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You’re scrolling through gorgeous photos of Mount Fuji, imagining yourself soaking in a private onsen with that view —the one that’s been on your bucket list forever.
The travel buzz is real; you’re finally going to Japan!
But here’s the thing: booking an onsen ryokan near Mt Fuji can seriously damage your wallet, and not all of them are worth the splurge.
TLDR:
No time to read the whole article?
The best ryokan with private onsen in Mount Fuji is Maruei 🏅
Some cost a fortune and still give you the half-blocked Mount Fuji view. Others turn out to be $35-per-night “ryokan” knockoffs with a futon thinner than your shoe and a 10-minute suitcase drag uphill.
I’ve stayed at a few onsen ryokan across Japan—some during my recent trip, and a couple from years back—so I thought I had the onsen thing figured out.
But when I got to Mt Fuji? I booked a hotel instead. And honestly? I regret it.
I remember spending hours comparing listings, trying to figure out which ones were actually worth it. The photos were confusing, the prices were all over the place, and I didn’t want to waste money on a place that only looked good online.
So I made the guide I wish I had: a hand-picked list of Mt Fuji ryokan with private onsen that are worth the splurge.
I focused on what really matters when you’re cold, tired, and just want things to go smoothly.
Like not dragging your suitcase, knowing your onsen is actually private, and getting the kind of Fuji view you’ve been dreaming of.
While I haven’t stayed at every single ryokan on this list, I picked them based on hours of digging through real guest reviews, location perks, and service that people keep raving about.
My top pick? Maruei. For the Mt Fuji view, the relaxing private onsen bath, and the price, it’s the one I’d book without any second thoughts if I were going back!
At A Glance: Best Onsen Ryokan in Mount Fuji
- Maruei
- Kasuitei Ooya
- Konansou
- Onsenji Yumedono
- Shuhoukaku Kogetsu
If your idea of a perfect Mt Fuji holiday escape includes a private onsen with that iconic mountain view, gorgeous Lake Kawaguchiko scenery, traditional kaiseki meal, and free shuttle service without blowing your entire Japan travel fund, then you can stop scrolling.
Maruei checks all of these boxes!
Let’s start with the non-negotiables.
Maruei has Japanese-style rooms with private open-air bath, so you can soak in peace, in your own space, with Mt Fuji right in front of you.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with someone, it’s the kind of relaxing, stress-free experience that everyone needs, especially after a long day out.
If you’re traveling on a tighter budget or have visible tattoos, you can still reserve a private onsen for a fee without splurging on a room upgrade.
There’s even a rooftop observation deck for guests to admire the stunning view of Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko, so you can take unlimited selfies to your heart’s content (without fighting for a photo spot).
Travel tip: Go up just before sunrise or early morning for the clearest photos!
When it comes to food, this place delivers on every level. The traditional kaiseki dinner is a full experience: the host explains each dish as it’s served, and most guests rave about the food quality and the staff attentiveness.
Everything is awesome! The staff, the hotel/onsen, the view and the food…we miss the hotel as soon as we checked out. Everyone is SO nice and helpful at the hotel. The breakfast and dinner are so delicious. The view of Mount Fuji in our room is worth every penny.
-Joyce (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
And the moment I saw they offered a free shuttle, I was sold.
Because staying in a ryokan that has shuttle service makes your life instantly 10x better.
Forget about dragging your giant suitcases down the road or paying extra for a taxi. Just pass your bags to the driver and you are halfway closer to enjoying your well-deserved onsen soak!
If you’re driving, Maruei got you covered.
It also offers free parking, so whether you’re arriving by train or rental car, logistics are one less thing to stress about when you stay in this ryokan.
But here are their main downsides: The menu here is non-customisable.
A traditional kaiseki dinner usually includes both fish and red meat, so if you have dietary restrictions or strong preferences, the meal might not be the highlight for you.
Also, since Maruei is slightly tucked away, non-driving guests will need to walk about 15 minutes to reach the nearest convenience store or bike rental shop.
