La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko Review: Is This the Best Hotel Near Mt. Fuji?

Location & Access: La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko

La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko offers a peaceful setting away from the busier areas of town, making it a lovely base for exploring the Fuji Five Lakes. Here’s what you need to know about its location and the best ways to get there.

Where is La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko?

La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko is located in the resort town of Fujikawaguchiko, in the heart of the Fuji Five Lakes region of Yamanashi Prefecture.

Set on a hillside overlooking Lake Kawaguchiko, the hotel offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding scenery.

While there aren’t as many amenities (like restaurants and shops) immediately nearby, the setting is ideal for a quieter, more relaxing stay.

Plus, you’ll find plenty of dining and shopping options, along with many of the area’s most notable attractions, just a short drive away.

🌟 Prefer to stay closer to town? Check out my guide on where to stay in Kawaguchiko to compare the best areas and find the right accommodations for your trip!

How to Get to La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko

Getting to La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko is actually much easier than you might think! 

That’s because the hotel lies just a short drive from the town’s main transit hub, Kawaguchiko Station.

• From Tokyo: You can travel directly to Kawaguchiko via the Fuji Excursion Limited Express train or by highway bus.
• From Osaka or Kyoto: You can take the Shinkansen to Mishima Station, then transfer to a local bus bound for Kawaguchiko.

Once you arrive at Kawaguchiko Station, you can either hail a taxi, take the local bus, or hop aboard the hotel’s complimentary shuttle. 

The shuttle, which runs throughout the day, is a great option – just be sure to contact the hotel in advance to make a seat reservation.

Alternatively, you can also rent a car for your stay, which is what I actually recommend doing.

There are several car rental companies in Tokyo as well as Kawaguchiko, and the hotel offers free parking – which is a nice bonus.

We ended up driving from Haneda Airport to the hotel and found the journey surprisingly easy. 

Having our own car also gave us the freedom to travel at our own pace and explore a bit more off the beaten path!

💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to rent a car, be sure to check the Japanese license requirements specific to your home country. For those traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and most European countries, an International Driver’s Permit is typically required.

The Guest Rooms at La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko

I found the guest rooms at La Vista to be surprisingly spacious and comfortable.

While the decor is admittedly a bit dated, everything is well-kept and thoughtfully maintained, which makes the rooms feel very welcoming.

We, personally, booked two double rooms with Fuji views and absolutely loved them.

Our rooms were quite large (especially by Japanese standards) and included a separate lounge area with a couch, fireplace, TV, sink, and a small refrigerator.

In addition to this, there was a designated little entryway, a separate bathroom, and of course, the star of the show – a balcony facing Fuji-san with its own private bath. 

The views from here were absolutely phenomenal, and well worth every penny we spent.

The Amenities at La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko

Beyond its comfortable guest rooms, La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko also offers a variety of on-site amenities.

The major highlight, of course, is the hotel’s public onsen, which features a mix of indoor and outdoor hot springs with views of Mount Fuji.

While the main public baths here are separated by gender, there are also four private baths, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We actually didn’t end up using the onsen facilities during our stay, because we had access to private open-air baths right on our balconies.

However, I did hear great things about them – so they’re definitely a noteworthy option, especially if you don’t have access to a bath in your own room.

That said, we did make good use of the hotel’s lounge, which offered floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Mount Fuji.

The lounge was a particularly nice place to relax between outings, and we enjoyed taking advantage of the complimentary drinks offered throughout the day. 

They had coffee available all day, as well as free wine in the afternoon.

In addition to this, the hotel also offers a full-service spa and a cute little gift shop.

💡 Pro Tip: Like most onsens in Japan, the one at La Vista prohibits the use of clothing (even bathing suits aren’t allowed). So, if you feel uncomfortable soaking around strangers, I recommend booking a private bath instead! 

The Food at La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko

Food is another highlight at La Vista, with the hotel’s Restaurant Petit Poche serving a mix of Japanese and Western cuisine.

In the mornings, they offer an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast that includes a variety of savory and sweet goodies.

We actually ate here on our last morning, and I was really happy with the selection.

There’s definitely plenty to choose from whether you’re in the mood for a traditional Asian breakfast or something a little more familiar.

Meanwhile, for dinner, guests can choose between a seasonal eight-course Western meal or a traditional teppanyaki experience.

And if that’s not enough, the restaurant also offers complimentary ramen every night from 10:30–11:00 pm.

💡 Pro Tip:  If you plan to dine at the hotel, be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time. Reservations are required for dinner as seating is limited. The teppanyaki experience, in particular, must be booked at least 3 days in advance.

The Service at La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko

I have nothing but positive things to say about the service at La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko.

Everyone that I encountered during my stay here was very friendly, attentive, and quick to respond.

Before I even arrived, I emailed the hotel with a few questions, and they replied right away.

What’s more, they have English-speaking staff on hand, which is incredibly helpful for those of us who don’t speak Japanese!

🌟 Need help planning the rest of your trip? Be sure to check out my Fuji Five Lakes itinerary and my guide to the best views of Mount Fuji for more ideas on what to do during your stay!

The Views at La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko

As I’ve already mentioned, the views at La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko were one of my favorite parts of our stay.

From our rooms, we had beautiful panoramas of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko, and I loved that we could enjoy the scenery right from our private balconies.

But the views weren’t just limited to the guest rooms. We could also see Mount Fuji from the lobby, the restaurant, and even the parking lot!

And many times, we had these spaces all to ourselves, which, as they say, is the cherry on top.

That said, I do feel it’s important to mention the weather, which can have a big influence on visibility.

Even though La Vista is in a great location, views here can still become obstructed by clouds and fog – sometimes for a few minutes, a few hours, or even an entire day.

We were lucky to have great visibility during our stay, but there’s obviously no guarantee you’ll have the same experience. 

So, just keep that in mind and practice some patience. The views will inevitably come and go – but since you’re staying overnight, chances are you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of Fuji-san at some point!

💡 Pro Tip: Statistically speaking, the best months to view Mount Fuji are from November to February. However, we visited La Vista in June and had incredible visibility. It really all just comes down to timing and luck!

Is La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko Right for You?

While I personally loved my stay at La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko, not every traveler is looking for the same experience. So, let’s break down who La Vista is perfect for (and who might want to look elsewhere).

➡️ Is La Vista the right fit for you? Check rates and availability here!

Tips for Booking Your Stay at La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko

To help you make the most of your stay, here are a few tips to keep in mind when booking a room at La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko!

• Book Your Stay Early: La Vista is a popular hotel that tends to book up quickly, especially during peak travel times (think fall and cherry blossom season). So, be sure to book your stay early to secure your preferred room and dates! 
• Consider Booking Off-Season: If budget is a concern, consider staying here during the off-season. Prices can be lower during the rainy season (especially in June and early July). Booking during the week as opposed to the weekend can also help reduce costs!
• Choose a Room with a View: Not all of the guest rooms here have views of Mount Fuji. So, be sure to book a room with a view if you’d like to take advantage of the scenery!
• Stay 2 Nights or More: To fully enjoy all that the hotel has to offer – and to maximize your chances of seeing Mt. Fuji – I recommend staying at least two nights here. This also gives you more time to explore Lake Kawaguchiko and the surrounding area!
• Reserve Your Meals & Shuttle Bus In Advance: There’s limited seating in the restaurant and on the shuttle bus! So, be sure to book your spots early to avoid any last-minute hassle or disappointment.

➡️ Ready to book your stay at La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko? Reserve your room here!