Hotel offers an upmarket experience at a very reasonable price. As you can tell by the photos, the views from the hotel are stunning and the Mizno highlights these views with the rooftop bar, outdoor onsen, and floor-to-ceiling windows inside every room. You're given the choice between modern Western-style rooms or traditional Japanese tatami rooms, all of which are beautifully designed with lovely views of Mt. Fuji. Their onsite fine-dining restaurant serves up an amazing assortment of French cuisine, and their rooftop onsen has a reservation option to ensure you have a peaceful and private experience.
• Highlights:
─ Amazing value-for-money, offering a luxury experience at a reasonable price. ─ Features an exceptional French restaurant serving up amazing fine-dining cuisine.
─ All rooms include views of Mt. Fuji, and their rooftop onsen is available to all guests for private reservation.
• Price Range: $240 - $400 per night
• Review Score: 9.4 ★ (1500+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The view this hotel offers is breathtaking, overlooking Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt Fuji. The ambience of this hotel I feel is extra special. Every area of the hotel is aesthetically pleasing, from the entrance, to reception, the bedroom, dining room, and lounge. Each level of the hotel is decorated with original paintings. The rooftop bar and private onsen bath at sunset is unforgettable. The hotel also provides a shuttle service to and from Kawaguchiko Station. I also recommend their E-bikes, it's amazing ride around the lake and explore the area."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
The Best Mid-Range Hotels At Lake Kawaguchiko
1. The Lake Villa Kawaguchiko
The Lake Villa Kawaguchiko is the highest-rated accommodation option in the Fuji Five Lakes area, even beating luxury hotels in terms of customer satisfaction. Consistently maintaining an average review score of 9.7 is almost unheard of, and yet this place deserves all the praise it gets. The property features a collection of self-contained cottages perfectly situated right on the lake that looks out onto Mt. Fuji. These cottages are ideal for families or groups of friends, with a capacity of up to 6 people. They have a superior cottage option that's quite luxurious but still feels humble and charming, and includes an outdoor onsen bath that overlooks Mt. Fuji. There's a free shuttle bus to the train station, and you're within walking distance to lovely shops and restaurants.
• Highlights:
─ Beautiful location on Lake Kawaguchiko, with views of Mt. Fuji.
─ Large self-contained cottages suitable for 4-6 people, great for families or friend groups. ─ Very convenient location, within walking distance to shops and restaurants, and a free shuttle bus to the station.
• Price Range: $250 - $550 per night
• Review Score: 9.7 ★ (500+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Big love for this place. The staff are very nice and share a lot of information on attractions and restaurants worth dining at. Super thankful as we went without an itinerary and we had a fruitful trip and experience. Super near to Lake Kawaguchi and many other attractions. Love the breakfast & dinner food truck. It was the best relaxation experience. The view and the surrounding atmosphere of the hotel were excellent. It's perfect for a getaway where you can leave all your worries behind."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Kawaguchiko Lakeside Hotel
The Lakeside Hotel is a super popular traditional hotel with a convenient location, Mt. Fuji views, and comfy rooms, all at a reasonable price. This hotel is more like a typical Japanese ryokan and has a very authentic vibe. All the rooms feature tatami mats and shoji screen doors, plus a natural communal onsen for relaxing after a long day. There's also a restaurant that serves humble, but delicious, Japanese kaiseki meals. The staff here are exceptionally warm and kind, making it feel more like a home than a hotel, and give great advice on local restaurants, travel, and sightseeing.
• Highlights:
─ Very convenient location, with all rooms featuring views of Mt. Fuji.
─ Traditional Japanese ryokan atmosphere and amazing value for money.
─ Super friendly staff make you feel at home and give tailored advice on the local area.
• Price Range: $180 - $280 per night
• Review Score: 9.5 ★ (300+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Loved our stay at this beautifully kept Ryokan. From its private onsen to the delicious traditional breakfast, it was a great experience. We had an amazing veiw of Mt Fuji from our room. But the best thing of all was the care and attention from the staff. We were not only picked up and dropped off to the station on our arrival and departure but Masa-san (owner) drove us back to the station and helped us in the ticket office to secure our train ride back to Tokyo. If not for his very kind act we would have been stuck as many trains and buses were sold out.."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3. The Asafuji Hotel
The Asafuji provides a lovely ryokan experience that features a really nice onsen with gorgeous views of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji. The traditional tatami rooms are beautiful and charming, with shoji screen doors that look out over the lake. They offer a professional in-room massage service, which is an amazing way to unwind after a long day. Their exclusive onsite restaurant provides delicious kaiseki cuisine for both breakfast and dinner, and the location is within walking distance to local restaurants, bars, and attractions. Such a charming and convenient place to spend a few nights.
