Wakamizusou
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 437 reviews
Set in the Fujikawaguchiko Onsen‑kyo district near Lake Kawaguchi, Wakamizusou is presented as a modest ryokan with onsen that blends traditional tatami accommodation with straightforward modern amenities. The property highlights an on‑site hot spring bath and a sauna alongside a compact restaurant and bar, and it offers practical services such as free parking, a shuttle serving the Kawaguchiko area and complimentary Wi‑Fi, making it a convenient base for short stays focused on the Mount Fuji lakefront.
Guest rooms are described as simply furnished and air‑conditioned, equipped with common conveniences like a kettle, fridge, wardrobe and flat‑screen TV; some room categories reference shared bathroom arrangements rather than en suite facilities. Spa offerings are communal rather than private in‑room, with sauna use and optional massage or spa services noted, and there is no consistent listing of private onsen baths attached to individual rooms. On‑site dining provides Japanese‑style meals in a restaurant setting and a small bar for evening refreshments.
Located within walking distance or a short shuttle ride of the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, lakeside viewpoints and the local amusement area, the ryokan with onsen in Yamanashi positions guests for efficient sightseeing around Lake Kawaguchi and easy connections at Kawaguchiko station. Its compact on‑site spa facilities and practical transport options suit travellers seeking a traditional, service‑focused ryokan experience tailored to day trips and outdoor activities around Mount Fuji, rather than a high‑service luxury retreat.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Wakamizusou
Positive Reviews
Very good onsen and spa facilities
Many guests praised the onsen as relaxing and enjoyable; reviewers mentioned pleasant baths, a sauna, long opening hours and overall a rejuvenating experience.
Excellent location near the lake and transport
Numerous reviews highlighted the ryokan’s convenient location — a short walk to the lake, close to the station, ropeway/telepherique and bus stops — making it easy to explore the area.
Authentic Japanese atmosphere and rooms
Guests appreciated the traditional setting: tatami rooms, futons, yukata/noren and a cosy, authentic ryokan ambiance that enhances the stay.
Helpful staff and useful services (shuttle, bikes)
Several reviewers noted friendly, accommodating hosts who provide station pickups and extra help; on-site bike rentals (including e-bikes) and occasional shuttle service were valued for sightseeing convenience.
Good on-site restaurant and nearby bakery
The restaurant attached to the property received positive mentions for quality, and a nearby French bakery was repeatedly noted as a convenient and appreciated option.
Negative Reviews
Futons/mattresses can be uncomfortable or thin
Multiple guests reported that the floor mattresses/futons felt thin or lacking in comfort compared with expectations, affecting sleep for some visitors.
Noise and limited soundproofing in places
Some reviews reported issues with noise (street or neighboring rooms) and only moderate insulation, which disturbed a few guests.
Limited dining/breakfast options
Several guests noted there is no regular breakfast service or traditional meal included; the downstairs restaurant can require advance booking, so dining choices are somewhat limited for walk-ins.
Minor maintenance and lighting annoyances
A few guests mentioned small issues such as a smoke-detector light shining at night, an entrance/chamber light not working and air-conditioning that turned off automatically, which caused inconvenience.
Occasional brief or cold service experiences
While many praised the hosts, a minority felt staff interactions were curt or not especially warm, and one guest noted an unattended used tea bag in the tea set — indicating occasional lapses in hospitality/detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan offers Japanese-style rooms (up to four futons), twin and double rooms and a family room; no extra beds are available and children aged six and older are accepted.
Yes; the property has a communal hot‑spring bath (onsen) and a sauna for guests to use.
There is a free shuttle service to/from Kawaguchiko Station on request; airport transfers are not listed, so most guests arrive by train or highway bus to Kawaguchiko then use the shuttle or walk.
Take the highway bus or train to Kawaguchiko Station (roughly 1.5–2 hours from central Tokyo), then use the property’s shuttle or walk about 10–15 minutes to the ryokan.
Staff provide English assistance and can help with basic directions and requests.
Expect tatami rooms with futon bedding, yukata/kimonos for onsen use, communal hot‑spring bathing and Japanese‑style meals in the on‑site dining area.
Kachi‑Kachi Ropeway (Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway), Lake Kawaguchi and Fuji‑Q Highland are all within a short walk or a short drive, with multiple Mount Fuji viewpoints nearby.
Standard check‑in is between 14:00 and 22:00 and check‑out is between 06:00 and 10:00; the ryokan asks guests to provide an expected arrival time.
Private onsen rentals are not advertised and the baths are generally communal; the property does not list pet facilities, so contact the ryokan to confirm pet policy; convenience stores and bakeries are within walking distance.
Yes — Dining & Bar Cooliya operates on site serving Japanese and some European dishes; guests frequently recommend reserving dinner in advance as the restaurant can get busy.