What kind of resort onsen hotel is Kaze no Terrace Kukuna Hotel?
In early April, I finished work a little after noon and headed for Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom and Mt. Fuji. I boarded an express bus bound for Kawaguchiko Station and arrived there around 3:00 pm. As I got off the highway bus, I was struck by the stunning view of Mt. Fuji is always a wonderful sight. From there, I took the hotel’s free shuttle bus, which took me to the resort hotel in about 5 minutes. Since I was traveling alone this time, I planned to relax around the resort hotel.
The overwhelming presence of the lakeside resort hotel was evident in the two large cherry trees in full bloom against the majestic Mt. Fuji. The view was truly a spectacular symbol of Japan’s natural beauty. The entrance to the resort hotel was pleasantly filled with the sound of water flowing down the stone walls. It soothed my tired heart after a long day of work and bus travel.
I entered through the magnificent wooden automatic door and the extraordinary experience began. The lobby gave off the atmosphere of a luxury resort, and the atrium was very bright and spacious. The interiors and furniture were made of wood and marble, and there were many ornamental plants here and there, making me feel like I was in a tropical country.
The staff showed me to a table by the window in the lobby lounge, where I checked in while sipping lemon juice. The terrace of the lobby lounge was a waterfall with a modern design made of stone, and the surface of the flowing water reflected the sunlight and sparkled. Here, too, the sound of running water was relaxing. Then looking out, between two large cherry blossom trees, I could see a snow-capped Mt.Fuji. The lobby lounge was open during the day and romantic at night. The bar in the lobby lounge was also open.
It was a weekday, so it was not crowded. After check-in, they showed us to our room with an open-air hot spring bath on the 7th floor. I took the massive elevator up to the 5th floor, got off at the 5th floor, changed elevators, and went up to the 7th floor.
The hallway was decorated with paintings of various Mt. Fuji. When one opened the wooden door and entered the room, there was a brand new modern wooden interior and furniture arrangement, and a large window with Mt. Fuji lying gracefully in front of it.
There was a large private outdoor hot spring and footbath on the balcony, and even a sleeping area in the bathtub. The sound of the hot spring water flowing was also pleasant. There was a shower room, but no indoor hot spring bath. It was a very luxurious space.
The room I stayed in, called Tenkyu no Terrace, is about 40 square meters in size. It felt very spacious for one person. After checking in, I was planning to take a walk along the cherry blossom trees near the hotel, but the room was so cozy that I was soaking in the hot spring and watching the ever-changing Mt. Fuji, and before I knew it, it was time for dinner.
Then there is a western, teppanyaki, and sushi restaurant on 2F. The teppanyaki I had last time I stayed here was excellent, but unfortunately the restaurant was full that day, so I opted for Western cuisine. The restaurant serves a course meal with a buffet style salad. All the dishes were delicious and made good use of fresh local ingredients. I was seated by the window, so I had a great view of Mt. Fuji turning pink at dusk. By the end of dinner, it was dark and the cherry tree in front of the hotel was lit up. The whiteness of the blossoms stood out and had a different charm from the cherry blossoms blooming against the blue sky during the day.
When I returned to my room after dinner, turndown service was provided. The room had a different atmosphere from the daytime, and the private hot spring bath was lit up in blue, creating a very romantic atmosphere. When I sat on the sofa and looked out, the window glass was like a mirror, which was wonderful. It looked as if the room itself was floating on the surface of the water. Then I soaked in the blue-lit hot spring bath and tasted the wine from Yamanashi prefecture that was available in the mini-bar. From the balcony, the night sky was filled with black shadows of Mt. Fuji under the stars. After relaxing in my room for a while, I decided to go for a walk around the hotel, but I fell asleep after drinking some wine.
The next morning, I got up after 5:30 and worshiped the morning sun while taking the private hot spring bath. I was impressed by the divine light of the Asahi and the appearance of Mt. Fuji reflected in Lake Kawaguchiko.
Then the best part is the heartfelt response of the staff. Even if I stayed alone, it was a very comfortable space. This is probably a 4 star hotel, but I think the staff is on par with a 5 star hotel.
