What kind of resort hotel is Mars Garden Wood Gotemba Hotel near Mt.Fuji?
In early May, when the cherry blossoms were over and the weather was refreshing, we decided to stay at this nearby hotel because we were going to Gotemba Premium Outlets and wanted to enjoy a hot spring while we were there. We took an express bus bound for Gotemba Station from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, got off at Tomei Gotemba Bus Stop, and then walked a few minutes to the resort hotel. Gotemba, where the resort hotel is located, is easily accessible from Tokyo, so I think the biggest attraction is that it is easy to get there. Also, from the resort hotel, if the weather is fine, you can see the World Heritage Mt. Fuji.
Upon entering the grounds of the hotel, we found a fountain in the 2,000-square-meter garden. Just as we arrived, there was a fountain show going on, and we were instantly immersed in a resort-like atmosphere. There was a pond in the center of the garden with beautiful fresh greenery, and a walking path around the pond allowed us to enjoy a walk while admiring the garden. It was created using the forest and stream that originally existed.
Upon entering the condominium-like building, we found a very open space with modern furniture and interior design, and sunlight streaming in through large windows. When we entered the building, the staff greeted us with smiles and took us to the reception counter to check in. The staff was very sophisticated.
Then the staff showed us to our room with a private hot spring in the annex. The private hot spring and room had a view of the garden. Fuji, but unfortunately there were too many clouds that day, so we could not see it from the room. During the spring and summer months when we visited, the weather in the mountains is changeable and there are very few days when you can view the majestic Mt. Fuji. It was a pity that we stayed in a room with a view of Mt. Fuji. After all, the season when you can see the wonderful Mt. Fuji is from autumn to winter when the air is dry. There is also an observation room on the 12th floor, which is the top floor, where you can see Mt. Fuji.
The resort hotel has teppanyaki, Italian, and Japanese restaurants and cafes. The teppanyaki restaurant was especially great. The carefully selected Japanese black beef was grilled to perfection on the teppan in front of us. This time, the chef grilled a filet and a sirloin, respectively. The chef’s skill in grilling these meats was a sight to behold. The beef was grilled to an exquisite degree of perfection and served with carefully selected salt. For us, the teppanyaki was a visual and taste experience.
I dare to say that this is not a 5-star luxury resort. If you are expecting a luxury resort near the Mt. Fuji area, this is not for you. Fuji area for the first time visit in Japan, or if your purpose is to visit the Gotemba Premium Outlets like I did, this is the perfect resort for you. Alternatively, if you are in Tokyo on a business trip and would like to return home after seeing Mt.Fuji.
FYI, the Gotemba Outlet is a 10-minute drive from the resort. From the nearby Tomei Gotemba Interchange, a free shuttle service runs every 15 minutes between 9:30 and 20:00. The shuttle buses were very crowded on weekends.
Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on agoda
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Is the location easy to access?
Take an express bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Hakone-Togendai or from JR Bus Tokyo Station Expressway Bus Terminal to Shizuoka Station, and get off at Tomei Gotemba Bus Stop. From there, it is a 5-minute walk to the resort hotel. From Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal or JR Bus Tokyo Station Expressway Bus Terminal, the trip takes about 100 minutes. *Tokyo Station is so huge that even as a Japanese I often get lost. Make sure you have plenty of time to get around.
Alternatively, take an express bus from Haneda Airport to Gotemba Station and get off at Gotemba Inter mae Bus Stop. From there, it is a 5-minute walk to the hotel. The trip from Haneda Airport takes about 120 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take an express train called Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station, get off at Gotemba Station, and then take a free shuttle bus to the resort hotel. Please let the staff know in advance that you need a shuttle bus. The free shuttle service is available between 10:00 and 18:00. The trip from Shinjuku Station takes about 100 minutes.
Other local trains can be used to get there, but are not recommended because of the transfers involved.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room with a private hot spring bath in the annex, or rooms with views of Mt.Fuji on a high floor possible. On the other hand, rooms with Hakone and Mt.Fuji Susono views wouldn’t be special. Facilities tend to be the latest. The room is spacious, user-friendly, and functional.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, pajamas, bathrobes, drip coffee bags, tea bags, bottled water, and a Japanese tea set. There are mila schon skincare products in the bathroom. Room service is not available. There is a vending machine for drinks in the main building. There is a convenience store nearby. The free WiFi reception was excellent on the property.
Then this is child-friendly. Staff can provide bath amenities, meals, and cots. Sleeping with children up to elementary school age is free of charge.
How about In-house Facilities?
There are indoor and outdoor communal hot spring baths with Jacuzzi and saunas. There is also a footbath in the garden. All of them are open from 5:00-11:00, 15:00-24:00.
Then there is a lounge on 12F. You can appreciate amazing views of Mt.Fuji in good weather.
Then there are fountains in the garden and they are lit up at night. The fountain show is held 5 times a day, from 12:00, 13:00, 18:45, 19:45, and 20:45. Also, there is a walking route in the garden. You can enjoy taking a walk while viewing Mt.Fuji if the weather is good.
There is a nice spa treatment shop. If you have spa treatment service, you need to book in advance.
Then the resrot hotel is a universal design. A wheelchair is 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?
As mentioned above, there are three restaurants on the grounds: Kaiseki, Teppanyaki, and Italian. We enjoyed teppanyaki for dinner on the first day and Italian dinner on the second day while watching the fountain show. Seasonal vegetables purchased directly from contract farmers and fresh seafood landed at Numazu Port were used. Reservations are required in advance.
Then, basically, breakfast is only Japanese food. Those with small children may want to order the kids’ menu for breakfast by 8:00 p.m. the day before.
There are few restaurants within walking distance, so if you do not have a car, you may want to use the on-site restaurant.
My impressions
Overall, the price range is reasonable. Also, rooms with private hot spring baths are very popular and may not be available. Finally, weather is still important if you are going to stay here. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before booking a room.
Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the resort from the below space. Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on agoda
Info about Mars Garden Wood Gotemba Hotel
| Style | Resort Hotel |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/12:00 |
| Estimated Price | 30,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact E-Mail | info@mars-gw.jp |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the hotel |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Mars Garden Wood Gotemba Hotel’s MAP |
| Access | Refer to the above |
| Address and TEL |
Tel +81 |
| Official Homepage | Mars Garden Wood Gotemba Hotel’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
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