Kyukamura Fuji

Kyukamura Fuji is a highly renowned hotel, famous as a prime location to witness "Diamond Fuji" – where the rising sun aligns perfectly with the summit of Mount Fuji. This mystical sight, often accompanied by the inverted reflection of Fuji on Lake Tanuki, appears for about a week in both April and August. Many photographers and guests flock here specifically to experience this special moment, making it one of Japan's top viewing spots for Mount Fuji. They also offer cottage-style rental villas, allowing you to relax in a spacious and private setting.

Kyuka Mura is a resort facility surrounded by nature in a national and quasi-national park. We recommend this lodging. It can be accessed from Fujinomiya Station by bus bound for Kyuka Mura Fuji in about 45 minutes. The lodging owner has posted a blog about climbing Mt. Fuji, so it's a good idea to check that out. Drive to Mizugazuka Parking Lot, and from there you can take a shuttle bus to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji's Fujinomiyaguchi. It's not exactly cheap, but it's a relatively inexpensive and clean lodging. There is a hot spring, and some rooms have a view of Mt. Fuji.

Located on the western shore of Lake Tanuki, you can see the large Mt. Fuji and the inverted Mt. Fuji from all the rooms in the hotel building and from the open-air baths. In addition to the hotel building, there are also cottages, which are reasonably priced. If the weather is good, there is a promenade around the lake, and you can see various views depending on the season, but the fresh green leaves in spring and the autumn leaves are particularly attractive. If you take a walk along the promenade before breakfast, you can feel the fresh morning air on your skin. On windless days, the surface of the lake becomes like a mirror, allowing you to see a magnificent inverted Mt. Fuji. Since it is a public facility, 15,000 yen per person is enough.

I have stayed at many inns with Mount Fuji views, but none have left such a lasting impression as this one. Kyukamura Fuji Hotel, situated on the western shore of Lake Tanuki, allows you to see the Giant Fuji and the reflected image of the mountain on the lake—the "Upside-Down Fuji" (Sakasa Fuji)—from every room and the open-air bath! This view of Mount Fuji is truly awe-inspiring. The rates are very reasonable, and both dinner and breakfast are served buffet-style, allowing you to choose whatever dishes you like. The location is superb! If you wake up early, you can take a walk on the path around the lake, which takes about an hour to complete. The crisp, clean morning air perfectly complements the majestic view of Mount Fuji, making for a refreshing walk. It is highly popular with families traveling with children. Near the inn, there is a nature museum where you can learn about the local natural environment. There is also a campsite nearby, allowing for a direct experience with rich nature.

At Kyukamura Fuji, located by Lake Tanuki, you get a magnificent view of Mount Fuji right in front of you from every single room! And if you're lucky with the weather and the water conditions, you can also enjoy "Sakasa Fuji" – the breathtaking reflection of Mount Fuji on the lake's surface. There's plenty to do in the area too: you can walk or cycle around the lake, hike the Odakuki Marsh, go mountain climbing, relax in the onsen, or visit the nearby Shiraito Falls. It offers a wide variety of activities. The meals are buffet-style with a great selection, and reportedly very tasty. I've heard from people who've been many times and say they never get tired of it! It sounds like a great base for exploring and Fuji-gazing.

When I stayed there, I was surprised when I opened the window. I could see a beautiful Mt. Fuji across Lake Tanuki. And if there is no wind, you can see Mt. Fuji upside down. Of course, you can see it from the bath. There were many people taking pictures with their cameras on the promenade in front of the inn. In the morning, you can see the sun rising over Mt. Fuji. This is a recommended inn for Mt. Fuji fans.