What kind of onsen ryokan is Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Konansou near Mt.Fuji?
On a snowy day in early March, we wanted to relax in a hot spring with a view of Mt. Fuji, so we decided to take a bus from the Shinjuku bus terminal, get off at Kawaguchiko Station, and then take a free shuttle bus to the onsen ryoakn. It is only a 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station to the onsen ryokan, but the sidewalks on the road were covered with snow, making it difficult to walk, and at this time of the day there was also snow flurries. There was almost no snow around Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, but the area around Kawaguchiko Station, Lake Kawaguchi, and the surrounding mountains were covered with snow, creating a cold, snowy landscape that was different from the usual.
After getting off the free shuttle bus and being warmly welcomed by the staff, we entered the onsen ryokan. Glittering chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, and stairs on the left led to a lounge with a terrace. The terrace overlooks Lake Kawaguchi, and complimentary coffee, tea, and orange juice were available in the back of the lounge. There was also a souvenir shop in the lobby, selling wine from Yamanashi Prefecture, sake, beer, peach and grape juice, and sweets. We purchased two bottles of wine here, one for dinner and one for souvenirs.
This onsen ryokan was renovated a few years ago, so it looks new on the outside, but it is a historic ryokan. There was a parking lot in front of the inn and behind it we could see Lake Kawaguchi and the mountains.
This time, we booked a Japanese-style room with a private outdoor hot spring bath on 6F, hoping to enjoy a Japanese-style room wth onsen while viewing Mt. Fuji. When we entered the room, we could smell the fragrance of tatami mats, and on the balcony was a light blue circular ceramic bathtub filled with hot spring water. The hot spring water was clear and colorless, and there were no hot-springs mineral deposits floating, but there was a faint scent of hot spring water. Unfortunately, the weather was bad that day, and it was snowing. We could not see anything around us. The weather forecast said it would be fine, so we booked this room where we could see Mt. Fuji, the weather was the only thing I could not control.
The alcove of the modern Japanese-style room was decorated with paintings, and a tea incense burner and lanterns were placed to create a serene space. Indirect lighting with a lattice frame like a shoji window on the ceiling of the room was a nice touch. An indoor bath and shower were installed in the bathroom. Although not a luxury onsen ryokan, the room was very comfortable. Our room was only a Japanese-style room, and there were no bed rooms. Since there were two of us this time, it was just right, but with a family it would be cramped. It was difficult to make a booking because there are not many hotels and onsen ryokans around Kawaguchi Lake that offer rooms with private hot springs with Mt. Fuji views like this one.
Then one of the features of this onsen ryokan is that the dinner is very well received. Considering the price range, the menu was satisfying. The portion of the food was generous, and we even enjoyed a delicious dessert at the end of the meal. The lobster sashimi with its plump texture and the wagyu beef shabu-shabu hot pot were especially good. The wagyu beef was tender, thick and filling. Dinner was served in our room. Also, most hotels and ryokans in Japan charge an additional fee to bring in drinks, including alcoholic beverages, but there is no charge here. We purchased a bottle of wine at the souvenir store in the lobby and enjoyed it during dinner.
The next morning, when we went out on the balcony, it was a clear blue sky. We were very impressed because unfortunately we could not see anything yesterday due to the weather. Mt. Fuji is elegant and dynamic from any angle, but the view from here was exceptional. We felt as if Mt. Fuji was saying to us, “Good morning, welcome”. It was a luxurious time to soak in the private onsen before breakfast and look at the thin clouds slowly flowing in front of Mt. Fuji. *During the cold winter season, it would be better to warm up in indoor baths before using outdoor baths.
Then we went to the rooftop observation deck befoer breakfast. Mt. Fuji from here was astonishingly huge, its imposing stance unmatched by any other mountain. There was still a lot of snow on the observation deck from the previous day. The footbath was crowded with many guests.
After that we went to the dining room for breakfast. Breakfast is a Japanese-Western buffet. It is not a large ryokan with a total of 51 rooms, but there was a very wide variety.
