Isawa Tokiwa Hotel
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 29 reviews
Isawa Tokiwa Hotel presents a quietly traditional hospitality in the Isawa Onsen area of Fuefuki, offering a blend of tatami-style rooms and Western-style accommodation framed by mountain views. The property centres on its hot-spring facilities: large communal baths, an open-air bath and selected guest rooms fitted with hot-spring baths for private use, positioning the property as a ryokan with onsen in Yamanashi for travellers seeking a restorative stay. Public areas include a small shop, relaxation and massage options, and elevator access to upper floors for ease of movement.
Guest rooms range from classic Japanese layouts to twin and family configurations, many appointed with tea-and-coffee facilities, refrigerators and private bathrooms; some room categories feature an in-room hot-spring bath for secluded soaking, so the hotel also functions as a ryokan with private onsen in Fuefuki. Practical amenities reported on site include free on-site parking, an electric vehicle charger, free Wi‑Fi and a shuttle service to the nearest station; the property accommodates families and offers accessible rooms and facilities for guests requiring mobility support.
Dining emphasises local Yamanashi ingredients and seasonal kaiseki-style courses with regional specialties incorporated into set menus, alongside a morning meal service tailored to guests. Reception and front‑desk services manage check‑in from the mid‑afternoon and check‑out by mid‑morning, and staff can assist with local sightseeing, onsen-use guidance and arrangements for nearby activities such as vineyard visits and mountain walks. The hotel’s combination of communal bathing, private in-room springs and locally focused cuisine makes it a convenient base for exploring central Yamanashi.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Isawa Tokiwa Hotel
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff and service
Multiple reviewers praised the staff’s friendliness, helpfulness and thoughtful service (e.g., valet/parking assistance, delivering desserts to rooms, helping with station transport), creating a welcoming, heartful atmosphere.
High-quality, plentiful meals (especially beef dishes)
Guests repeatedly highlighted delicious and generous meals—notably Kōshū beef, shabu‑shabu, sashimi and substantial breakfasts—often served as kaiseki-style courses rather than buffet, which many preferred.
Relaxing onsen and bathing experience
The hot springs were described as excellent (comfortable temperature, clear water, attractive crystal feature), with extras like free ice cream after bathing that guests enjoyed and found relaxing.
Well‑maintained traditional building and comfortable rooms
Although an older property, reviewers noted good upkeep and cleanliness, comfortable beds (for many), well‑equipped rooms and quality towels/amenities; some liked room features such as baskets for trips to the bath.
Convenient location and extra amenities
Guests appreciated the hotel’s convenient location (near convenience store and supermarket, access to a golf practice range), additional services like massages and leisure options (table tennis), and nearby facilities that enhanced the stay.
Negative Reviews
Privacy concerns in some bathing areas
A few guests reported that the changing area or sightlines at one of the outdoor baths felt exposed (visible from outside) and suggested simple screening (blinds/partitions or frosted glass) to improve privacy.
Shower usability and fixture placement
Several reviewers mentioned practical issues in the bath area—shower hooks were placed only low on the wall or the shower head was too low—making hair washing and use less convenient.
Outdoor bath size and nearby pool detract from views
Some guests felt the open‑air/rotenburo was smaller than expected, and one review noted an adjacent unattractive pool that detracted from the overall view.
Occasional service inconsistencies and limited wine selection
While service was generally praised, a few reviewers noted instances of staff training gaps or overly formal interactions, and one pointed out a limited wine selection despite being in a wine region, which felt like a missed opportunity.
Comfort and minor maintenance issues (pillow/mattress, insects, broken items)
A few guests experienced discomfort with pillow height or mattress firmness; there were isolated reports of mosquitoes in the lobby and a broken glass presented at dinner—small maintenance or comfort issues to address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single and twin to larger Japanese-style rooms; some deluxe rooms can accommodate up to seven guests and the hotel has 58 rooms in total.
The hotel features a large communal bath, an outdoor hinoki open-air bath, private family baths, and some rooms include private hot-spring baths using Isawa Onsen water.
Tattoos are allowed in private baths and in-room onsen; public-bath access may be restricted, so check with reception if you have visible tattoos.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the nearest station is Isawa-Onsen Station and the hotel can advise on local buses and taxis—contact the hotel to request station pickup if needed.
The nearest major airports are Tokyo Haneda and Narita; travel from Tokyo to Isawa Onsen typically takes about 2–3 hours by train or car, plus a short taxi or bus from Isawa-Onsen Station to the hotel.
English-language support is limited; staff can handle basic requests but guests with specific needs should contact the hotel in advance or use a translation app.
The hotel serves multi-course kaiseki dinners and local-style breakfasts highlighting Yamanashi ingredients such as Kōshū beef, with options for dining-room or in-room service and advance accommodation for food allergies if notified.
The hotel sits in Isawa Onsen town near vineyards and fruit orchards, with easy day trips to Kofu city, local wineries and the Mount Fuji area including attractions like Fuji-Q Highland.
Check-in is generally from 15:00 (last check-in around 19:00) and check-out is typically by about 10:00; please confirm exact times with the hotel or your booking.
Private family baths and in-room hot-spring baths can be reserved; pets are generally not accepted so confirm with the hotel, and there are convenience stores and supermarkets in Isawa Onsen town—ask reception for directions.