Where to Stay in Lake Kawaguchiko (Best Hotels Near Mt Fuji)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which earn me a small commission from bookings at no extra cost to you. Thank you for reading and supporting my blog!

Imagine waking up to Mount Fuji views, bicycling lakeside, soaking in hot springs (onsens), and slurping down a piping hot cauldron of hoto noodles (a local specialty).

That’s what’s possible when you stay in Lake Kawaguchiko—one of the five lakes in the Fuji Five Lakes region.

While I expected all of the above when I stayed in Lake Kawaguchiko last February, I wasn’t quite prepared for the vastness, the crowds, or the complex public transportation system.

Having stayed in Hakone for several nights, I expected something more cozy and cultural.

But Lake Kawaguchiko, to my surprise, wasn’t as “cute and packaged” as I thought it to be. I actually had a bad experience with my lodging, and finding dinner each night was a challenge.

While it’s marketed as one of the most picturesque destinations in Japan, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji, I was quite surprised at how spread out and lacking (for lack of a better word?) Fujikawaguchiko felt (but again, maybe that’s just because I had left Hakone, and, in particular, Hakone-Yumoto Town).

Choosing where to stay in Lake Kawaguchiko can significantly make or break your experience, as different areas and accommodations in Fujikawaguchiko vary greatly in quality, location, and amenities. Nope, not every hotel has an onsen or Mt Fuji view.

I stayed about a 20-minute walk outside of Kawaguchiko town; on a map, it looked much closer to the center of everything.

Don’t make the mistake of booking just anywhere when you visit Fuji—with increasing crowds and unexpected weather and closures, it’s worth taking extra time and care to plan your stay around the lake.

Here’s my guide to the best places to stay around Lake Kawaguchiko, complete with top hotels and ryokans and what to expect in each area!

Best Areas and Hotels to Stay Around Lake Kawaguchiko

At a glance, Kawaguchiko seems pretty reachable from anywhere you stay.

However, note that the lake is quite spread out and you’ll need bus/car transportation to reach the northern side of the lake from town.

If you don’t have time to read the whole article, here are my main picks!

Budget-Friendly Stays

1. Hostel Fujisan YOU ($)
   • This is a cozy hostel located within walking distance of Kawaguchiko Station. They offer free bike rentals for exploring the area, have friendly staff, and clean rooms.
   • Book Hostel Fujisan YOU
2. K’s House Mt. Fuji ($)
   • K’s is a backpacker-friendly hostel with both dormitory and private rooms, plus a well-equipped shared kitchen and common areas, and is ideally located near the station and restaurants.
   • Check rates at K’s House Mt. Fuji

Traditional Ryokans:

1. Fuji Onsenji Yumedono ($$$$)
2. Yamagishi Ryokan ($$)
   • Yamagishi is a more affordable ryokan option without compromising on onsen facilities. It also features traditional Japanese-style rooms, lakefront views, and shared hot springs.
   • Reserve your room at Yamagishi Ryokan

Kawaguchiko Town

The heart of Fujikawaguchiko Town, located in a circle around the station, is where I recommend first-timers to stay.

This is where you’ll take the train and bus to reach other lakes around Fuji and the train to neighboring Fujiyoshida City to see Chureito Pagoda.

Immediately within this area are restaurants and some of the lake’s top ryokans and onsens.

The main reason to stay in Kawaguchiko Town, especially without a rental car, is its central location with bus/train station access.

The second reason to stay here is dining. Bizarrely, despite Lake Kawaguchiko being the most touristic of the lakes, dining options can feel limited; they also close early (often around 7/8 pm), which leaves little time for spontaneity.

Out of all the ryokans, I’d stay at Kasuitei Ooya.

I have passed this place several times, and it’s in an idyllic part of town with gorgeous amenities, including onsens, Mt Fuji views, and Japanese Kaiseki-style meals.

Other great options in the area are:

• Kawaguchiko Hotel: A historic hotel with spacious rooms and a prime location near the lake! Includes onsen baths and views of Mt Fuji.
• Fuji Lake Hotel: Perfect for families and couples. Features Japanese and Western-style rooms, many with private hot springs and balconies overlooking Fuji.
• La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko: This boutique hotel offers stylish rooms with private open-air hot springs and Mt Fuji views!
• Fuji Onsenji Yumedono: Luxurious suites with private open-air baths.
  

For budget solo travelers, check out K’s House. (This is where I should have booked instead of my Airbnb.)

Oishi Park Area

If you have a personal/rental vehicle, getting outside town will be best for fresh air and space.