That’s worth keeping in mind if you’re traveling with kids or visiting during the colder months.
So if you want something that’s easier to access without a long walk or car, check out the ryokan.
| Pros ✅ | Cons 🚫 |
| Private onsen with Mt Fuji view (more privacy) | Menu is non-customisable so not ideal if you have dietary restrictions |
| Free shuttle service so no suitcase dragging or extra taxi cost | 15-minute walk to the nearest store, can be inconvenient in winter or with young kids |
| Free parking so 1 less logistical stress | |
| Kaiseki dinner (unique cultural Japanese experience) | |
| Unlimited selfie opportunities with Mt Fuji on rooftop deck | |
| Offers the full ryokan experience without luxury pricing (good value!) |
2. Kasuitei Ooya
If you’re traveling solo and still want that exotic oh-I-can-see-Mount-Fuji-from-my-room experience without the luxury price tag, Kasuitei Ooya is the one to bookmark.
Located near Lake Kawaguchiko and just a 5-minute drive from the train station, this ryokan offers rooms with stunning lake and Mt Fuji views.
This ryokan offers several room styles with cozy ambience, so you can pick according to your preference and budget.
Some rooms come with private onsen baths, so you can enjoy a relaxing soak in total privacy while taking in lovely lake scenery.
But if your budget doesn’t allow that, worry not, because you can still be bougie and reserve the private onsen for a fee!
If the iconic mountain view is on your must-have list, go for one of the room types with a Mt Fuji-facing window.
Even if your onsen doesn’t have the view, you’ll still catch that postcard-worthy glimpse right from your room.
Besides the public onsen baths, there are other chill perks like spa, karaoke room, small gym, and a laid-back garden to fill your downtime.
And if looking for food is your least favourite thing to do after waking up, you’ll be glad to have Kasuitei Ooya’s local breakfast ready for you.
The onsens at this Ryokan were outstanding! The location was great and easy to find. Plus, the breakfast had a great variety of food.
-Aniza (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Now here’s something you should definitely plan ahead: most restaurants nearby close after 5pm, so unless you want to eat cup noodles in your room, reserve the traditional kaiseki dinner with the ryokan.
Travel tip: Make sure to reserve the dinner early because it can fill up fast, especially in peak season!
One thing I really liked about Kasuitei Ooya? They offer free shuttle bus service, so you don’t have to shell out for a taxi or skip the entire luggage-hauling drama.
Trust me; it’s no fun, especially in winter when it’s frigging -1°C outside and everything gets wet, including your pants and shoes, as you haul your luggage along the snow-melting, ice-covered road. 🥶
And if you’re driving, Kasuitei Ooya’s free guest parking is one less thing to worry about.
Even better? If you feel like exploring, there are convenience store and bike rental shops just a few minutes’ walk from the ryokan, making it way more accessible if you’re not up for a 15-minute trek like at Maruei.
But the main downside? The building is a bit dated. While the experience is solid overall, Kasuitei Ooya isn’t as modern or polished as some of the newer ryokan options.
| Pros ✅ | Cons 🚫 |
| Rooms with Mt Fuji or lake views (more options at different price points) | Building is older, not as polished |
| Private onsen available (lake view) | No private bath with direct Mt Fuji view |
| Free shuttle (no taxi or luggage hauling drama) | Most restaurants nearby close after 5 PM |
| Free guest parking for those driving | |
| Convenience store and bike rentals within walking distance |
3. Konanso
Konanso is one of those rare gems with a review score over 9 on booking platforms, with nearly 3K reviews.
When you stumble upon a ryokan like this, you know the splurge might just be worth it!
This Mt Fuji ryokan with private onsen is in a super convenient location, within walking distance to the sightseeing cruise pier and the Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway.
Room wise, you will be spoilt by options.
It offers both cozy Western-style and traditional Japanese-style rooms, all equipped with comfy beds, toiletries, and yukata.
And yes, there are spacious rooms with open-air baths that look out directly at Mount Fuji, making it an ideal haven for introverts who just want to soak in peace and quiet.
