Guesthouse Honobono

The host's kindness and generosity made this my favorite stay in Japan, and the place had such a good vibe. I got there at 10 a.m. and the owner offered an early check-in. There's a free shuttle to the bus station. I hadn't asked for it ahead of time and had accepted that I'd walk, but I ran into the owner the next morning and he offered me a ride. I'll definitely come back.

We had a big private room with futons and slept really well. The other guests were quiet and respectful, and the shower was spacious and clean. I used it three times and never had to wait. Staying three nights gets you a bike to borrow, or you can rent one for ¥1000, which is worth it for a ride around the lake. The common living space is large, with comfy sofas, games, and free tea and coffee. The kitchen is well equipped, and there are convenience stores nearby. We felt so welcome and comfortable here, and I already miss it. One of the owners can point you to a Japanese restaurant about a 10-minute walk away. It's small and inexpensive, with delicious food and generous portions.

Masaya and his family were incredibly kind and helpful, and we can't thank them enough. We stayed as a family of four, with traditional futons for everyone, and loved this little Japanese countryside break. I'd definitely recommend it as a base for exploring the Fuji area.

I was really glad to find this place. The host is friendly and speaks English well, so foreigners should have no trouble communicating. The rooms are clean, the bath is nice, and there's a very cozy shared area. There are also some nice restaurants and a convenience store nearby. Highly recommend it.