Izumigo AMBIENT Yatsugatake Cottage
7,4/10 Very good - Based on 59 reviews
Izumigo AMBIENT Yatsugatake Cottage sits within a forested resort estate on the Yatsugatake highlands, offering standalone, villa-style cottages that prioritise privacy and a close-to-nature experience. The property markets itself as a large villa resort where guests can wake to birdsong and mountain views; cottages range in size and layout to suit couples, families and groups, and the main complex provides communal facilities such as a sizeable public hot spring bath and dining spaces set amid the grounds. The setting and layout make this a practical choice for travellers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Yatsugatake, combining the traditional bathing culture with self-contained cottage living.
Accommodation choices include cottages with Japanese futon or Western-style beds, and a number of units are equipped with kitchen facilities, heating, TV and small fridges; standard in-room conveniences and en suite washrooms are provided. Some standalone cottages feature an outdoor, private open-air bath, while the main building maintains larger communal hot spring pools and a sauna; both private and shared bathing options are therefore available on site. On-site services include restaurant dining and seasonal BBQ/catering options, a gift shop, coin launderette, ski storage and free parking, and a scheduled shuttle service links the resort with the nearest train station for easier access to the area.
The resort’s location at higher elevation places it close to outdoor activities year-round: hiking on Yatsugatake trails, nearby ski areas in winter, outlet shopping and local sightseeing are all within short drives, and clearer nights favour informal stargazing from cottage terraces. Practical details such as check-in/out times, shuttle reservations and seasonal heating supplements are listed by the property and should be confirmed before travel. For travellers researching a ryokan with private onsen Yamanashi, this property presents a mix of private cottage living and communal hot-spring facilities set in the Yatsugatake highlands.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Izumigo AMBIENT Yatsugatake Co…
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple guests praised staff for kind, helpful and polite service, including resolving issues, assisting despite language barriers, and handling booking problems courteously.
Peaceful natural setting and privacy
Reviewers frequently enjoyed the quiet, forested location with bird song and cool night breezes; guests appreciated the privacy of individual cottages and relaxing atmosphere.
Private cottages with onsen/open-air baths
Many guests valued having a private cottage experience with outdoor baths or access to large hot-spring baths, which enhanced the resort-style stay.
Well-equipped cottages and comfortable rooms
Guests noted that cottages come with useful amenities (kitchen facilities, towels, toiletries, bedding, heating or electric blankets) and found rooms spacious and comfortable for families.
Good value and family-friendly features
Several reviewers said the property offers good cost-performance, with child-friendly facilities (kids’ space, terrace BBQ) and enjoyable experiences for multigenerational families.
Negative Reviews
Confusing directions and check-in/navigation system
Numerous guests reported difficulty finding the correct cottage due to unclear signage, QR-code maps, or long/indirect routes from the front desk; this caused frustration and sometimes late arrivals.
Parking and access problems
Visitors mentioned narrow roads, tight parking spaces beside cottages, trouble turning vehicles, and challenging parking layouts that made access inconvenient.
Inconsistent listing details and booking information
Some reviewers experienced discrepancies between online descriptions/photos and the actual room or amenities (e.g., air-conditioning, Wi‑Fi, bath appearance), causing uncertainty at check-in.
Aging facilities and cleanliness concerns
A number of guests noted worn or old fixtures (bathrooms, appliances), dust or stains on bedding/furniture, and variable cleaning standards in some cottages.
Maintenance, privacy or noise issues
Reports included maintenance problems (leaking outdoor bath, low hot-spring water), encounters with insects due to the forest location, and disturbance from neighboring houses or dogs affecting comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cottage sizes vary: smaller units suit 1–2 guests while larger family cottages can accommodate around 6–7 people; check the selected cottage’s maximum occupancy when booking.
Yes — the main building has large public hot-spring baths and a sauna, and some cottage types include a private open‑air bath for exclusive use.
Yes — a free shuttle runs from JR Kobuchizawa Station (about a 20‑minute drive); you should reserve the shuttle at least one day in advance, typically by 20:00.
The resort is roughly a three‑hour journey from central Tokyo by train and road; travel to Kobuchizawa by JR then use the resort shuttle or a taxi for the final leg.
English information is available on the official site and staff can manage basic English; for special requests it’s best to contact the property in advance.
Expect Japanese‑style elements such as futon bedding in some cottages, seasonal local cuisine at the restaurant, communal onsen bathing and a rural mountain atmosphere.
Nearby highlights include Yatsugatake Resort Outlet (about 10 minutes), Fujimi Kogen Ski Resort (about 15 minutes), Yatsugatake‑Chushinkogen Quasi‑National Park, plus hiking and winter skiing options.
Public transport is limited locally; the easiest options are train plus the resort shuttle or taxi, though driving is convenient since free on‑site parking (and some EV charging) is available.
Check‑in is from 15:00 and check‑out is by 11:00; contact the property ahead of arrival for shuttle pickup details or special arrival instructions.
Cottages are rented as private units and some have private open‑air baths, but the main onsen is communal; pets are not allowed at this property (a separate dog‑friendly Izumigo option exists), and there is an on‑site restaurant and gift shop with supermarkets/convenience stores located in nearby Kobuchizawa.