Even better? There’s a footbath on the rooftop where you can warm your toes while admiring that breathtaking scenery of Mt Fuji!
The facility is in a great location. Breakfast was amazing and delicious. The onsens were relaxing. We were traveling with kids and had an amazing time. This was one of our favorite hotels during our stay in Japan. The rooftop had awesome views of Mt Fuji. We would definitely stay here again.
-Michael (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
You can also enjoy other self-pampering facilities at Konanso, such as getting spa, sauna, massage or having a dip in the public onsen.
For those who prefer eating comfortably in their room, you will be glad that Konanso offers in-room dinner service!
Plus, they are flexible in catering to your dietary preference for kaiseki dinner, so whether you’re a meat eater or a vegan, you won’t feel left out.
And of course, Konansou has a free round-trip shuttle service for its guests, which means you can skip the luggage-hauling stress altogether.
That said, the main downside is the price. A Japanese-style room with private open-air bath and lake view starts at around $500 per night!
It’s definitely not cheap but if having that iconic Mt Fuji soak has been on your bucket list forever, this might be the one worth splurging on.
| Pros ✅ | Cons 🚫 |
| Private open-air onsen with Mt Fuji view (great for introverts or privacy-first guests) | Pricey, rooms with a view and private onsen bath start around $500/night |
| Convenient location (walkable to cruise pier and ropeway) | |
| Footbath on rooftop (bonus Mt Fuji view without splurging on a room upgrade) | |
| Flexible with dietary preferences for kaiseki dinner (vegan/meat eaters welcome) | |
| Free round-trip shuttle service (no luggage hauling stress) | |
| Multiple ways to unwind with onsite spa, sauna, massage, and public onsen |
4. Onsenji Yumedono
If a luxury stay in Mount Fuji is on your bingo card this year, you really can’t go wrong with Onsenji Yumedono.
Located just 500 meters from Lake Kawaguchiko, this ryokan is tucked into a tranquil spot where the natural scenery does most of the talking.
Unlike some others on this list, every room here comes with its own private outdoor onsen, (yes, every single one) so you’ll feel like royalty from the moment you check in!
What really impressed me during my research was how many people mentioned the high level of service and staff attentiveness.
Nearly every review talks about how warm, attentive, and genuinely thoughtful the staff are. Even with the hefty price tag, most guests felt it was worth it for the experience alone.
I loved everything! The room, the amenities, and especially the staff. They treated you like royalty and made it their mission to make sure everything about your stay was perfect!! I’ve been to many nice, upscale resorts, and this stay was by FAR the best in almost every way.
-Sarah (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
While not all rooms face Mt Fuji and the private onsen baths don’t have direct views, some rooms do offer a glimpse of the majestic mountain.
Beyond the in-room onsen, you’ll also find relaxing extras at Onsenji Yumedono, including spa, sauna, and peaceful garden.
That means you can choose your preferred way to wind down after a full day of exploring!
And when it comes to the logistics? You’re covered.
Onsenji Yumedono offers free guest parking and shuttle service, so you can focus on relaxing instead of stressing over how to get there.
Breakfast and dinner are also served, so there’s no need to hunt down food or scramble for last-minute reservations.
But the downsides? While every room comes with a private outdoor onsen, not all of them offer a view of Mount Fuji.
The price is also on the steeper side, making this ryokan more of a luxury splurge.
So if you’re after a luxurious ryokan where the private onsen has Mount Fuji view, your next spot might be the better fit.
| Pros ✅ | Cons 🚫 |
| Bougie level 100x, private outdoor onsen in every room | Expensive |
| Staff service is top-tier and super thoughtful | Mt Fuji view can only be seen from certain rooms |
| Free shuttle + parking = no logistics stress | |
| Calm, scenic spot near Lake Kawaguchiko |
5. Shuhoukaku Kogetsu
Want to wake up to the mesmerising scenery of Mount Fuji through your room’s window as the day begins?
Well, Shuhoukaku Kogetsu is the one for you!
