
Shoji Lake Hotel: A Hidden Gem with Stunning Views of Mt. Fuji (In-Depth Review)
- Written by: Yoshika Izumi
Mount Fuji is one of Japan's most iconic landmarks. While there are plenty of hotels where you can admire its majestic presence up close, few offer a view as striking and powerful as the one from Shoji Lake Hotel. Nestled right on the shores of peaceful Lake Shoji and surrounded by nature, this hidden retreat lets you soak in the beauty of both the lake and Mount Fuji — from the comfort of your room or the open-air bath.
In this article, travel writer Yoshika Izumi, who has covered hot springs and resort hotels all across Japan, takes you on a deep dive into what makes Shoji Lake Hotel so special—and how to make the most of your stay.
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- Table of Contents
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- Discover the Charm of Lake Shoji: A Scenic Hideaway with Front-Row Views of Mt. Fuji
- Shoji Lake Hotel: A Lakeside Retreat on the Shores of Lake Shoji
- How to Get to Shoji Lake Hotel
- Staying at Shoji Lake Hotel: What to Expect
- Activities Galore to Make Your Stay Memorable
- Q&A About the Hotel
- A perfect spot for nature lovers: Shoji Lake Hotel
Discover the Charm of Lake Shoji: A Scenic Hideaway with Front-Row Views of Mt. Fuji

Located in the heart of Japan's mountainous Yamanashi Prefecture are the Fuji Five Lakes, five beautiful lakes formed by past eruptions of Mt. Fuji. Each lake offers incredible views, and together they're recognized as part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site described as 'Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.'
Among them, Lake Shoji in the town of Fujikawaguchiko is a bit smaller than the others, making it something of a hidden gem for travelers. Unlike the other lakes, Shoji's shoreline has few hotels or restaurants, and there aren't any museums or parks nearby. This quiet, untouched natural beauty makes it one of the most secluded spots in the Fuji Five Lakes area — perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape surrounded by nature.

What makes Lake Shoji truly special is that, despite being an amazing spot with fantastic views of Mt. Fuji, it still offers a peaceful atmosphere and abundant natural beauty. With so few buildings and lights around, it's also the perfect place to enjoy a clear, starry night sky.
Shoji Lake Hotel: A Lakeside Retreat on the Shores of Lake Shoji

Shoji Lake Hotel is perfectly situated for spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.
Looking straight ahead from the hotel, you'll see Lake Shoji in the foreground, then the mysterious Aokigahara Forest, followed by Mt. Omuro, with Mt. Fuji standing majestically in the background. This rare sight, where the small Mount Omuro appears in front of Mt. Fuji, is affectionately known as 'Child-Hugging Fuji.'
The hotel has 19 guest rooms, all of which offer a view of Mt. Fuji. So no matter which room you stay in, you'll get to enjoy this unique image.
Not limited to viewing from the rooms — Mt. Fuji can also be admired from the lobby, the second-floor dining area, the rooftop terrace, and even the open-air hot spring baths. This hotel is truly designed for guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of Mt. Fuji from every angle.

Another big draw is the famous 'Inverted Mt. Fuji' reflected on the surface of Lake Shoji. This mirror-like reflection only appears when the lake is calm and windless, so the best times to catch it are early morning or around sunset. If you want to see the inverted Fuji up close, staying at Shoji Lake Hotel is definitely your best bet.
The hotel is also an 'anime pilgrimage site' for international fans of Japanese animation. In the third season of 'Yuru Camp' ('Laid-Back Camp') — a beloved series about high school girls who enjoy camping — the first episode takes place at Shoji Lake Hotel's campsite, making the hotel a must-visit spot for fans, who can experience the same scenery as their favorite characters.
How to Get to Shoji Lake Hotel

