Yamadaya Hotel
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 435 reviews
Set on the shore of Lake Shōji with direct views of Mount Fuji, Yamadaya Hotel is a compact, traditional property that presents a straightforward ryokan experience in Yamanashi. Guest rooms range from Japanese-style tatami rooms to mixed Japanese–Western layouts, and most are oriented toward the lake so the Fuji panorama features in the morning light. The property maintains practical facilities such as an on-site restaurant, a small shop and free parking, and its public areas and rooms emphasise local materials and a restrained, home-like atmosphere rather than modern luxury.
Bathing is a central element of the stay: the hotel operates a large public bath and an open-air bath that follow seasonal views, and guests can reserve a private open-air bath with a direct Fuji-and-lake outlook. The private bath is intended for family use and, like the public facilities, is managed with set hours and advance booking requirements to ensure access; callers are asked to reserve the private slot by phone before arrival. For travellers specifically searching for a ryokan with private onsen Yamanashi, this property combines a lakeside setting with both communal and bookable private bathing options.
Meals focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and are served in the dining room or brought to rooms on request, reflecting a regional cooking approach rather than a fixed menu style; the on-site restaurant carries the hotel’s name and offers multi-course, ingredient-led dishes. The hotel functions well as a base for exploring the Fuji Five Lakes area, with shore walks, nearby attractions and bus links to the Kawaguchiko transport hub; attentive, traditionally minded service and clear, simple facilities keep the emphasis on the landscape and the bathing experience at this ryokan with onsen Yamanashi.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yamadaya Hotel
Positive Reviews
Breathtaking Mount Fuji and lake views
Multiple reviewers praised exceptional, photogenic views of Mount Fuji and the nearby lake from rooms and the onsen, calling the location glorious and ideal for clear-day photography.
Warm, attentive family-run staff
Guests consistently noted very friendly, helpful and accommodating owners/staff who provide personal touches, clear explanations and a caring, family-like atmosphere.
Excellent traditional meals
Breakfasts and dinners were repeatedly described as delicious, generous and authentic Japanese cuisine; many recommend purchasing meal plans at check-in.
Great onsen experience (public and private)
Onsen facilities — both indoor/outdoor public baths and bookable private baths with views — were highlighted as very pleasant, included with stay and a major attraction.
Clean, traditional rooms in a peaceful setting
The ryokan’s traditional Japanese-style rooms were noted as spacious, comfortable and clean, offering a relaxed, authentic experience away from tourist crowds.
Negative Reviews
Remote location with limited public transport
Several guests warned the hotel is not well served by public transport — buses are infrequent, taxis may be unavailable — so travel requires careful planning or a car.
Limited restaurant alternatives and early dinner times
Reviewers reported few nearby dining options in the evening, early dinner schedules, and a costly single dinner option (one review mentioned a ¥5000 choice), leaving few alternatives if you miss service.
Some facilities are dated, especially bathrooms
Multiple comments mention that parts of the property, notably some bathrooms, feel old or in need of renovation, though many said this added charm and cleanliness was maintained.
Occasional utility and cleanliness issues
A few guests reported problems such as power cuts, no hot water and concerns about toilet cleanliness, and one noted there was no compensation offered by staff for an outage.
Confusion about included services and natural pests
A couple of reviews reported unclear communication about what was included (onsen/meal) and booking rules for private baths; outdoor setting also brings caution about ticks, spiders and mosquitos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are traditional Japanese-style; some rooms accommodate up to four guests using futons, and family rooms are available — indicate the exact number and ages of guests when booking.
Yes — the property offers public indoor and open-air hot-spring baths and also a reservable private open-air bath for family use; please contact the hotel to reserve a time slot.
There is no regular hotel shuttle from Kawaguchiko Station; guests normally arrive by local bus from Kawaguchiko Station, taxi, or by car.
The nearest regional airport is Shizuoka, though many visitors fly into Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) and transfer by train and bus to Kawaguchiko, then take a local bus to the hotel.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; they welcome international guests but English assistance may be limited, so contact the hotel in advance for specific language needs or arrangements.
Rooms offer views of Lake Shōji and Mount Fuji and are mainly Japanese-style with tatami floors and futon bedding; the stay emphasizes traditional meals and a calm, family-run atmosphere.
The ryokan sits on Lake Shōji with Mount Fuji views; nearby highlights include Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Motosu and Fuji-Q Highland, all reachable by short drive or local transport.
Take the Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station, then a local bus toward Motosu/Shoji and get off at the hotel stop; free on-site parking is available for guests who drive.
Pets such as small and medium dogs and small animals are allowed on request under specific conditions; please check the hotel’s pet policy and bring your pet’s supplies before arrival.
Yes, the ryokan offers seasonal Japanese meals in its restaurant and many reservations include breakfast and dinner options; confirm meal inclusion and any dietary requests when booking.