Hotel Heian
7,1/10 Very good - Based on 20 reviews
Hotel Heian sits in the Isawa Onsen district of Fuefuki, Yamanashi, framed by a traditional Japanese garden and a tributary of the Fuefuki River. The property presents a classic ryokan atmosphere across mostly Japanese‑style rooms, and it advertises on‑site hot spring facilities including a large public bath, an open‑air outdoor bath and a whirlpool/jacuzzi; guests can expect round‑the‑clock access to bathing in many seasons. This ryokan with onsen blends simple, tatami‑based accommodation with communal bathing that reflects the local onsen culture rather than private in‑room spring baths.
Guest rooms are described as traditional and functional: futon layouts for multi‑person arrangements, seating areas, air conditioning and basic in‑room conveniences such as a flat‑screen TV and small refrigerator. Dining focuses on seasonal Japanese cuisine with multi‑course kaiseki options that highlight produce from the Koshu region; meal service is offered in dedicated dining spaces rather than prepared solely as takeaway. On the service side the property lists amenities typical for the category — a staffed front desk, room service, on‑site bar and free Wi‑Fi — and offers parking for guests arriving by car.
Practically, the hotel is positioned within easy reach of Fuefuki town centre and Isawa’s onsen cluster, making it a convenient base for exploring nearby wineries, shrine sites and the broader Yamanashi landscape. The property notes standard check‑in and check‑out arrangements and accepts reservations for group and individual stays; its combination of garden views, communal hot spring facilities and traditional rooms suits travellers seeking an authentic regional ryokan experience in Yamanashi rather than an urban Kyoto setting.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Heian
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen (hot springs) experience
Multiple guests praised the onsen — large indoor and outdoor baths with attractive natural features, sometimes private use, and several reviewers called it a highlight or the best onsen they experienced.
Traditional, historic atmosphere and rooms
Reviewers appreciated the hotel's historic character and traditional Japanese rooms with vintage details (old-style telephone, classic safe, balcony sink), which many found charming and authentic.
Helpful and attentive staff
Staff were described as available and helpful, answering questions and providing attentive service during breakfasts and evening meals.
Meals and dining service praised by some
Several guests enjoyed the evening meal and breakfast served by pleasant staff; traditional dinner and breakfast options were available and considered a positive feature by many.
Nice facilities and convenient location
Guests liked the lobby feature (koi pond and waterfall), on-site vending machines and small shop selling local goods, and the hotel's setting on a popular hot-springs street (cherry-blossom timing noted as a plus).
Negative Reviews
Aging property and visible wear
Multiple reviews noted the hotel is old and in need of renovation or fresh paint; some rooms were described as a bit shabby despite being clean.
Occasional cleanliness and maintenance problems
Specific issues reported included a very smelly elevator and isolated reports of dirty toilets or wet, untidy areas in changing rooms—sometimes caused by other guests but still affecting the stay.
Food quality and timing concerns
A few guests reported problems with the meal service (for example dessert arriving immediately after starting dinner) and dissatisfaction with some food items (notably the rice).
Disruptions from other guests
Noise and poor manners from groups (e.g., loud behavior in the open-air bath, towels left around) disturbed at least one guest’s onsen experience and led them to leave the area.
Unclear communication about extras and bookings
Guests mentioned unclear information about how to reserve breakfast and that drinks offered at dinner may be charged without prior notice, causing frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are mainly Japanese-style with futons; many room types accommodate up to four guests (four futons), and twin and triple layouts are also offered.
Yes — the property offers communal hot spring baths including indoor and open-air facilities and a jacuzzi for guest use.
Private reserved onsen bookings are not listed as a standard option; bathing facilities are communal rather than bookable private baths.
There is no regular airport shuttle advertised; guests typically arrive by train or car and can contact the property directly to ask about any private transfer options.
The nearest station is JR Isawa-Onsen (about 1 km); the closest major airports are Haneda (around 130 km) and Narita (around 180 km), reachable by public transport and regional trains.
Staff offer basic English assistance at the front desk, but much of the signage and some materials may be primarily in Japanese — contact the hotel in advance if you need extra language help.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese meals, often multi-course kaiseki-style dinners using local ingredients; breakfast availability can vary by room rate or plan, so confirm at booking.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 (often until early evening) and check-out is by 10:00; if you expect to arrive late, notify the property in advance as after-hours check-in may not be available.
Pets are not permitted. Bookings of more than five rooms may have special conditions, and the property typically does not provide extra rollaway beds or baby cots — please confirm before arrival.
Hotel Heian sits in the Isawa Onsen area with local wineries, footbaths and restaurants within walking distance; popular day-trip sites such as the Fuji Five Lakes and Fuji-Q Highland are roughly 25–32 km away and reachable by train or car.