• Highlights:
─ Features a nice onsen with beautiful views over Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji. ─ Awesome location with walking distance to local restaurants, bars, and attractions.
─ Beautiful traditional rooms featuring tatami, shoji screen doors, and an in-room massage service.
• Price Range: $260 - $400 per night
• Review Score: 9.4 ★ (2000+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"We absolutely loved our stay at Hotel Asafuji. I booked this for our honeymoon, and the staff went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable and memorable. I loved how convenient the location was, just a short walk from the ropeway. Amazing, traditional meals for dinner and breakfast with a variety of small dishes to try. Free shuttle service to and from the train station. Great women’s onsen with a stunning view of Fuji. Amazing traditional ryokan experience that we were so glad we got to experience after staying at typical hotels. Incredible couples massage that was done in our room and relieved all of the tensions from days of travelling across Japan. Beautiful view of Mt Fuji and the lake from our bedroom."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
4. The New Century Hotel
The New Century Hotel is a humble and traditional ryokan with lovely views over Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji. The rooms are beautiful and the onsen facilities are large and well maintained. The humble and kind attitude of the staff make you feel like you're staying with close friends. They're also one of the few place that don't increase their prices during the peak seasons, which really adds to the authentic and down-to-earth experience of spending a few nights here.
• Highlights:
─ Gorgesous views of Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko from all the rooms in the hotel.
─ A humble and traditional ryokan, with very warm and personalised service, making you feel like you're staying with close friends.
─ Large natural onsen facilites with Fuji views, and traditional Japanese meals served onsite.
• Price Range: $230 - $260 per night
• Review Score: 9.2 ★ (1000+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Amazing location with views of Mt Fuji from the room as well as the onsen and breakfast area. Futons were extremely comfortable, and the staff were super helpful with anything that we required, including making reservations at a massage place. Breakfast was great, and we didn't leave hungry. Great service, way beyon our expectation. They volunteered to take us to the pharmacy when we asked for direction to get medicine for my daughter. Feel home here."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
The Best Hostels At Lake Kawaguchiko
1. The Michikusa-ya Hostel
The Michikusa Hostel has become famous for the service and hospitality provided by its owner. He'll pick you up from the station and make it his highest priority to ensure you have the absolute best experience during your trip to Kawaguchiko. Not only will he provide personalised advice and recommendations, but he'll also help you out with any logistical challenges you have regarding your travels. The hostel itself is renowned for offering comfortable dorm beds and beautiful private tatami rooms at an amazing price. You'll also find nice common spaces for chilling out and meeting others travellers, this is truly the perfect hostel experience for exploring the Fuji area.
• Highlights:
─ Amazing value for money, lovely rooms, convenient location, and super helpful staff.
─ A visitor centre combined with a hotel, with knowledgeable staff to help you plan your days exploring Nara. ─ A wide range of cultural activities are offered onsite including origami, calligraphy, and tea ceremonies.
• Price Range: $35 - $60 per night
• Review Score: 9.5 ★ (900+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Our stay couldn't have been more lovely. Our host was full of personal and wonderful advice about the surrounding area and genuinely cared about how we could make the best of our trip! And this was across the board for all guests, all we heard at this hostel was people thanking the host for the amazing help and recommendations. The location was magical with views of Fuji from the hostel and with a lovely space to connect with other travellers. By far the most wonderful host I have had at a hostel, staying here will bring a bit of magic to your travels around Japan."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. K's House Mt. Fuji Hostel
The K's House has become a famous hostel brand in Japan with locations all over the country. They focus on a fun and welcoming atmosphere with good prices, comfy beds, and relaxed common spaces perfect for socialising with other travellers. Their Mt. Fuji location is an awesome hostel with beautiful sun-lit rooms and a spacious lounge area for chilling out and meeting people. The location is perfect, within easy walking distance to the lake, transport options, and many attractions.
• Highlights:
─ Awesome hostel with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and a large common area.
─ Nice and convenient location only a 3-minute walk to Lake Kawaguchiko.
─ Sunlit rooms with comfy beds, free coffee, and a fully equipped kitchen.
• Price Range: $35 - $60 per night
• Review Score: 8.6 ★ (1000+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"K’s at Lake Kawaguchi is a great hostel; the kitchen is well equipped and the social area is large and comfortable. Staff are great and the location is nice. Awesome atmosphere, free morning coffee, comfy beds, hot shower, very close to the kawaguchiko lake and 3 minute walk to Lawson convience store. This is my third stay here over the years, love this hostel."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