Since Shoji Lake Hotel is located by Lake Shoji, one of the more remote and off-the-beaten-path spots in the Fuji Five Lakes area, bus service is limited. Be sure to check transfer points and schedules carefully before you go.
- From Haneda Airport:
- Take the Keikyu Airport Line from Haneda Airport Terminals 1 or 2 to Shinagawa Station (about 15 minutes).
From Shinagawa, catch the Kodama Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji Station (around 1 hour).
From Shin-Fuji Station, take the Fujikyu bus bound for Mt. Fuji Station and get off at the 'Shoji Lake Hotel-mae' stop (about 1 hour 32 minutes), then it's just a 1-minute walk to the hotel.
- From Narita Airport:
- Take the Keisei Line from Airport Terminal 2 Station to Nippori Station (around 45 minutes).
Transfer at Nippori to the JR Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station (about 11 minutes).
From Tokyo Station, take the Kodama Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji Station (about 1 hour 4 minutes).
Then take the Fujikyu bus bound for Mt. Fuji Station, get off at 'Shoji Lake Hotel-mae' (about 1 hour 32 minutes), and walk 1 minute to the hotel.
- From Tokyo Station:
- Take the Kodama Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji Station (about 1 hour 4 minutes).
From there, take the Fujikyu bus bound for Mt. Fuji Station and get off at 'Shoji Lake Hotel-mae' bus stop (about 1 hour 32 minutes), then walk 1 minute.
There are two bus stops near Shoji Lake Hotel: 'Shoji Lake Hotel-mae,' just a 1-minute walk away, and 'Shoji,' about 2 minutes on foot. Buses from Shin-Fuji Station stop at both, but if you're coming from Kawaguchiko Station, get off at the 'Shoji' stop.
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Address
Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi, 401-0336
View Map -
Nearest Station
Kawaguchiko Station (Kawaguchiko Line (Fujikyuko))
40 minutes by bus
- Phone Number 0555-87-2651
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Address
Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi, 401-0336
- Getting around the Fuji Five Lakes area is fairly easy when done by bus. However, buses can get crowded, waiting can take a while, and they may not take you exactly where you wish to go.
- For maximum flexibility, consider renting a car to help expand your range and let you enjoy seeing more attractions in the area. Check here for car rentals.
- Alternatively, if you plan on getting around the area by bus, consider getting a Fuji Five Lakes Passport for convenience.
Staying at Shoji Lake Hotel: What to Expect

Now, let's check in!
The front desk staff primarily speaks Japanese, but they can handle basic English conversations. For other languages, they use translation devices to assist, so no need to worry.

For your welcome drink, you can choose from iced or hot coffee, apple juice, orange juice, green tea, brown rice tea, or roasted green tea.

The welcome sweet is a baked treat shaped like Mt. Fuji called the 'Fuji-san Senbei.' It's fun to hold it up next to the real Mt. Fuji and snap a photo!
Enjoy Gorgeous Views of Mt. Fuji and the Lake from Your Room


Of the hotel's 19 rooms, 17 are traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, and 2 are Western-style twin rooms. Seventeen rooms come with their own bathrooms (note: these in-room baths are not hot springs), and every room offers beautiful views of Lake Shoji and Mt. Fuji.

Guests can wear traditional Japanese yukata robes as comfortable indoor wear during their stay. There are four sizes available, with the largest being extra-large. Instructions on how to wear the yukata are posted with helpful illustrations in the lobby, so be sure to take a look.
Unwind in a Hot Spring While Gazing at Majestic Mt. Fuji

Shoji Lake Hotel has natural hot spring baths located in a separate building on the second floor. There you'll also find showers equipped with shampoo and body soap, plus a sauna. Outside, there's an open-air hot spring bath and a cold plunge pool.

A quick guide to using a Japanese bath:
First, undress and store your clothes in a locker. Take the face towel provided in your room with you into the bathing area. Wash your body thoroughly before entering the bath. Be careful not to dip your towel into the hot water. If you have long hair, tie it up so it doesn't touch the water.

From the men's open-air bath at Shoji Lake Hotel, you get a clear view of Mt. Fuji. It's truly a perfect spot to relax in the hot spring while soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery.

