Diamond YU

The room was clean, and we had a really enjoyable stay. It was easy to use the barbecue facilities, and there were play areas for children both indoors and outdoors. Towels and amenities were provided too. The main downside was the thin partitions between rooms, which let noise and voices from next door through. A group of about 10 men and women in their 20s arrived and greeted each other. They seemed like a nice group with a digital camera, and we could put up with them being noisy late because they were having fun. Still, better soundproofing would have made the stay even nicer. We'd like to come back.

With four bedrooms, the place has room for three or four families. There’s enough distance from the surrounding area that you can eat and drink indoors without worrying about the time. The dining and living areas are clearly separated, so children can play games while adults have a party, and it’s easy to keep an eye on them. There’s a bouldering play area upstairs to keep the kids busy. It would work for a longer stay, though for just one night the price feels high once the cleaning fee is added.

We went with six friends in early April, when the cherry blossoms were at their peak. Staying near Lake Kawaguchiko meant Mount Fuji looked huge and majestic up close, and the flowers along the lakeshore were beautiful, great for Instagram photos. Renting a villa felt like the right call during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I wasn't sure about staying in a hotel. The interior was thoughtfully designed and comfortable. We especially enjoyed the barbecue: there was a gas grill, so no charcoal fire to light, and everyone said the meat was juicy. The barbecue space had a forest feel, with lighting that gave it a distinctive atmosphere. It sounds like a group of around 10 could stay here too. I'd like to return for two or three nights and really unwind.

We had both buildings to ourselves with our family, and each was lovely in its own way. There were lots of facilities the children enjoyed, and we had a barbecue outdoors. It made for a very relaxing stay, and we'd love to visit again.