On the downside, if you are visiting Japan and want to experience the typical Japanese ryokan ambience, this is not the place for you. The ambience of this hotel is truly that of a tropical resort. On weekends, the hotel attracts many families with children, but it is also ideal for romantic couples. In particular, staying in a room with a private hot spring bath would be a luxurious experience.
Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on agoda
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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.
Free shuttle service from Kawaguchi Station is available between 15:00 and 21:00. It takes 5min by car from the station. You need to book it in advance.
Where is the best accommodation for anniversaries near Mt.Fuji?
If you are looking for a good place for a special occasion near Mt.Fuji, the property is one of the best. The staff arranges flowers and cakes to celebrate an anniversary at additional charges if you request in advance.
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Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room with an outdoor private hot spring bath on the balcony. It’s truly worth staying it.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, pajamas, yukatas, samue outfits, bathrobes, a green tea set, herb cookies, bottled water, and complimentary mini-bar with wine, etc. Room service is not available, but complimentary coffee, fresh juices, Calpis, cookies, etc., at the lobby lounge, are available. Also, there is a vending machine on the grounds. There is a convenience store nearby. The free WiFi reception was good on the property.
How about In-house Facilities?
On the top floor, there are wonderful indoor and outdoor communal hot spring baths with a view of Mt.Fuji. The spring water temperature was lukewarm. The spring quality wouldn’t be special. The indoor communal baths are open from 14:00-23:30, 24:30-10:00 the following morning. The outdoor communal baths are open from 5:00 to 23:30. If you want to view a beautiful Mt.Fuji, you may want to soak in the outdoor communal baths in the early morning before breakfast. There would be a high possibility that you can see the mountain more clearly.
Then there is a private family hot spring bath. It costs 3,000JPY for 50min. It’s open from 6:00-9:50, 15:30-22:30.
*If you have tattoos, please use the private family bath or book a room with a private hot spring bath..
There was also two lounges with views of Mt.Fuji on 5F and 9F. Like the lobby lounge on the first floor, those places were also a relaxing space.
Then there is a spa treatment shop on 9F. You need to make an appointment if you have a treatment service. Also there is a kids play room on 2F.
Then the resort Hotel is almost universal design and wheelchairs are available for borrowing. If you bring people with weak legs, you may want to inform the staff in advance as they can arrange a room near the lift.
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How about meals?
You can choose either Teppanyaki, Sushi or Western cuisine for dinner. In perticulay, Teppanyaki was simply wonderful. You need to book a table in advance. Teppanyaki restaurants are very popular and seats are limited, so it is best to make reservations early.
Then, the buffet breakfast of Western and Japanese food was also delicious, especially the French toast and omelette. Although the buffet was small in variety, the quality of the food was excellent. The breakfast with a view of Mt. Fuji is the best in Japan.
Then, as far as I know, there is no nice restaurant near the property. Local papa-mama shops are closing early. You may want to book a room including meals unless you have a car.
My impressions
The best part is the heartfelt response of the staff. Even if I stayed alone, it was a very comfortable space. This is probably a 4 star hotel, but I think the staff is on par with a 5 star hotel. After checking out, we took the hotel shuttle bus to Kawaguchiko Station. I hope to stay here again next year when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
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 Kaze no Terrace Kukuna Hotel from the below space. If you check-in after 18:00, you need to inform the staff in advance. Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on agoda
Info about Kaze no Terrace Kukuna Hotel
| Style | Modern Resort Hotel |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/10:00 |
| Estimated Price | 40,800 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact E-mail |
room@kukuna.jp OR info@kukuna.jp |
| Internet Connection | Free WiFi in the hotel |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Kaze no Terrace Kukuna Hotel’s MAP |
| Access | Free shuttle bus from Kawaguchiko station Need to book in advance. |
| Address and TEL | 〒401-0303 Yamanashi-ken, Minamitsuru-gun, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Azagawa70 Tel +81 460-85-5541 |
| Official Homepage | Kaze no Terrace Kukuna Hotel’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
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