I’m a local Japanese living at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and even though I see this area every day, I sometimes like to experience it from a traveler’s perspective. Recently, I stayed at Perhe Yamanakako, a cottage near Lake Yamanakako, and I want to share my honest impressions.
Instead of just another list of hotels or rental cottages, this is a first-hand review from someone who actually booked, stayed, and tested the place. From the spacious rooms and family-friendly design to the private sauna and BBQ facilities, I’ll give you the details that don’t always show up on booking sites.
If you’re considering where to stay around Lake Yamanakako—whether with family, friends, or as a couple—I hope this local’s perspective helps you decide if Perhe is the right choice for your Mt. Fuji trip.
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Why I Chose to Stay at Perhe Yamanakako
Location and Access Around Lake Yamanaka
Perhe Yamanakako is located just a short drive from the lake itself, making it a convenient base for exploring the area. From Kawaguchiko Station, it takes about 25 minutes by car, and the roads are straightforward with clear signs leading toward Lake Yamanakako.
What I found helpful is that the cottage also has parking available, so if you’re driving in from Tokyo or renting a car around Mt. Fuji, it’s an easy option. The area feels calm and residential, away from the busiest tourist spots, which gave me more of a “living here” atmosphere rather than just being in a resort town.
Here is the location on Google Maps:
[Perhe yamanakako cottage Google Maps Link]
Where is Lake Yamanaka? want to know more
First Impressions When Arriving
When I first arrived at Perhe, the setting felt warm and inviting. The building had a clean, modern design but still kept a cozy cottage-like atmosphere. Check-in was smooth, and the staff were friendly, which immediately made me feel at ease.
What stood out right away was the quietness of the surroundings—you could hear the wind in the trees and even catch glimpses of Mt. Fuji nearby. Compared to staying in a busy hotel, it felt more private and personal, almost like having my own little retreat near the lake.
Inside Perhe – My Stay Experience
The Room and Facilities (comfort, design, cleanliness)
The first thing I noticed about Perhe was how clean and spacious it was. The living room felt open and comfortable, and the kitchen area had plenty of space for cooking together. Upstairs, there were three bedrooms equipped with both beds and futons, making it possible for up to about 10 people to stay comfortably.
The balcony came with chairs and even a BBQ grill, which would be perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors with friends or family. (Just keep in mind that the grill can’t be used on rainy days.) The bathroom was also surprisingly large and even included a sauna—big enough for about three adults to sit comfortably. It was a great way to relax at the end of the day.
Self-Catering and Meal Options
For our stay, we decided to buy groceries and cook our own meals. Since it was raining, we couldn’t use the BBQ grill outside, but the kitchen had everything we needed—frying pans, knives, plates, and all the basics. All we had to bring were ingredients and drinks.
There was also a coffee maker provided, which made mornings feel extra relaxing. Having the option to self-cater made the cottage feel more like a home than a rental.
What Made My Stay Memorable
What I loved most about staying at Perhe was the feeling of being in a completely different world compared to daily life. The cottage offered a cozy yet spacious retreat where you can spend quality time with friends, family, or even as a couple. Whether cooking together, relaxing in the sauna, or just enjoying the quiet atmosphere, it felt like the kind of place where every moment became a special memory.
Practical Tips for Travelers
Who This Cottage Is Best For (families, couples, groups)
Perhe Yamanakako is especially great for families and groups of friends. With its spacious layout, multiple bedrooms, and large living area, it’s easy for everyone to feel comfortable under one roof.
Couples or smaller groups can also enjoy the stay, but it might feel a little more expensive compared to what you would usually pay for just two people. On the other hand, families with children will find it ideal—the cottage even provides toys and a safe space for kids to play. For groups of friends or relatives, it’s the kind of place where conversations flow late into the night, turning the stay into a truly memorable experience.
English Support, Booking Options, and Payment
I booked my stay through Agoda and paid by credit card, which made the whole process very smooth. The booking system is available in English, so even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can handle everything from reservation to payment without stress.
Before my stay, I had a few questions about using the BBQ grill (which unfortunately we couldn’t try due to rain), so I emailed the property. Their staff replied quickly, kindly, and in detail. It made me feel reassured that they are open to answering requests and willing to help guests feel comfortable.
Parking, Check-in/Check-out Tips
Parking is available right in front of the cottage, with space for up to two cars, which is convenient for groups traveling together. The property uses a self check-in system, so there’s no need to meet staff in person. On the day of arrival, I received the door lock code by email and could enter directly.
Check-out was even easier—just lock the door when leaving. No extra paperwork or reception visits were needed. I really appreciated how smooth and stress-free the process was, especially when traveling with a group.
How Perhe Compares to Other Lake Yamanakako Cottages
Why I Picked Perhe Over a Hotel or Ryokan
For this trip, we were a large group—four adults and four children, including a two-year-old—so I was specifically looking for a cottage rather than a hotel or ryokan. Perhe stood out because it offered a safe and fun environment for kids, which was my top priority.
The cottage had toys for children, and safety gates on the stairs so little ones couldn’t climb up unsupervised. These small details made a big difference for us as a family. Another reason I chose Perhe was the price: for our group, the total came to around ¥90,000, which felt very reasonable for the size and quality of the stay.
We stayed during the summer, and the location in the forest made evenings cool and comfortable—even without heavy air conditioning. The mix of convenience, child-friendly features, and value for money is what convinced me to book Perhe.
Strengths and Things to Keep in Mind
What I Loved About Perhe:
- Spacious enough for families or groups of friends
- Safe and enjoyable for children (toys, safety gates)
- BBQ facilities available
- Surrounded by nature—forest setting near the lake
- Private sauna included
- Easy self check-in with no reception hassle
- English-friendly booking and communication
Things to Keep in Mind:
During our stay, we didn’t encounter any wild boar, but we did see deer nearby. In the Yamanakako area, wildlife like deer or even boar can sometimes appear, especially in the early morning or late at night. They don’t usually come up to the cottage itself, but if you go out for a walk or shopping during those times, it’s good to stay alert.
Overall, my experience at Perhe was fantastic—it truly felt like the perfect cottage for families and groups who want both comfort and a touch of nature near Lake Yamanakako.
Final Thoughts – Would I Recommend Perhe?
My Honest Recommendation
After staying at Perhe Yamanakako, I can honestly say it’s one of the best cottage experiences I’ve had around Mt. Fuji. The mix of comfort, child-friendly features, and spacious design makes it perfect for families and groups. Couples can enjoy it too, though it’s especially good value if you’re traveling with more people.
The facilities—from the BBQ grill and balcony to the private sauna—made the stay feel special and far more memorable than a standard hotel. For anyone who wants a cozy, private base at Lake Yamanakako, I’d definitely recommend Perhe.
Why Staying Local Adds to the Mt. Fuji Experience
What I appreciated most was how staying at a local cottage like Perhe gave me a different perspective on the Mt. Fuji area. Instead of just sightseeing, I was able to live a little like a local—cooking meals together, relaxing in the forest, and enjoying the slower pace of Yamanakako.
For me, that’s what makes traveling around Mt. Fuji special. It’s not only about seeing the mountain from a distance but also about immersing yourself in the lifestyle and environment of the region. Staying at Perhe added depth and warmth to my trip, and I think it can do the same for other travelers who want more than just a hotel stay.
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