Located just 10-minute drive from the city, all the Japanese-style rooms in this stunning ryokan come with both Fujisan and Lake Kawaguchiko views.
The rooms feature tatami floors, futon bedding, a cozy seating area, and in some cases, your own private open-air onsen.
But even if you don’t splurge on a private bath, you can still rent one and enjoy your dip with Mount Fuji right in front of you.
The highlight was waking up to a surreal view of Mt Fuji with reflections upon Lake Kawaguchi from our room window! Room was spacious, traditional tatami style with comfortable futon beddings. Onsen for hotel guests had both indoor and outdoor pools.
-Yogi (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Guests also rave about the large public onsen (indoor and outdoor), and there’s even a foot bath in the garden where you can sit back, warm your toes, and soaking up the jaw-dropping mountain-lake combo.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can rent a bicycle from the onsen ryokan and explore the surrounding area at your own pace.
Bonus: There’s an all-you-can-drink bar in the evening, so you can sip something warm (or boozy) while soaking in the chill atmosphere before dinner.
Shuhoukaku Kogetsu offers free shuttle service to and from the station, along with complimentary guest parking, making your arrival and departure completely fuss-free!
The downsides? This place is extremely hard to book despite the super high price tag.
One reviewer even said it took them 2 to 3 months of checking the site to finally secure a room. But when they arrived? Totally worth it.
| Pros ✅ | Cons 🚫 |
| Unobstructed Mt Fuji & lake views from the rooms | Expensive (can wipe out backpacker’s 1 week travel fund for 1 night’s stay) |
| Public onsen, foot bath, spa, and sauna for full relaxation | Very hard to book (rooms fill up months in advance) |
| Kaiseki dinner served in-room for extra comfort | Building is a bit older, though well-maintained |
| Free shuttle service & guest parking available | |
| All-you-can-drink bar in the evening |
3 Important Things to Know Before Booking a Onsen Ryokan Near Mt Fuji
Most travel blogs skip this part, but these are the key validating questions you should ask yourself before you hit “book”:
1. Season You’re Visiting
Fun-but-harsh fact: Mt Fuji isn’t visible all year round.
The mountain’s peak gets shrouded in thick clouds a lot of the time, and the clearest views are usually from December to February.
So if that unobstructed Mt Fuji view while dipping in your private onsen is your Japan bucket list moment, ask yourself this:
Do I want to splurge on a cosy private onsen room if I might not see a clear view of Mt Fuji?
Because, let’s be honest; these rooms are expensive, and you want to make sure the splurge actually matches your expectation.
But if having your own private onsen is what you really want, whether it’s for introverted recharge, relaxing after long days, or simply having the space all to yourself and your partner, go for it even if Fujisan isn’t playing peek‑a‑boo that day.
2. Location
Ryokan location can make or break your Mt Fuji experience, especially if you’re not driving or traveling with young kids.
Some onsen ryokan are tucked away in a quieter, peaceful spots, but that means:
- Long walks to the nearest stores or restaurants
- Limited public transport access
- Potentially heavy luggage treks if you arrive by train/bus
If you’re relying on buses to explore, do careful research on how far your ryokan is from stops, attractions, and eateries before you book.
Travel tip: In autumn and winter, daylight fades fast where it can get dark as early as 4:30 PM in Japan.
So if you’re depending on buses or walking around, it’s smart to plan your movements earlier in the day so you’re not stuck in the cold trying to find your way back or scrambling for the last bus.
3. Shuttle Transfer Service
Of all the travel factors, I believe shuttle transfer service should be front of mind when picking a ryokan.
This is especially true if you’re visiting in winter when snow and ice cover the roads.
As someone who once traveled solo with 2 giant suitcases, 1 backpack, and 1 sling bag, lugging everything on snowy, wet roads was absolutely miserable.
THAT. WAS. NOT. FUN. AT. ALL.
Unless you’re a backpacker who travels light most of the time, we usually come to Japan with several bags. And nothing feels better after a 20,000‑step day than seeing a shuttle van waiting for you and your luggage at the station.
