Hotel Just One

The free onsen was lovely, and the morning view of Mt Fuji was excellent. Dinner was an all-you-can-eat buffet, with a limited selection, though some dishes were quite good. The service left a bad impression. This was the only hotel on my two Japan package tours, eight nights total, that didn’t leave tea and coffee packets in the room. It wouldn’t have bothered me as much if they hadn’t said these were free only for local individual guests, while tour guests had to pay extra. I’ve read that some foreign tourists can be badly behaved, but if the hotel accepts tours, treating those guests differently is unfair. Staff also seemed unwelcoming to us, while smiling and greeting Japanese guests. I’d always thought highly of hospitality in Japan, so this was disappointing.

I’ve stayed here about 20 times over the past 10 years because it’s near family. The rooms and facilities have always been great, and the service used to be fine. On our latest visit a few nights ago, after a late check-in, we went to the bath hoping to relax. It was in a shocking state. Someone had put soap in the water, making it foam, and the bowls and seats were scattered around. Doors marked “do not open” were left open, with insects flying in. Dirty underwear and clothes had been left by the floor and sink. I couldn’t bring myself to use the bath that night. I’d never seen it like that before, and it was sad to see such a nice facility treated so badly. I don’t blame the staff for guests ignoring basic manners and Japanese bath customs. But management seems focused on profitable overseas tour buses, and the groups have ruined what used to be a lovely place. I’ve dropped my rating from four stars to one and won’t return until they put pressure on the tour groups or companies to show more class. It was a real shame, and a waste of a good view.

We booked Hotel Just One in Susuno for Saturday night before heading to NISMO Festival 2023 at Fuji Speedway 🏎️🗻. It was ¥12,500 for two without breakfast. The bathroom was tiny, but the room was roomier than I expected, and parking was free. For the price, it was good value.

The rooftop onsen is great, and there’s good food just outside the hotel. I’ve stayed here several times. It’s well located and has a view of Mount Fuji. I’d definitely recommend it to travelers wanting to enjoy Japan.