Hanz Outdoor Resort (formerly Glamping Villa Hanz Kawaguchiko)

We were glad we rented a car to get to the campsite. We stayed in the Pao on Christmas Eve, and villa organized a really fun photo hunt around the villa and camping area. When the clouds cleared, we could see Mount Fuji just beyond the villa's open walking area. I can only imagine how magnificent it would look with completely clear skies. The staff were all courteous, though their English was very limited, so a translator helped. They even let us bring in a small log cake for Christmas Eve. At base camp, staff stayed until 10 p.m., which made us feel pretty safe, and they helped set up the bonfire for BBQ and cooking. There are two goats they bring out on leashes for guests to see and mingle with. The Pao had a good warmer and a fan to move the air around. The night sky was full of stars, and in the morning we could grind the provided coffee beans and brew them with the dripping holder while taking in the very cold breeze. There is a public bath near the main reception, but we skipped it to spend more time enjoying the bonfire at the campsite. We strongly recommend it for an outdoor camping experience near Mount Fuji. Our 2-day, 1-night stay on Christmas Eve was very worthwhile, with dinner and breakfast included.

The breakfast ended up being our favorite part. They lay out the ingredients, and you cook them yourself in cast iron, just the way you like. Lunch isn't provided, but there are plenty of places down the street in town, and a 7/11 is about a three-minute walk away for snacks. There's also a grocery store and a sports/outdoor shop in the same plaza, though I think the latter is US-based since the prices were about the same, so keep that in mind. The staff were very kind, polite, and accommodating. Getting around can be awkward, though. They only offer a ride to the station, if I remember right, and taxis were hard to get and expensive. Bus stops are a 10-15 minute walk depending on your pace. It rained for most of our stay, so we missed the nice Mount Fuji views, though we could see it from the resort when we arrived. We loved the place, but it's glamping rather than a typical resort. You're responsible for cleaning your space and preparing food, and while they bring fresh towels, they don't change the linens. They do serve dinner, but we ate in town. Go in with the right expectations and it's a really pleasant, different kind of stay.

Our room was roomy and cozy, and the bathroom was clean, spacious, and smelled great from the shampoo and soap. We had such a good time glamping at Villa Hans Kawaguchoko. The staff were sweet and welcoming, and both breakfast and supper were tasty and filling. They bring the ingredients in a basket with instructions, then you cook in a lovely outdoor kitchen. We really enjoyed that hands-on part of the experience and would happily come back.

Being able to see Mount Fuji from the resort was magnificent. Our family had an amazing luxury camping stay at Base Camp Number 7 in PAO. Everyone there made us feel welcome and was so friendly. We'd love to return.