But even if you are not travelling in snowy months, having a shuttle transfer service will definitely enhance your travel experience more, with 1 less logistical planning to do!
3 Useful Tips for Staying at a Mt Fuji Onsen Ryokan
1. Book the Private Onsen ASAP
Some ryokans offer private onsen reservations for a fee.
And if that’s what you’re after, book your slot as soon as you check in. Or better, send them the request when you make the room booking.
Most places only have 1 or 2 private baths, and they’re usually only available from afternoon to evening.
And if you’re staying at a popular ryokan, you’ll be competing with other guests for those limited time slots.
2. Reserve Kaiseki Dinner Early
Mount Fuji might be a tourist hotspot, but nightlife? Not so much.
In quieter areas, restaurants can close as early as 5 or 6 PM, which makes finding dinner kind of a pain.
So for peace of mind (and the full ryokan experience), book the traditional kaiseki dinner before you even fly into Japan.
Or if you’d rather save your yen, grab a few convenience store meals or cup noodles before heading back for the night.
Here’s my usual onsen ryokan booking practice: If I’m booking through Agoda or Booking.com, I’ll just send a quick message via the app to reserve both the private onsen and kaiseki dinner ahead of time. That way, I don’t have to stress about missing my soak. Or worse, going to bed on an empty stomach!
3. Know the Shuttle Schedule (Before It’s Too Late)
Some ryokans run their shuttle service only during set hours, usually around check-in and check-out times.
So if you’ve got a train to catch or another activity lined up, it’s a good idea to confirm the schedule in advance and plan accordingly.
FAQs: Ryokan with Private Onsen near Mt Fuji
What is the difference between ryokan and onsen?
Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, offering lodging and basic amenities for the guests to stay in. Onsen refers to hot, soothing natural hot springs bath, where the guests can relax and soak in.
How much does a private onsen cost in Japan?
The pricing varies depending on the ryokan. Generally you can expect to pay extra 3000 to 3500 yen per hour for renting a public onsen for a private session use.
Can couples go to the onsen together?
Yes, if the couples opt for private onsen instead. Generally, the public onsen in Japan is segregated by gender. Some ryokans offer rooms with private onsen so couples can enjoy the dip together with full privacy.
Can I enter the public onsen in Mount Fuji if I have tattoo?
It depends. In general, people with tattoos are not allowed in public onsens, but some ryokans are more flexible. A few allow entry if your tattoo is small and covered, while others don’t mind at all. To be safe, your best bet is to rent a private onsen and soak in peace!
How early do I need to book the room onsen ryokan in Mount Fuji?
Most ryokans open for booking 3 to 6 months in advance. If you’ve got your eye on popular spots like Maruei, Kasuitei Ooya, or Konansou, it’s best to lock in your room as soon as reservations open.
Can I reach Mt Fuji ryokans by public transport?
It varies. Some ryokans like Konansou have a bus stop right in front, while others like Kasuitei Ooya require a bit of walking. So be sure to check your specific ryokan’s location and shuttle availability when planning your route.
The Verdict
If I visit Mount Fuji again, I’ll stay at Maruei.
This onsen ryokan has everything you need for a smooth, memorable stay: warm hospitality, relaxing lake views, a cosy private onsen, free shuttle service, and a satisfying kaiseki dinner.
And the best part? You get the full ryokan experience without blowing your entire Japan travel fund!
So if soaking in an private onsen with that iconic Mt Fuji view has been on your bucket list for as long as you can remember, let this be the trip you finally check it off.
Planning your first Mount Fuji trip? I’ve got more posts to help make it less overwhelming (and more fun) 😉
Sam Lee, founder of Sam Lee Travel, is a seasoned traveler with over 10 years of experience exploring Asia. Growing up in multiracial Malaysia and later living in Singapore, Sam has developed a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and attractions in the region.
With a love for outdoor adventures and water sports, Sam helps over 25K readers each month plan Asia trips, including off the beaten path destinations and sharing practical travel tips and real, unfiltered experiences!