Ooike Hotel — Hotel in Fujikawaguchiko

We had 2 nights accom at Oike. I paid a bit extra for a room on 4F with guaranteed views of Fuji, kaiseki dinner and private onsen for both nights.

SERVICE - Was amazing from start to finish. We had driven from Tokyo where the hotel had plenty of parking bays. A staff member was there to greet and escort us/our luggage to the hotel. Upon arriving at reception, we were seated in the lounge area where we could help ourselves to unlimited juice and coffee whilst awaiting for the next available English speaking staff to check us in. Upon checking in, the receptionist had also reconfirmed our booking times for both dinners and private onsen that I had requested in advance, plus gave us a map to indicate where the key areas are in the hotel. She wrapped up by saying any issues or questions at all, to just come to the reception and they would be more than happy to help.

ROOM - Although it is a slightly worn down, is very clean and neat. We were after a more traditional Japanese room with futons so it did tick our boxes in that sense. The views of Fuji from 4F - just wow. We would purposely wake up before sunrise just to take in the views from our room.

FOOD - Breakfast buffet was a blend of both Western and Asian varieties. It was the best buffet breakfast I had in my 4 weeks of travels in Asia. Dinner on both nights we had 2 different kaiseki sets - both delicious. Ingredients were very fresh and the staff were great with ensuring minimal wait times between dishes.

PRIVATE ONSEN - we booked these as hubby has large tattoos. The hotel has two private onsens, one round & the other rectangle. Our sessions were an hour each and the onsen came with a dressing room with your typical amenities (hairdryer, additional towels etc) and a large clock on the wall so you can keep on time. The round onsen is a lot smaller, so only suited for 2 people.

To summarise, though the rooms may be slightly old, there are so many other wins (location, views, food, service) that outweigh this for me personally. If you are after views, best to book in floors 4F & above. Overall based on my experience, I would book another stay here in...

Staff are generally nice and helpful. Most of them can be communicated with English which makes our stay easier. There are two hot spring site inside the hotel with one on the ground floor (1/F) and one on the top floor (5/F). One thing to note is there is no towel provided inside the hot spring changing room. You have to bring the towel inside your room to the hot spring site - and bring it back to your room if you plan to enjoy the hot spring 2nd time. This arrangement is not familiar for me as when I visited other hotel, they usually have more than enough towel for replacement at the changing room. There is a room for kids to play and stay and it is great from family with kids. My kids also enjoy the welcome food very much (lots of donuts and cookies!) The dinner for my package was Kaiseki-style. Since me and my family stayed for two nights, it is good that they have designed different meals for two nights! The beef is great I have to say. The staff will try their best to briefly introduce what the dishes were. We have the dinner in the restaurant so it may be a bit crowd and noisy to some people. From other tables I can see there is option for hotpot or even crabs! Re-checked with hotel's official web-site there are more choice on the dinner menu. Regarding the dinner menu choice, I did not find it when I order through Trip.com (maybe my bad), so it will be better if Trip.com can optimize the website outlook to make it more noticeable (I think this opinion applied to all other similar type Japanese hotel which provide high quality dinner).When you arrive Kawaguchiko train/bus station, you can go to the Tourist center there (just turn right when you leave the station, it is at another building) and ask the staff there help to call the hotel for the pick-up. Similary, when you check-out, you can talk with the front-desk staff and arrange the shuttle-bus back to...

Our recent stay at Hotel Ooike has redefined our expectations for traditional Japanese hospitality. A seasoned traveller to various onsen ryokans, this establishment stands out as one of the best, offering an unparalleled blend of serene ambience, attentive service, and breathtaking views.||||The journey began with a picturesque drive from Narita Airport, and the convenience of free parking immediately set a positive tone for our stay. As we arrived, the hotel staff, seemingly anticipating our arrival, was already waiting to assist with our luggage and swiftly check our booking status. This attention to detail continued throughout our stay, leaving us thoroughly impressed.||||The warm welcome extended beyond the lobby, with complimentary drinks setting the stage for a delightful stay. Our dining experiences were nothing short of exceptional; from a delectable dinner to a hearty breakfast, each meal showcased the culinary expertise of the kitchen staff. The attention to presentation and using locally sourced ingredients added an extra layer of authenticity to the dining experience.||||The true highlight, however, was the onsen itself. The calming waters provided the perfect respite, and the panoramic view of Mount Fuji elevated the experience to a tranquillity that is hard to match. The attention to cleanliness and the thoughtful design of the bathing facilities further enhanced our relaxation.||||Choosing a traditional tatami room proved to be a wise decision. The spacious room and the surprising addition of a separate shower room added comfort and convenience. The thoughtful touches like these set Hotel Ooike apart, making the stay enjoyable and exceptional.||||This hidden gem is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic onsen experience with a touch of modern comfort. We eagerly look forward to...