Tokiwa Hotel
9,5/10 Exceptional - Based on 58 reviews
Tokiwa Hotel sits in Yumura, Kofu, arranged around a 10,000-square-metre Japanese garden. The property has about fifty rooms across seven buildings: eleven cottage suites, an east wing of twelve rooms facing the Southern Alps, and a west wing of twenty-seven rooms with views of Mount Fuji. Many guest rooms retain tatami and wooden finishes that reflect the hotel's history; a detached pavilion was built for an imperial visit and communal spaces foreground seasonal garden vistas.
Bathing centres are organised around "Shingen-no-yu", the local Yumura onsen tradition, and the hotel provides communal hot-spring facilities including indoor baths and an open-air onsen beside the garden. The mineral-rich water is offered in calm, wood-lined bathing rooms with terraces and changing areas; public baths are scheduled to preserve privacy and order. For travellers seeking classic bathing culture, Tokiwa functions as a ryokan with onsen in Kofu, where soaks are framed by garden views and traditional architecture.
Cuisine highlights seasonal Yamanashi produce—mountain vegetables, fruit and river fish—served in traditional dining rooms, private booths or as in-room meals for some room types. The hotel accommodates small events in dedicated function spaces and offers on-site parking and guest services geared to regional sightseeing, with views toward Mount Fuji and easy access to nearby cultural sites. Positioned as a refined base for exploring the prefecture, Tokiwa presents itself as a ryokan with onsen in Yamanashi for visitors who value gardens, regional cuisine and restorative hot-spring bathing. Staff follow a service style rooted in omotenashi, attentive but discreet.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tokiwa Hotel
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive service
Multiple guests highlight outstanding hospitality — staff are polite, welcoming and attentive, assist with parking and baggage, anticipate needs, and even mailed a forgotten charger to the guest’s next hotel.
Beautiful garden and memorable views (Mount Fuji)
Reviewers consistently praise the hotel’s gardens as a highlight and several mention spectacular views of Mount Fuji from rooms or the grounds, which added greatly to the experience.
Excellent onsen and in-room hot spring bath options
Guests report the onsen facilities are immaculate, deeply relaxing and well maintained; some rooms include private in‑room hot spring baths that were described as amazing.
High-quality dining (breakfast and dinner)
Many reviews note exceptional Japanese meals — breakfast and dinner described as refined and generous, with private dining booths and thoughtful extras (complementary wine/tea, evening snacks) that enhanced the stay.
Clean, comfortable and well-appointed rooms
Guests describe rooms as very clean, spacious (in many cases newly remodeled and comfortable) and well equipped with amenities, contributing to a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.
Negative Reviews
Some bathrooms and fixtures feel dated
A few guests observed older-style bathrooms or fixtures (for example, showers requiring handheld use) that break the otherwise polished feel of the property.
Room size and storage issues in certain room types
At least one guest found a booked suite to be smaller than expected with limited space for luggage and inefficient cupboard/storage layout.
Limited English spoken by some staff
One review noted limited English ability among most staff, which could make communication harder for non-Japanese-speaking guests.
Not ideal for public-transport access
A guest mentioned the property is not easily reachable by public transport, though taxis are said to work well and are reasonably priced.
Seasonal/facility limitations (onsen temperature and timed facilities)
Minor operational issues were reported: the onsen can feel very hot in summer, and another guest mentioned limited time availability to use a banquet room — small constraints on otherwise positive facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Capacity depends on the room type; some rooms are for two while family or larger rooms are available. Please check the specific room description when booking for exact maximum occupancy.
Yes — the property offers on-site hot spring facilities including indoor and open-air public baths for guests. Bathing etiquette (no tattoos, wash before entering) applies as in most Japanese onsen.
Private or reserved baths are not guaranteed for all bookings; some room types may include a private open-air bath. Contact the hotel in advance to request private-use options and availability.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the nearest major airports are a long drive away. The usual route is train to Kofu Station followed by a local bus or taxi to the Yumura Onsen area; contact the hotel to arrange a pick-up if needed.
Staff primarily speak Japanese and can assist in English to a reasonable extent. For detailed language support or special requests, notify the hotel before arrival.
Expect traditional ryokan elements: onsen bathing, Japanese-style meals served in the hotel’s restaurants, and a mix of tatami and Western-style rooms depending on your booking. The atmosphere emphasizes local hospitality and regional cuisine.
The hotel is located in Kofu/Yumura Onsen area with easy access to Kofu city sights such as Maizuru Castle Park, local wineries, and Shosenkyo Gorge; Fuji Five Lakes and Kawaguchi-area shrines are reachable by car. Ask reception for local recommendations and transit options.
Take the JR Chuo Line to Kofu Station, then use a local bus to the Yumura Onsen area or take a short taxi ride from the station. Local buses and taxis are the standard options for the final leg of the journey.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and the property asks guests to arrive by 19:00; check-out is by 11:00. If your arrival falls outside these times, notify the hotel in advance.
Pets are generally not permitted; please confirm with the hotel if you require an exception. The hotel has on-site restaurants for meals, and convenience stores/supermarkets are available in Kofu city near the station for additional shopping.