What kind of boutique onsen resort hotel is Mizno Hotel near Mt.Fuji?
In early April, when it was still a little chilly, we stayed at this resort hotel to see the collaboration of cherry blossoms in full bloom and Mt. Fuji. In the morning, we took an express bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal and got off at Kawaguchiko Station. From there, we took a free shuttle bus to the resort hotel with a view of Lake Kawaguchi. The hotel is located on a hill on the north shore of Kawaguchi Lake, so it would be difficult to walk to the hotel because of the long slope. However, since the hotel is located away from the national highway, there were no cars passing by and the atmosphere was quiet and calm.
When we got off the shuttle bus, we were greeted by smiling staff and checked in at the reception desk with orange juice. The lobby had a cozy library and bar with a very nice aroma. After dinner, we relaxed here with a cup of coffee.
What makes this resort hotel unique is that the entire staff is excellent and professional and makes you feel very comfortable. This place is also suitable for solo travelers. Even if the weather is bad and you can’t see Mt. Fuji, the staff will provide a relaxing and comfortable time in the lobby lounge and bar on the first floor and the bar on the rooftop.
After a while, a staff member showed us to our room. This time we booked a twin room with a balcony on the top floor. Upon entering the room, if the weather had been nice, I would have immediately gone out on the balcony to enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji, but unfortunately, Mt. Fuji was still hidden behind thick clouds.
Since we had some time before dinner, we decided to take a walk along the lakeside to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. About 200 Someiyoshino cherry trees were planted along a 1-km promenade along the lakeside. Pale pink petals were layered in layers, and bees were actively coming and going, attracted by the unique sweet honey scent. It was right around the time of the cherry blossom festival, so there were many food and souvenir stalls.
After returning from the cherry blossom viewing, we went to communal hot spring baths before dinner. The season was spring, but the hot springs warmed my cold body, as many days during the cherry blossom season are chilly. If it had been a clear day, we would have reserved a wonderful private outdoor bath on the rooftop, but the clouds were still covering Mt. Fuji, so the communal baths were sufficient for us.
Then, the second feature of this resort hotel is the French cuisine for dinner. You can choose between kaiseki and French cuisine, but I would recommend the French cuisine. Considering the price range, the French cuisine is excellent. For breakfast, you can choose between Japanese and Western cuisine, but I would recommend Western.
After dinner, we went to see the cherry blossoms at night, which are lit up at night. It was crowded with tourists. The cherry blossoms floating in the night sky had a different charm from the daytime. There are several cherry blossom viewing spots around the hotel, so please ask our staff.
Upon returning from the nighttime cherry blossom viewing, fortunately the clouds in the night sky disappeared and Mt. Fuji became visible and hidden, so we visited the bar on the rooftop. While enjoying the hotel’s signature fresh fruit cocktail, we watched the ever-changing Mt. Fuji, but after a while, thick clouds came again and covered the night sky and Mt. Fuji. Mountain weather is really changeable. After refilling our delicious cocktails, we decided to wait for a while for Mt. Fuji to reappear, but when it didn’t, we went to the lobby lounge on the first floor for coffee and a book.
The next morning, we woke up early to see Mt. Fuji illuminated by the morning sun, sat on a chair on the balcony, had coffee and waited, but the big clouds came again. Fuji would not show itself, so we gave up. It was a pity, because early in the morning there is a high probability of seeing the majestic Mt. Fuji.
It was unfortunate that the weather was bad during our stay and we could not see the dynamic Mt. Fuji, even though this is a great location for Fuji lovers. However, we were able to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom around the resort hotel, so it was a good trip.
If I were to venture a fault, it would be that the rooms are cramped, though functional overall. Also, it is not a luxury resort, so there are no rooms with private hot springs. Then the resort hotel would be best suited for a solo traveler or a couple rather than a family or group with children. We stayed on a weekend and did not see any small children on the property. It is more of a resort hotel for adults. The rooftop bar and first floor lobby lounge in particular had a relaxed ambiance.
Check Availability and Pricing for Mizno 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 is available from Kawaguchiko Station between 15:00 and 18:00. When you arrive at the station, please call the staff and let them know that you need a pick-up.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room with a balconiy on a high floor. You can view a dynamic Mt.Fuji while chilling out in good weather. That’s precious time. Most of the rooms tend to be cramped but user-friendly.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including minimum toiletries, yukatas, a coffee machine with capsules, tea bags, and bottled water, etc. Humidifiers, CD players, and bicycles are available for borrowing. You can go cycling around Lake Kawaguchi in good weather. Room service is not available but complimentary coffee, English tea, cookies are available in the lobby lounge. Free WiFi reception was good in our room. In the lounge on the first floor, several PCs are available for anyone to use.
How about In-house Facilities?
There are indoor and outdoor communal hot spring baths. All of them are open from 15:00 to 10:00 the following morning. Also, there is a private family hot spring bath on the top floor. It’s open from 5:00-23:00, JPY1,050 per person for 30 minutes. The private family bath is available for a fee, but on a nice day, I would recommend making a reservation upon check-in. We did not use it this time because it was cloudy, but the last time we stayed there, we enjoyed the best open-air hot spring bath with a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji. It is well worth it.
*Please note that if you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the public bathing area.
Then the Sky Bar on the rooftop was amazing. Don’t forget to visit there after dinner. The bar hours are weather permitting. Basically, it is open when the weather is warm. Then there is a laundromat. There is a vending machine for drinks on 2F. There is no convenience store within walking distance. You might want to buy your necessities before coming here.
Then Mizno Hotel is a universal design and wheelchairs are available for borrowing. However, the rooms are cramped, so it may be difficult for people in wheelchairs to move around. Also, there are no rooms with private onsens, which may be inconvenient.
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How about meals?
As noted above, French food for dinner and western food for breakfast was wonderful. You can choose either Japanese Kaiseki or French cuisine for dinner, and Japanese or western for breakfast when you check in at the reception. We tried French dinner and the food was prepared with much detail and care. The portion was avarage. The restaurant offers panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi when the weather permits. All meals are served in the restaurant on 2F. In summer, the balcony is also available. There did not seem to be any private rooms for meals.
French dinner starts at 18:30. Japanese kaiseki dinner starts from 18:00 to 19:30. You need to check in by 19:00 if you have dinner in the restaurant. Breakfast is from 7:00 to 9:30.
Reservations for dinner must be made by 10:00 on the day of reservation, and for breakfast by 22:00 the day before.
Then, as far as I know, there is no nice restaurant near the resort hotel. Local papa-mama shops are closing early. You may want to book a room including meals unless you have a car.
Please note that inform the staff when you book a room with meals if you have any food allergies. They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare alternative food if you request on that day.
My impressions
Overall, the resort hotel has good value for money if compared others near Mt.Fuji. Finally, don’t forget to check the weather forecast before booking. The best season would be autumn or winter. You will most likely be able to see a beautiful Mt. Fuji. Don’t miss your best shot.
Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about Mizno Hotel from the below space.
You need to inform the staff of your expected arrival time in advance. Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in.
Check Availability and Pricing for Mizno Hotel on agoda
Info about Mizno Hotel
| Style | Modern Resort Hotel |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/11:00 |
| Estimated Price | 50,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact E-mail |
|
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the hotel |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Mizno Hotel’s MAP |
| Access | Free Shuttle Bus from Kawaguchiko Station |
| Address and TEL | Tel +81 |
| Official Homepage | Mizno Hotel‘s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
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