Rakuyu was a wonderful experience for us. One can't speak highly enough of the amazing views seen from the lobby and the rooms facing the lake. We thought it was absolutely the highlight of our stay. The staff was kind and it is very easy to reach the Kawaguchiko Station back and forth via a WhatsApp call. We also booked the private Onsen (for couples)which was an additional fee as the regular Onsen are seperated (male and female apart) and you can't enjoy them with a spouse. The view from the private Onsen are beautiful but the water were too warm for our liking so if you plan on taking the private Onsen be prepared to notify the staff if the water exceeds the proper temperature so you can fully enjoy the experience.

Unblocked view of Lake Kawaguchiko right from bed!!!! This is the main draw. Spacious room. Onsen - during our 4 day there - the most “crowded” was once at 8pm where I shared the onsen with 2 other ladies. Club access - drinks (alcohol & non alcohol drinks), small snacks available at 3-5pm; 5-730pm. We never tried the 3-5pm one but the evening snacks are pretty yummy - some cold dishes and usually 3-4 hot ones, we had tempura and karage on different nights. Breakfast is delicious. (See photo). Range of Japanese & western options - salad, fruit, pastries, eggs, Japanese rice & pickles, soup, grilled fish. Attentive hotel staff, speak English. Convenience - lots of tourist souvenir shops within 5 mins of hotel - each sells a slightly different range of cutesy items - tax free above 5,500 yen. Next to bus stop - red line. Hotel shuttle to train station. ~15 mins short stroll. Note : there is no view of Mount Fuji from hotel. Centrally located near lake Kawaguchiko, away from the train station crowds. Quiet. No bathtub in room but updated shower, double sinks and excellent Toto toilet in our room. You can choose the level of cleaning desired. As a moderate size hotel - there are fixed times for cleaning, shuttles, club access etc - as long as you are okay with it, it works well. Love the overall design, look and feel of hotel. It wasn’t too crowded when we were there and the hotel delivered as it promised. we had a relaxing time - just what we needed. Thank you, Rakuyu.

The steep slope leading up to hotel is true! Follow the scheduled hotel ferry if you don’t wish to do that climb or go by the other longer way. Stores close by 5-6pm and there will not be dinner options near hotel. The evening cocktails in hotel is adequate for snack but be prepared to taxi / venture out otherwise if you are looking for something more.

- Great Ambience - Hotel Lobby, Lounge, and both Western Room and Japanese Ryokan-Style Room with private bath - Sprawling Rooms - Spectacular View - Superb service - met in parking lot by 2 attendants who immediately took bags The entire experience from start to finish felt generous, impactful, and expansive. Even though we only saw Fuji peaking out for a short while in the morning, we found the entire stay freeing and relaxing.

- Lounge and breakfast dining experience could be a bit less frustrating, even if that means an extra fee. Lounge had some desirable, Instagram-worthy items like Sushi, but most items besides fries and hot dog sausages are set out in very limited quantities and at 30-minute intervals. I saw the Karaage being put out and thought I should get some after pouring myself a drink. The first two people grabbed all of it, so waited about 30 minutes before giving up and returning to my room. I recommend maybe having a few more decent hot items (other than french fries) that are replenished more generously. - The hotel is on quite a steep incline.

We liked so many things about this hotel!! Firstly, the staff were so incredibly helpful and kind, we felt very taken care of. There are no elevators in the building but we left our luggage there before coming back to check in and they had carried our 3 luggages up and into our room for us. They also have free shuttle transfers to and from Kawaguchiko station which was also great for us having 3 luggages! The location provides an incredible view of the lake from the rooms (which have huge windows so you can see) and the room was super spacious! We made use of the private bath which was so relaxing and overlooked the lake at night time. The location is also great, it’s a 15 min walk to the station and also very close to some little shops, restaurants and a Lawson by the lake. Walking around this neighbourhood was so peaceful and beautiful, we’ll definitely miss being here!

The only thing we didn’t enjoy was walking up the hill to get to the hotel, especially after a day hike summiting Mt Fuji! But you don’t get the gorgeous views without the hotel being up higher! No elevators - not much of an issue as they took our bags up for us but coming down also wasn’t the funnest

Although you cannot see Mt. Fuji, the view of Fujikawaguchiko is still marvelous. The public onsen offers the same stunning scenery. Additionally, the lounge provides unlimited food and drinks for guests. It's location is just next to the Ropeway is a plus.

Since the hotel is located at mid-level, the steep road leading to and from the hotel can be a bit intimidating, especially at night. Additionally, the private onsen closes a bit early.

Perfect stay.

The way to the hotel is indeed very steep. RECOMMENDATION: Take the way that passes Tenjoyamogokoku Shrine from the station to the hotel (this way will also be suggested by Google maps). It is walkable with suitcases, less steep and does not take longer.

The rooms and meals are very traditional Japanese with tatami mats and futons for sleeping on the floor. The rooms are spacious and have a great view of the Tawaguchiko Lake. The sunsets were beautiful. Our booking included the Japanese breakfast which was delicious, and substantial and energized us through our days of biking and hiking. There are several local restaurants nearby for lunch and dinner as well. While at the hotel, we opted for their Kaiseki Dinner one night. It was a 9-course meal that did not disappoint and included sashimi, vegetables, pickles, soup, Wagyu beef that you sear at the table, and a delicious eel and rice dish that is cooked at your table while you at other courses, all beautifully presented. We were quite full after this wonderful meal. Their service was all very gracious. There is a bike rental shop a short distance from the hotel which we took advantage of. The tram to the top of the mountain with a view deck to see Mt. Fuji is also a short walk away.

The hotel is on a hill overlooking the kawaguchiko Lake. It does not have a direct view of Mt. Fuji, but there is a short hike you can take to see the peak. The place is also right next to the cable car gate. Making it very convenient for travelers. The hotel offers free pick up and drop to the bus station to all guests. We loved the public and private baths they have. Plus, the complimentary tea and snack from 3-5pm and dinner from 5-7pm was very nice. Our room was 413, which is a massive Japanese style space overlooking the lake.

Nothing

The room was absolutely gorgeous with a view of the lake and tatami style beds on the floor. this included an open-air tub and shower. breakfast, tea and happy hour were also included and were all superb. we stayed in Japan for a month and this was by far the best place that we stayed. we had some rainy periods but also had a beautiful day that the sky cleared and all of mt. fuji was visible.

the hotel is up on a hill that provides great views but the only negative was getting up and down the hill. We saw this in other reviews but went into it anyway. The hotel will provide transportation up and down the hill if requested. there is a road/path that goes along in front of the hotel that will take you to another part of fujikawaguchiko. it means walking further if you just want to get down the hill but it is a better walk. the inconvenience of the hill is worth the stay.

Almost everything was perfect. We encountered a family emergency that had it so my family had issues with the accommodations of the hotel. The staff was more than happy to obliged to assist us and go above and beyond. The food they also provide was phenomenal. The best band for your buck. In terms of the onsen. I did both private and public; both exceptional but the views are amazing.

The hike to get to the hotel is a pain. If you have elderly with physical ability as well, consider that the hill is strenuous and also there's lack of elevator.