Located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, the Oishi Park area offers a quieter, more nature-focused experience of Lake Kawaguchiko.

The park itself is famous for its seasonal flowers (mainly in spring and fall) and panoramic views of Mount Fuji, with the lake acting as the perfect reflective foreground. (Photographers flock to this park year-round for this reason!)

Accommodation around Oishi Park is even more limited and remote; however, you will be just fine with a car.

• Urban Resort Villa: This hotel is located right beside Oishi Park and is the perfect spot for viewing Mt Fuji!
• Weekend Shuffle: An unusual but cozy guesthouse with views of the lake and Mt Fuji.

Northeastern Shore of Lake Kawaguchiko

For a more tranquil and immersive experience, the northeastern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko are a good option if you want Mount Fuji views and direct access to museums and nature.

I really liked this side of the lake because of its proximity to Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, Konohana Museum, and Itchiku Kubota Art Museum.

Oishi Park is also not too far away (great for a bike ride), just west of this area.

For more ideas on what to do, read my Kawaguchiko 2-day itinerary!

• Hoshinoya Fuji: This is THE place to stay in Lake Kawaguchiko for those without a harsh budget. As Japan’s first glamping resort, Hoshinoya features luxury cabins with stellar views of Mount Fuji.
• Komaya Ryokan: A traditional ryokan with great service, open-air onsen, and some of the best Mount Fuji views around town.
• Retreat Camp Mahoroba: Think charming, well-equipped accommodations with garden views, nearby hot springs, and thoughtful touches like yoga classes and a cozy on-site café. It’s the ideal Fuji weekend escape.

Fujiyoshida City

If Lake Kawaguchiko hotels/ryokans are unavailable, consider finding accommodation in Fujiyoshida City, which is located a short distance (about 20 minutes) from Fujikawaguchiko.

While many tourists don’t remember the name Fujiyoshida, most are familiar with the world-famous Chureito Pagoda viewpoint with the pagoda and Mt Fuji in one shot (often with cherry blossoms!).

Fujiyoshida is also home to Fuji-Q Highland amusement park.

I would recommend staying around here if you’re looking for more of a city atmosphere to base in while exploring Fuji and its five lakes.

However, that said, what’s unique about the Fuji Five Lakes region is, well, its lakes! So, staying in the city might feel a bit daunting and/or ordinary compared to the ryokans with Mount Fuji views.

Other Places to Stay Around Fujikawaguchiko & Mount Fuji

The Fuji Five Lakes region includes more than just Lake Kawaguchiko. Each lake offers something different—from remote cabins in the woods to traditional ryokans with onsen.

Here’s a quick overview of the other lakes and areas near Fujikawaguchiko to stay in!

Lake Saiko: The second closest lake located just west of Kawaguchiko, best known for the Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba (Traditional Japanese Village). Accommodations here include rustic cabins and lakeside ryokans!

Lake Shojiko: The smallest of the five lakes, Lake Shojiko mainly has boutique inns and campsites, which are ideal for those seeking solitude.

Lake Motosuko: Lake Motosuko is the westernmost lake of the five with clear waters. It is the ideal choice for water activities and camping, so having your own rental car is a must for getting around. It’s also the location of the iconic Mount Fuji reflection seen on the 1,000-yen note.

Lake Yamanakako: This is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, so, as you can expect, it is extremely popular with families and tourists. You’ll find large-scale resorts and hotels around here (which isn’t exactly my type!).

No matter which area or lake you choose, staying in the Fuji Five Lakes region will bring you one step closer to experiencing those magical views of Mount Fuji.

👉 Check all accommodations in Lake Kawaguchicko here 🗻

When deciding where to stay in Kawaguchiko, budget, group size, and season are worth considering.

As a solo female traveler in Japan, my options were pretty limited. Besides K’s House, which booked up fast, there wasn’t much availability.

For families, consider whether a Western-style hotel or a traditional ryokan would be worth the investment. Some hotels and ryokans even offer packages, including Japanese set meals, onsen access, free bicycle use, and guided tours.

Also, if you’re set on a Mount Fuji view, confirm it’s available with the hotel before/after booking (check the cancellation policy—luckily, with Booking.com, most accommodation is cancellable without a fee).

Finally, book EARLY! Kawaguchiko is a popular destination for a reason, especially during peak seasons when Mt Fuji attracts more crowds than usual (i.e., sakura season).

PS — between the two, I personally loved Hakone and wrote an entire guide about choosing between Hakone vs Fujikawaguchiko for a vacation.

Have questions about planning a trip or where to stay in Kawaguchiko? Drop your comment below!

<!– –>