Mar 18, 2019
Opened last autumn, this elegant 32-room newcomer overlooks Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture, just two hours from Tokyo. It may be close to wineries, ice-caves and lava tubes, but the awe-inspiring views of mist-shrouded Mount Fuji from your plant-filled room’s private volcanic-stone onsen will make leaving your comfortable cocoon difficult. The staff speak exceptional English, and are especially adept at demystifying omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) by explaining Chef Hoshino’s and theatrical kaiseki meals (like Fuji sakura pork seared tableside on lava stone with blueberry butter; kettle-cooked conger eel; and firewood ice cream to be finished at the outdoor fire-pit in your cozy gray yukata robe). — ADAM H. GRAHAM
fufukawaguchiko.jp; doubles from $835.
