Kagelow Mt Fuji Hostel Kawaguchiko

The staff were friendly, and they let us leave our large bags in the lobby before check-in and after check-out when our room didn’t have enough space. We picked a four-bed cabin looking out through a garden window, which gave us a bit of privacy. The cabins are downstairs, with separate shared bathrooms and mixed-gender accommodation. There are rooms for two or three upstairs. I was delighted to find this place. It has a distinctive design made with recycled materials, and it’s away from the tourist crowds, with a closer view of Mount Fuji. You’ll need to walk from Kawaguchi Station. There’s a Welcia supermarket nearby, but not many restaurants. The kitchen is fully equipped if you want to make simple meals.

We didn’t expect our simple room at this little hostel to have such a lovely view of Mt Fuji. There’s also a wonderful restaurant attached, which was glorious. The room was basic, just two futons, and the toilets and showers are outside, but that was all we needed. One thing to know: the floorboards are pretty loud, so light sleepers might notice them. They do warn you when you arrive.

Mount Fuji looks beautiful from here, and the hostel is close to the station and the famous photo spots. The rooms are simple, but clean and cosy. I felt uneasy as a solo woman travelling because I don’t think staff stay overnight. I wouldn’t book again unless I knew someone from staff would be there at night.

The dorm was roomy and cosy, and I had everything I needed, from a microwave and laundry to a hot shower. They also gave me a towel and sheets, and let me leave my luggage for free. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. I had a great stay and would happily come back! 🩷