Then the hospitality of the staff is superb. The Kawaguchiko area is a battleground for hotels and onsen ryokans, so the hospitality is excellent everywhere, but we especially felt the sincerity here.
If I had to raise a drawback, it would be that the onsen ryokan is family oriented. Even on the weekend we stayed there, we saw many families with children. It wouldn’t be suitable for romantic couples. Also, while the hospitality is on par with a 5-star hotel, it is not a luxury onsen ryokan, and while the rooms have been renovated and are easy to use, some of the common facilities are a bit dated. Also, Mt. Fuji-side rooms with private hot springs are very popular, so it was difficult to book one.
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Is the location easy to access?
You can take an express bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, JR Bus Tokyo Station Expressway Bus Terminal, or Shibuya Mark City, then get off at Kawaguchiko Station. It takes about 2 hours. *Tokyo Station is so huge that even as a Japanese I often get lost. Make sure you have plenty of time to get around.
Alternativily, from Haneda Airport, there is also a Keihin Kyuko Bus service to Kawaguchiko Station. The journey time is approximately 150 minutes. *As of July 2022, this route is out of service due to the cronavirus pandemic.
There is a way to get there by train, but since there are transfers, express buses are easier to travel by.
A free shuttle service is available from Kawaguchiko Station to Konansou. Once at the station, call 0555-72-2166.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are staying here, I would recommend a room with a view of Mt. Fuji. If you are staying on a bad weather day, a room on the opposite side of the lake Kawaguchi side, may be acceptable. Then if you don’t want to sleep on Japanese mattresses in tatami rooms, you may want to stay in Japanese western rooms with twin beds. Also, there are some rooms with private onsens, but they are very popular, so you will need to book early.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including minimum toiletries, yukatas, a Japanese tea set, and sweets, etc. There are colorful yukatas for women that you can choose from. Room service is not available. There is a convenience store nearby. There are vending machines for ice cream and drinks. The free WiFi reception was good in our room.
Then, this is child-frienldy. Baby items, bouncers, baby baths, shampoo, and yukatas are all available. You can also order baby food for your baby, so there wouldn’t need to bring your own baby food.
How about In-house Facilities?
There are indoor and outdoor communal hot spring baths. All of them are open from 5:00-10:00, 15:00-25:00. Also, there is a private family hot spring bath. It is open from 7:00-9:00, 15:00-23:00. It costs 3,240JPY for 50min.
*Please note that if you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the public bathing area.
Then the foot spa on the rooftop was amazing. It is open from 6:00-10:00, 15:00-22:00. There is a high possibility that you can see a beautiful Mt.Fuji in the early morning.
There is a spa teatment shop. You need to make an appointment in advance.
There is a coin-operated washer dryer, microwave oven, ice maker machine, available free of charge.
How about meals?
As noted above, considering the price point, the local cuisine at dinner and the breakfast buffet are excellent.
If you have dinner on the property, you need to check in by 18:00.
Starting time for dinner is between 18:00 and 19:00, and breakfast is from 7:15 to 9:30.
Please note that inform the staff when you book a room with dinner if you have any food allergies. They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare alternative food if you request on that day.
Then, as far as I know, there is no nice restaurant near the property. You may want to book a room including meals.
My impressions
Because of the popularity of this onsen ryokan, it is best to avoid Chinese New Year, late April to early May, late July to August, weekends in October and It is best to avoid weekends in November and during the year-end and New Year’s holidays. It will be more crowded than expected. At last, don’t forget to check the weather forecast before booking a room. That’s the most important.
Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Konansou from the below space.
You need to inform the staff of your expected arrival time in advance.
Check Availability and Pricing for the onsen ryokan on agoda
Info about Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Konansou
| Style | Onsen Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/10:00 |
| Estimated Price | 35,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact E-mail |
info@konansou.com |
| Internet Connection | Free WiFi in the ryokan |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Konansou’s MAP |
| Access | Free shuttle service from Kawaguchiko station |
| Address and TEL | 4020-2 Funatsu Fujikawaguchiko-machi Minamitsuru-gun Yamanashi 401-0301 Tel +81 555-72-2166 |
| Official Homepage | Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Konansou’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
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