The sauna is loyly-style — you pour water on hot stones to create steam, and depending on where you sit, you might even catch a view of Mt. Fuji!
After your sauna session, rinse off in the shower and then take a dip in the cold plunge pool. Once you step out, relaxing in the breeze coming off the lake makes for an incredibly refreshing and relaxing experience.
Discover the Scenic Rooftop Terrace and Free Lounge Area

If you want a great view of Mt. Fuji, the rooftop observation terrace is definitely worth a visit. From the fifth floor, you can look down over Lake Shoji — the only place in the area with that kind of view. Unlike viewing through windows, you get a fully unobstructed, up-close look at Mt. Fuji. It's also the perfect place for photos of the inverted Mt. Fuji reflection during sunrise or sunset.

There's even a swing where you can relax while enjoying the view. It's a stylish spot that's perfect for taking great photos.

The eat-in area on the second floor, open from 1 PM to 8 PM, is a shared area with great views. It's mainly a place to enjoy meals you've brought with you.

On the first floor, there's another common area open from 3 PM to 8 PM and again from 7 AM to 10 AM.

This space offers Japanese manga and a Nintendo Switch for guests to enjoy freely. There's also a huge 200-inch screen where you can connect your own laptop or device to watch movies or play games. Since it's a shared area, please be considerate and take turns with other guests.

There's also a ping-pong table, located in the first-floor meeting room. You can borrow paddles and balls there. In Japan, it's a long-standing and friendly tradition to enjoy ping-pong while wearing your yukata at hot spring inns, so why not give it a try? Since it's indoors, it's a great way to have fun even on rainy days.
Activities Galore to Make Your Stay Memorable

Shoji Lake Hotel isn't like city hotels or large resorts — it doesn't have lots of entertainment facilities. But what it does offer is an unbeatable location with majestic Mt. Fuji and the beautiful Shoji Lake right in front of you.
If you want to fully enjoy nature, it's the perfect base. So when you stay here, be sure to take advantage of the many outdoor activities nearby! Here are some of my top recommendations:
Guided Canadian Canoe Adventures

One of the top activities you can try at Shoji Lake Hotel is the Canadian canoe tour. With a guide leading the way, you'll paddle a Canadian canoe out on Shoji Lake. Plus, the guide will happily take photos of you on the water — great memories to bring home from your trip!

Not only is it a chance to feel completely connected with nature, but you'll also get to see views that you can only catch from the lake's surface. Due to its shape, Shoji Lake has some spots aren't accessible by road — but with a canoe, you can get right up close.
Explore the Outdoors Your Way with Rentals
Shoji Lake Hotel offers a great selection of outdoor gear rentals. Renting equipment and exploring nature at your own pace is highly recommended!
Note: Kayak and SUP rentals are unavailable in winter.

One popular and easy way to enjoy the area is by renting an electric-assist bicycle. Rentals cost 1,200 yen for one hour, 2,500 yen for three hours, and 4,000 yen for five hours. A standard route is to cycle around the lake, which usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.
A recommended spot along the way is Tategohama Beach, which also serves as a prefectural parking area. It's a favorite place to take in views of Shoji Lake and Mt. Fuji. The view here is different from what you see at Shoji Lake Hotel, plus you can park your bike and get closer to the water.

If you want to have some free time on the lake, kayaking is a great choice. Single kayaks can be rented for 5,000 yen for 2 hours, 6,000 yen for 3 hours, and 7,000 yen for 5 hours. Tandem kayaks are 6,000 yen for 2 hours, 7,000 yen for 3 hours, and 8,000 yen for 5 hours.
It's fun whether you're solo, a couple, or with a group. Besides the exercise, kayaking lets you get close to the water and enjoy views you can only see from the lake itself.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is another fun Shoji Lake activity. Rentals cost 4,000 yen for 2 hours, 5,000 yen for 3 hours, and 6,000 yen for 4 hours. You can paddle hard or just relax on the board — whatever you feel like. And the views? Absolutely stunning! Posing on your SUP with Mt. Fuji towering in the background makes for an unforgettable experience.
Great Hiking and Trekking Opportunities Nearby

One of the most popular activities among international visitors at Shoji Lake Hotel is hiking and trekking around the beautiful natural surroundings. There are easy trails where you can enjoy excellent views in about an hour one-way, as well as full-day routes for more serious hikers, so you can choose based on your skill level and gear.

