Maruei
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 655 reviews
Maruei (Wakakusa no Yado Maruei) is a traditional ryokan set on the Kawaguchiko shore with framed views of Mount Fuji and an observatory area for guests to enjoy the panorama. The property operates mixed bathing facilities that include an open-air public bath and named private baths, and several room types offer their own attached baths or outdoor hot-spring tubs, making it appropriate to describe the property as a ryokan with onsen in Yamanashi. The building combines classic tatami-lined guest rooms and a few Western-style rooms, and communal spaces include a gift shop and a small lounge with large windows toward the lake.
Guest accommodation emphasizes Japanese-style comfort: futon-laid tatami rooms and larger suites with seating areas or private outdoor baths are available, and all rooms provide ensuite bathing facilities and basic amenities. Dinner is typically served as a multi-course Japanese kaiseki, presented either in guests’ rooms or in private dining rooms, while breakfast is served in a communal dining hall; the ryokan maintains a policy that dinner schedules are arranged at check‑in. Onsite wellness offerings extend to a sauna and massage services, and seasonal views of Fuji can be enjoyed from several bathing areas and the upper-floor lookout.
Practical details useful for planning: the property runs a complimentary shuttle from the nearby train station during afternoon hours, provides free parking for guests and offers luggage storage, and is within easy walking distance of local museums and cultural attractions at Kawaguchiko. Check-in is generally in the mid-afternoon and check-out late morning; guests should note the ryokan’s stated dinner cut-off time when arranging arrival. For visitors seeking a ryokan with private onsen Yamanashi, this property is notable for its combination of room types with private tubs and the option to use larger public open-air baths with Fuji views.
Highlights of this ryokan
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Review summary for: Maruei
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive staff
Many reviews highlight very warm, polite and helpful staff who go the extra mile (welcoming transfers, luggage handling, attentive in-room service), making stays feel special and personal.
Stunning location and views
Guests repeatedly praise the ryokan’s position facing the lake, rooftop observation deck and frequent views of Mount Fuji — considered a major highlight of the stay.
Delicious traditional meals
Kaiseki-style dinners and traditional breakfasts are frequently described as exquisite, plentiful and a memorable part of the experience.
Authentic Japanese experience
Reviewers value the traditional features: tatami rooms, futons and yukata, onsen bathing (public and optional private baths), and the overall timeless, peaceful atmosphere.
Convenient transfers and smooth arrival
Free shuttle/pick-up from the station and efficient arrival procedures (welcome tea, luggage care) are praised for making travel and check-in easy.
Negative Reviews
Language limitations
Several guests note not all staff speak English fluently, requiring use of translation apps to communicate in some situations.
Strict schedules and limited flexibility
Some reviewers found set meal times, shuttle schedules and house rules restrictive (specific return times, fixed shuttle hours), which can limit spontaneity.
Onsen/private bath size and upkeep varies
While many praise the baths, a number of guests felt the public or paid private onsen were small, plain or less decorative compared with expectations or similar properties.
Dining pacing and portion issues
A few guests mentioned that meals are served all at once or in very large quantities, which can affect the dining flow (courses cooling, confusion about order) or feel overly abundant for some.
Cramped bathrooms and accessibility concerns
Multiple reviews report that some bathrooms are tight and that getting in and out of baths/showers can be tricky for older guests or those needing easier access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maruei has 50 rooms with a total capacity around 220 guests; most rooms are Japanese-style tatami rooms, with several rooms featuring open-air baths and a few twin/Western options plus a small special floor.
The property has multiple on-site baths including open-air baths with views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, public baths with saunas, and a private cypress bath; baths operate in morning and evening periods with gender rotations.
Yes — a private onsen is available by on-site reservation on arrival and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis; advance phone reservations are not accepted.
Tattoos (including stickers) are not permitted in the bathing areas, and the ryokan does not accept bath-only day visitors.
There is a free pickup from Kawaguchiko Station if you call the ryokan after arrival from 14:00 until the last evening pickup; return shuttle service to the station runs approximately every 30 minutes in the morning.
The property notes a taxi from Haneda can take about 150 minutes; from central Tokyo there are direct highway buses and trains to Kawaguchiko Station taking roughly 1.5–2 hours, then use the ryokan shuttle to the inn.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English support is limited, so a translation app or advance requests for assistance are recommended.
Check-in is from 14:00 (guests are asked to arrive by 17:00) and check-out is 11:00; dinner service typically starts around 17:30 with the final seating beginning by 19:00.
The ryokan serves traditional kaiseki dinners in-room or private dining and breakfast in a shared hall; it generally cannot accommodate food allergies or strict religious diets, though minor preferences may be considered if informed well in advance.
The building is non-smoking with a designated outdoor smoking area; the official information does not list pet-friendly rooms so contact the property to confirm; Kawaguchiko Station area with convenience stores, museums and lakeside shops is a short walk or shuttle ride away.