There’s no better way to enjoy Mount Fuji in all its glory than at a traditional ryokan, and Shuhoukaku Kogetsu delivers on all fronts!
First Impressions
Located at the very tip of Lake Kawaguchi, Shuhoukaku Kogetsu is an elite ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with the closest proximity to Mount Fuji. Just one bus ride from Kawaguchiko station, it’s relatively easy and affordable to get here using your Japan Rail Pass.
Smooth check-in process
Nothing puts you at peace like a good first impression. From the moment I stepped off the shuttle bus, a crew of Shuhoukaku Kogetsu staff awaiting my arrival greeted me with a friendly “irasshaimase” (welcome) and a humble bow.
Filling in the check-in forms and receiving information about my stay was super easy with the abundance of fluent English-speaking receptionists. I was shown to my room where I was immediately hit with a dopamine rush from the pure aesthetics that lay before me.
In what could only be described as a traditional Japanese tatami room with a modern twist, I felt an instant sense of relaxation and delight upon entry. In the center of the room was a table with our very own tea set and a menu for food and drink service.
Spectacular Mount Fuji view!
The stimulation delivered by the room was outshined only by the incredible view of Mount Fuji that could be seen from our private balcony. Surrounding the mountain was the beautiful Lake Kawaguchi, easily the most stunning of the Fuji Five Lakes.
When the best view of Mount Fuji can be seen from the comfort of your hotel room, you know they’ve done something right. The nighttime view offers a whole new vibe with the surrounding street lights and the magical silhouette of Fuji.
Not only do you get an incredible view from the ryokan, but just about anywhere in the vicinity offers stunning views of Mount Fuji. I was fortunate to book my stay during the autumn season when you can enjoy the beautiful red and yellow foliage with the Fuji backdrop.
Onsens to relax the mind and body
One of the major selling points of Shuhoukaku Kogetsu is their indoor and outdoor onsens (bath houses). These hot springs help relieve tight nerves and improve your body’s blood flow while providing a nice sweat for an effective detox.
The outdoor onsen in particular is one of the most relaxing and picturesque havens I’ve ever bathed in. Artistic bonsai trees surround the area and the backdrop of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji is simply remarkable.
After your onsen session, you will be greeted by an old lady with a drinks cart offering free beer or iced tea to help refresh and rehydrate you after a good sweat. Personally, I opted to hit up the vending machines and rejuvenate myself with a delicious can of creamy strawberry milk.
Traditional Japanese dinner course
As per the inclusions of your stay, you will be given a set dinner course prepared on the spot by one of the friendly hosts. Dinner consisted of succulent shabu-shabu hotpot, fresh sashimi, seasonal desserts such as pumpkin pudding, and much more!
Shuhoukaku Kogetsu also provides its guests with comfortable yukata robes and slippers during their stay. Wearing this traditional Japanese outfit and dining on the floor really delivered the samurai-like ancient Japan experience!
Breakfast buffet!
My run of delicious food encounters did not end there, as the next morning I was served another set meal as part of the breakfast inclusion. In addition, I was given access to the all-you-can-eat buffet comprising Japanese and Western cuisines.
The set meal included fresh salmon sashimi, grilled salmon, tofu, seaweed salad, and an egg omelet. Some of the buffet items included fresh bread, grilled fish, rice, curry, sausage, and teriyaki chicken among other foods.
There were also refreshing beverage options such as coffee, tea, juice, and milk. Enjoying an aromatic morning coffee on the balcony before the shuttle bus arrived to pick me up was one of the most memorable moments of my stay at Shuhoukaku Kogetsu ryokan!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!
