I stayed at Auberge-Cosmos in early November, drawn by the north side of the lake location, the Mt Fuji and lake views from the bedroom, and the owner's background in the auberge association. The host was running the place alone but handled everything smoothly. Getting there on foot isn’t a good idea. The Hosino Station bus stop is handy, but buses are limited, and the uphill walk is difficult. There’s little pedestrian infrastructure on the hill, which makes it dangerous. Google Maps shows two routes: the north one follows the car road and feels unsafe for pedestrians, while the south one cuts through a small wooded area and can be confusing. I’d use a taxi, the round-the-lake bus, or a personal vehicle. The exterior looks a little dated, but inside it’s cozy, clean, and organized. The shared sauna and comic-filled library are nice extras, the rooms are spotless and comfortable, and each bedroom has its own bathroom and shower. The host served a delicious French-inspired dinner around 6:30 PM. I especially liked the fish, while my wife preferred the meat. There was a selection of French and Japanese wines to go with dinner, and breakfast was a delicious Japanese Teishoku style meal. The host’s service went beyond what I expected. He lent me a bicycle for free, offered wine samples while we talked, and helped arrange a taxi. I’d definitely return if I get the chance.
