Japan is a country that meets two Worlds – crazy futuristic robotic World and very conservative and traditional one. While I covered most about bizarre and unforgettable experiences I had on my first trip to Japan, today I want to inspire you to experience traditional Japan. And what a better way to do it than soaking in warm baths of onsen (a typical Japanese spa) with a view of Mount Fuji? (This is not a sponsored post, I just think this place is an amazingly affordable find!)
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Kawaguchiko & Mount Fuji area
When visiting Tokyo, I highly suggest planning a few days to visit Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji area. Lake Kawaguchi has some incredible views of Mount Fuji, reflected across the lake, and is the most easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes with train and direct bus connections from Tokyo. It will also give you a chance to see how the countryside lifestyle is so much different compared to the busy streets of Tokyo.
How to get from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko?
There are two buses from Tokyo that go directly to Lake Kawaguchi, one departs from Shibuya station, the other from Shinjuku. The journey takes about 2hours. Usually, the tickets from Shinjuku are sold out well in advance as it is an express bus. We panicked a bit to see all the tickets sold out for our preferred day of travel. Fortunately, Shibuya bus is less crowded and we managed to get tickets.
Affordable Kawaguchiko onsen with a jaw-dropping view of Mount Fuji
When you travel to Japan, it is an absolute must to stay at least one night in Ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn. It is truly memorable to experience traditional Japanese hospitality, homemade food, and tatami rooms.
I was visiting Lake Kawaguchi during cherry blossom season and was quite worried that I won’t be able to find any ryokan within my budget with a private onsen facing Mount Fuji.
I booked Yamadaya ryokan at the beginning of March, which is a very last minute for booking accommodation during sakura. Although the interior needs updating their onsen left us speechless!
The great part of this Kawaguchiko onsen is that it offers you privacy. Traditionally there are separate spas for both women and men so if you are a couple you can’t go together. And if you are two friends then it even gets a hell more awkward as you will need to enter a hot bathtub together naked… Anyways, at Yamadaya ryokan, each guest can book the onsen exclusively for him/herself.
Click here to book Yamadaya ryokan!
Booking.comMy advice – don’t check in late as it lowers your chances to book the onsen at your preferred time. Even though Kawaguchiko is located right at the base of Mount Fuji with the onsen facing it directly, the mountain might not be visible due to clouds. The highest chances to see Fuji-san clearly are in the early morning (usually before 9 am).
This is actually the view at 8 am from the dining room.
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Speaking about dining rooms, here is the picture of breakfast that is included in the price of your accommodation!
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At Yamadaya ryokan you will be able to savor a traditional Japanese breakfast, not influenced by Western cuisine. It consists of multiple dishes that could be enjoyed at lunch and dinnertime – steamed rice, miso soup, tempura, grilled fish, etc.
How not to mess up – Japanese Savoir-Vivre
Normally ryokans are inhabited by the owner, so house rules apply, I was asked to take off shoes at the reception, and then I was given separate shoes for the bathroom.
Most of the ryokans are equipped with Yukata, a traditional kimono style bathrobe. You can wear it anywhere in the ryokan and even outside!
The rooms are minimalistic. We were sleeping on futons, traditional style of bedding, lying happily on the floor. In the end, you don’t need much to be happy.
Other attractions in Lake Kawaguchi area
It is easy to move around Kawaguchiko area as there are 3 retro sightseeing bus lines (Red, Blue, and Green), all departing from Kawaguchiko Station. I suggest visiting Kachikachi Ropeway for the best view of the area and Arakurayama Sengen Park.
Kachi Kachi Ropeway
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During our stay at Lake Kawaguchi, we spent a maximum of time outside taking in the beauty of Fuji-san and surroundings. As we always try to find the best spot to see the area from above, we took a ropeway to Mt Kachikachi. The journey takes about 3 minutes and allows you to enjoy the scenery of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt Fuji. Once on top, you will enter the viewing platform from which you could enjoy even more views of Fuji-san.
Arakurayama Sengen Park
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Not only you will see here a picture-perfect pagoda with a view of Mount Fuji but also you will get into a perfect moment of zen. This park is really spiritual and not crowded at all.
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