Mars Garden Wood Gotemba

On my last night in Japan, I arrived at my accommodation soaked after cycling around Mount Fuji in heavy rain. The receptionist was so thoughtful, bringing out a towel for me and helping wipe down my bicycle. I’d noticed her greeting people as they arrived while I was outside, and she welcomed everyone with the same enthusiasm. It really impressed me.

The rooms have a great view of Mt Fuji, and the onsen is very good and well equipped. There are two restaurants, one for sushi and one for teppanyaki. Gotemba premium outlets are about a five-minute drive away. Awesome place.

I picked Mars Gardenwood Gotemba without knowing much about where to stay near Mt Fuji, and I’m glad I took the chance. The room had great views of Mt Fuji, and the mineral springs were popular. The welcome was lovely too: staff met me in the driveway, told me at reception I’d been upgraded, then had me spin a barrel where I won some Jspanese treats. I ate at the Teppanaki restaurant the first night. It was five-star food, but dinner with wine cost 21000yen ($Au210), so I couldn’t afford to eat there every night. Great service, and I highly recommend the hotel.

We arrived around 9 PM, and staff came out to greet us as soon as our car pulled up at the lobby. They were friendly throughout. Our Deluxe Twin Room was spacious and thoughtfully laid out, with separate toilet and bathroom areas and very comfortable beds. The onsen was a highlight, and there’s also a viewing level on the top floor where you can sit and take in the scenery. We tried the complimentary traditional Japanese breakfast on our first morning. It was a nice gesture, though it wasn’t quite to our taste. Mars GardenWood Gotemba made for a lovely stay.