Japan’s pioneering approach to luxury outdoor living takes centre stage at this remarkable Mount Fuji retreat, where traditional hospitality meets contemporary adventure. Hoshinoya Fuji represents a concept that has changed what it means to connect with nature without compromising on comfort, setting the standard for premium glamping experiences across Asia.
The resort’s unique positioning overlooking Lake Kawaguchiko provides guests with uninterrupted views of Japan’s most iconic mountain, creating a setting that feels both intimate and grand. This is outdoor living elevated to an art form, where every detail has been carefully considered to enhance rather than intrude upon the natural environment.
Architectural harmony with nature
Designer Rie Azuma has created something truly special with Hoshinoya Fuji’s 40 minimalist concrete cabins, each positioned like a carefully placed sculpture within the red pine forest. The cabins function “like a telescope” aimed directly at the serene lake, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame Mount Fuji as if it were a living painting.
Each accommodation features expansive balconies that dissolve the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. The heated kotatsu tables and private fire pits transform these spaces into year-round outdoor rooms, while select cabins offer deep soaking tubs with panoramic mountain views. The minimalist interiors emphasise natural wood and clean lines, creating sanctuaries that feel both luxurious and grounded in their forest setting.
Culinary adventures in the wilderness
The Forest Kitchen dining experience stands as one of Hoshinoya Fuji’s most compelling offerings, where skilled “Glamping Masters” guide guests through five-course Dutch oven meals cooked over open flames. Regional game meats and seasonal produce are transformed into memorable dishes that taste of the forest itself, whilst the theatrical preparation adds an element of adventure to every meal.
Morning brings curated breakfast boxes delivered directly to private balconies, featuring fresh bread, mushroom soup, and seasonal fruits that capture the essence of the surrounding landscape. The Cloud Terrace, a hidden section of the property accessed via stacked wooden walkways, houses additional dining options alongside communal bonfire spaces and a Library Café, creating multiple venues for both intimate and social dining experiences.
Adventures guided by nature’s rhythm
The resort’s activity programme reflects a deep understanding of seasonal rhythms and natural cycles. Early morning canoeing sessions on Lake Kawaguchiko offer moments of profound tranquillity, while forest hikes reveal hidden corners of the surrounding wilderness. Electric bicycle tours around the Fuji Five Lakes provide a gentle way to explore the broader region, and aerial stretching sessions amid the forest canopy combine wellness with adventure.
Creative workshops add another dimension to the Hoshinoya Fuji experience, from wood-smoking sessions to pizza-making in wood-fuelled ovens where guests chop their own wood. Watercolour art classes capture the changing light on Mount Fuji, while scent-distilling workshops create personal mementoes of the forest environment.
Seasonal transformations at Hoshinoya Fuji
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Each season brings its own character to the resort experience. The rainy season of June and July transforms the forest into a lush, green sanctuary perfect for contemplative walks and indoor art workshops. Summer arrives with shaved-ice desserts enjoyed by the bonfire and mint-forest scent crafting sessions that celebrate the season’s abundance.
Autumn brings perhaps the most magical atmosphere, with crescent-moon tea ceremonies and dining under moonlit skies creating an almost mystical ambience. Winter glamping offers its own rewards, as guests cosy up in kotatsu while sipping bonfire coffee and experiencing the profound stillness of the snow-covered forest.
Practical luxury in the wilderness
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Despite its remote forest setting, Hoshinoya Fuji maintains the impeccable service standards expected from the Hoshino Resorts brand. Access from Tokyo is straightforward, with train connections via the scenic Fujikyuko Line taking approximately two hours. Highway buses provide an economical alternative, while driving offers the flexibility to explore the surrounding Fuji Five Lakes region at leisure.
