Hotel Sekitei
6,9/10 Good - Based on 289 reviews
Hotel Sekitei sits in the Isawa Onsen district of Fuefuki, Yamanashi, set around a traditional Japanese garden and low-rise buildings that open onto mountain views. The property presents a measured blend of classic ryokan elements — tatami-floored guest rooms, futon bedding options and suites with garden-facing windows — alongside practical amenities such as free on-site parking and all-day reception. Its location provides straightforward access to local wineries, seasonal fruit-picking experiences and regional sights including the Kawaguchiko area and other attractions around Mount Fuji, making it convenient for both short stays and multi-day explorations of Yamanashi.
The accommodation’s onsen facilities are a defining feature: the ryokan operates continuously supplied natural hot springs noted locally for a mild alkaline composition and skin-softening qualities, delivered through large indoor panorama baths and outdoor baths that frame the surrounding hills. For greater privacy there is a rooftop hinoki (cypress) open-air bath offered as a reservable private onsen experience; separate public and open-air bathing areas are maintained and replacement of water is emphasized to preserve the spring’s character. Bathing amenities are complemented by a program of optional body and foot massages and a simple schedule for private-bath reservations.
Dining follows a regional seasonal approach, with multi-course Japanese meals that highlight Yamanashi ingredients and local sake selections served in dining spaces that respect ryokan etiquette. Rooms range from traditional Japanese-style to mixed layouts with tatami seating and western beds, and many include garden views; shared facilities include lounge space and basic entertainment options such as a small karaoke offering. Overall, Hotel Sekitei functions as a ryokan with onsen and as a ryokan with private onsen in Yamanashi, suitable for travelers seeking a straightforward onsen stay rooted in local hospitality.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Sekitei
Positive Reviews
High-quality dining (dinner and breakfast)
Several guests praised the food — dinner was described as good and special, while the breakfast buffet received repeated compliments for variety, local ingredients and healthy options.
Beautiful garden and koi pond
The property's garden, large pond and colorful koi were frequently mentioned as a highlight; families enjoyed feeding the fish and taking photos, and some rooms offer pleasant garden views.
Relaxing onsen experience
Many reviewers noted the baths and onsen as a strong point — described as lovely, very good, and a relaxing feature that contributed to a calm atmosphere.
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple comments emphasized polite and helpful staff, with good customer service and welcoming reception reported by guests.
Traditional, comfortable rooms
Guests appreciated the traditional Japanese rooms and sleeping on futons; several reviews mentioned rooms being clean and comfortable, contributing to an overall relaxing stay.
Negative Reviews
Aged property and need for renovation
Numerous reviewers reported that the building and interiors feel old or dated, citing worn carpets, peeling paint, damaged sliding doors (fusuma) and general signs of age that suggest renovation is needed.
Cleaning and maintenance problems in bathing areas
Some guests reported cleanliness issues in the baths (dirty chairs, slimy floor surfaces) and maintenance concerns such as broken floorboards in the open-air bath area, indicating inconsistent upkeep.
Limited or low-quality in-room amenities
A few reviews noted that rooms lacked amenities or supplied basic/poor-quality bath products (shampoo, etc.), and some rooms had no toiletries provided as expected.
Location and accessibility issues
At least one reviewer found the hotel too far from the station and reliant on taxis, which may be inconvenient for guests without private transport.
Bath capacity, size and scheduling constraints
Some guests mentioned the ofuro being small or shallow and noted restrictive gender-specific schedules for the rotenburo (timing that was inconvenient for certain guests).
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style and several room types can sleep up to five guests using futons; exact layouts vary so check the room description when booking.
Yes — the property features natural hot-spring baths including public indoor baths and an outdoor/rotenburo with mountain views; standard onsen rules (such as restrictions for visible tattoos) apply.
The ryokan is about a 5-minute drive from Isawa-Onsen Station; station pick-up or transfers are sometimes available on request — contact the property in advance to arrange pickup or airport transfer.
The nearest regional airport is Matsumoto (around 100 km); major airports (Haneda and Narita) are farther — the usual route is train to JR Isawa-Onsen Station followed by a short taxi or arranged pickup.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English may be limited, so note any special requests in advance or arrange assistance if you need detailed English support.
The stay is traditional with tatami rooms and futon bedding; the property offers hot‑spring bathing and Japanese-style meals (many rates include breakfast or half-board — confirm meal inclusions when you book).
The ryokan is in the Isawa Onsen area near local wineries and fruit-picking farms, and it offers convenient access by car to Kawaguchiko, Mount Fuji viewing spots and Fuji-Q Highland within driving distance.
Take the JR Chūō Line to Isawa-Onsen Station, then a short taxi ride of about five minutes or an arranged pickup to the ryokan.
Pets are not permitted on the property; private onsen use is not guaranteed — if you need a private bath, request it before arrival and the hotel will confirm availability.
There is on-site dining for breakfasts and scheduled meals, and the Isawa Onsen area has local restaurants, wineries and convenience stores a short drive away for additional shopping and dining.