Yamagisi Ryokan
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 635 reviews
Perched on the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamagisi Ryokan presents a traditional Japanese inn experience with modern comforts, positioned as a ryokan with onsen in Yamanashi. The property operates multiple thermal bathing areas: a large observation bath on the top floor with direct lake views, several open-air baths including a garden bath and a cloud bath, and a private-group bathing room that can be reserved for up to eight people. Public baths are accessible from check-in to check-out, with routine cleaning closures, and the facility manages gendered bathing areas with scheduled rotations so guests can sample different pools; bath amenities and hair-drying stations are provided, and day-use bathing options are offered for non-resident visitors.
The hotel maintains 59 guest rooms combining classic tatami-style layouts and modern Japanese rooms, including lake-facing accommodations and at least one barrier-free room. Room fittings typically include a private shower and toilet, television, kettle and basic toiletries, plus yukata and slippers for in-house use. Practical services cover a free shuttle from the nearby station, on-site parking with EV charging, luggage storage, wheelchair rentals and a range of guest services such as massage and luggage delivery, which make the ryokan suitable for solo travellers, couples and families looking for easy access to the lake and local transport links.
Dining focuses on regional ingredients with seasonal menus that highlight local Yamanashi dishes alongside staples like stewed hoto and grilled specialities; meals are served in the dining room and private dining spaces are available for groups. The property also offers event facilities and banquet halls with large capacities, a souvenir shop stocking local crafts and beverages, and communal lounges including a café-salon and recreational options such as karaoke. Its lakeside location places guests a short walk from lakeside promenades, the ropeway viewpoints and other Mount Fuji-area attractions, making it a practical choice for those seeking a comfortable ryokan with onsen experience while exploring the Kawaguchiko area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
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Review summary for: Yamagisi Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Excellent lakeside location
Many guests praised the ryokan’s location facing the lake and close to the station and local facilities (ropeway, bike rental, restaurants, convenience store), calling it very convenient and tranquil.
Relaxing onsen with great views
The onsen was repeatedly highlighted as a major plus — indoor and outdoor baths, lakeside views from some baths/levels, alternating hours for genders, and an overall relaxing, traditional bathing experience.
Authentic Japanese rooms and comfortable futons
Reviewers liked the traditional tatami rooms, yukata and the authentic atmosphere. Several guests noted the rooms were spacious and futons very comfortable.
High-quality Japanese meals and attentive breakfast service
Multiple reviews mention excellent Japanese breakfasts and dinners of very high quality, with staff who served and explained meals attentively. Breakfast was often described as delicious and traditional.
Helpful services and useful amenities
Guests appreciated services such as shuttle rides to the station (on request), helpful staff assistance, an on-site shop, and easy access to activities like cycling around the lake.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent staff friendliness and limited English
Some guests reported unfriendly or curt staff interactions and noted limited English ability at reception and in explanations (onsen use, local directions), which caused confusion for non-Japanese speakers.
Cleanliness and maintenance concerns
A few reviews mentioned dustiness in rooms causing allergies, visibly aged common areas, and exterior onsen areas with exposed pipes or untidy elements that reduced the overall impression of upkeep.
Noise and poor soundproofing
At least one guest specifically pointed out poor sound insulation between rooms leading to disturbances.
Room layout and comfort issues for some guests
Problems reported included a cramped private shower located in the room entry rather than a full bathroom, occasional overheating/thermostat issues at night, and a few guests finding tatami/futon or folding beds stiff or less comfortable.
Pricing and dining availability concerns
Some guests felt the price was high for the offering; a few also experienced difficulty getting dinner (being told no dinner available) or felt breakfast portions/variety could be improved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard Japanese-style rooms use tatami and up to four futons, so they commonly accommodate up to four guests; families are welcome and children over 4 are charged as adults.
Yes — the ryokan has a public indoor bath and open-air (lake-view) onsen that the property lists as available 24 hours, with separate male/female facilities and rotating (alternating) usage times.
Yes — the ryokan provides a free shuttle to/from Kawaguchiko Station; guests are asked to phone the property when they arrive at the station to arrange pickup.
No direct airport shuttle is listed; most guests travel by train or highway bus to Kawaguchiko Station or by highway bus from Shinjuku, then use the ryokan’s free station shuttle.
The property provides information in English on booking platforms and staff assist international guests, but English may be limited for complex requests — contact the ryokan in advance for special needs or detailed assistance.
You’ll stay in Japanese-style rooms with tatami and futons, receive yukata to wear, and can enjoy Japanese breakfasts and multi-course dinners in the dining room, plus time in the onsen for a traditional bathing experience.
Yamagisi Ryokan sits on Lake Kawaguchi (about a one-minute walk), is roughly an eight-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station, and is a convenient base for Fuji-Q Highland, local museums, the ropeway, and drives to Mount Fuji’s 5th station (about one hour by car).
Take a highway bus or train from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko, then either walk about eight minutes or use the ryokan’s free pickup from Kawaguchiko Station after you call them on arrival.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and the stated arrival window runs until 21:00; check-out is by 10:00 — notify the ryokan if you expect to arrive after the listed hours.
The property’s public materials do not list private onsen reservations and pets are not permitted on site; there is a supermarket very close by (about a one-minute walk) for supplies, and the ryokan can advise on private-use options if you contact them directly.