One of the top recommended hikes is the round-trip trail to 'Panorama-dai.' With comfortable walking shoes and clothing, even beginners can manage the roughly 2-hour round-trip walk.
As the name suggests, Panorama-dai offers a breathtaking panoramic view, including Mt. Fuji. In front of the mountain, you'll see the vast Aokigahara Forest, known as the 'Sea of Trees,' which grew over lava flows from past eruptions. Together with the sacred Mt. Fuji, it creates a mysterious and awe-inspiring sight.

For beginners, the Shoji Lake loop trail is also a great choice. Aside from comfortable walking shoes, you don't need any special gear. The walk around the lake takes about 1 to 2 hours and is mostly flat.
In addition to these trails, there are also routes to nearby Motosu Lake and hikes through the Aokigahara Forest. English maps for hiking and trekking are available at the hotel's front desk.
Q&A About the Hotel
We asked the hotel staff to answer some common questions about staying at Shoji Lake Hotel.
- Q: Do you have brochures in multiple languages?
- A: We don't have hotel brochures, but we do offer English maps and guides for nearby sightseeing. There's an 'English Information' corner in the lobby where you can freely check them out.
- Q: Is drinking water provided?
- A: Yes! In Japan, tap water is safe to drink, so you can drink directly from the faucet in your room without worry. The water you use for your kettle also comes from the tap and is perfectly safe for tea or coffee.
- Q: Are meals included or available at the hotel?
- A: Shoji Lake Hotel is a no-meals, lodging-only hotel. There are no meal plans offered.
- Q: Are there restaurants or convenience stores nearby?
- A: There's a restaurant about a 4-minute walk from the hotel (closes at 6 PM), and a convenience store about 10 minutes away (closes at 7 PM). Since they close early, we recommend buying food in advance. The hotel provides a microwave and an electric kettle for your use.
- Q: What should international visitors know about the hotel?
- A: We don't have leisure facilities like pools or bars, nor are we located in a bustling area full of restaurants. But if you're here to enjoy nature and breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, this is the perfect spot. Keep that in mind, and you'll have a truly wonderful stay.
A perfect spot for nature lovers: Shoji Lake Hotel

Shoji Lake Hotel isn't your typical urban hotel or a spot crowded with tourists. It's perfect for those who want to stay somewhere a little off the beaten path with amazing views.
While it doesn't offer all the fancy conveniences, many guests keep coming back because of the friendly, welcoming staff. The rates are also quite reasonable, making it a great choice for longer stays if you want to enjoy water sports or hiking.
If you're looking to immerse yourself in breathtaking views of Mount Fuji surrounded by nature, Shoji Lake Hotel should definitely be on your list.
(Note: This info is accurate as of February 2025. Please check the hotel website for the latest details.)
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Address
255 Shoji, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi, 409-3713
View Map - Nearest Station Kofu Station
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Address
255 Shoji, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi, 409-3713

Writer
A female onsen writer who has visited nearly 2,000 hot spring facilities across Japan. After leaving her previous job following childbirth, she began sharing travel and onsen information online, which led to her being scouted as a writer. Her expertise extends beyond hot springs to domestic tourism as a whole. She has contributed to over 15 publications and has also appeared on TV and radio. She has been recognized three times in a row with the "Creator MVA" award for outstanding articles on Yahoo! News Expert. She holds certifications as an Onsen Sommelier Master, Onsen Tourism Practitioner, Sauna & Spa Health Advisor, and Onsen Beauty & Diet Sommelier.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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