[Short Stay] Surround Yourself with History, Fine Cuisine, and Local Traditions at the Foot of Mt. Fuji

Journey Through the Foothills of Mt. Fuji, Japan’s Sacred Symbol

Rising 3,776 meters high, Mt. Fuji is Japan’s most iconic peak, its expansive and sacred silhouette captivating travelers, devout worshippers, and everyday people for centuries. When viewed from the foothills, the mountain’s powerful presence is palpable. Your journey to its world begins on the mountain’s northern flank.

The Gakuroku Suien Inn: A Tangible Cultural Property Preserved for Centuries

Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, is an exciting resort area celebrated for its unparalleled views of Japan’s iconic mountain. On its southern shore stands Gakuroku Suien, a villa inn available to one group of visitors per day and a nationally registered tangible cultural property.

The estate traces its roots to the Ide family of sake-brewers who’ve established themselves on Fuji’s foothills. Around 200 years ago, a branch of the family built this residence, with successive generations preserving it as a testament to the region’s history and craft.

In 2023, Gakuroku Suien underwent extensive restorations and was transformed into an inn built on the ideas of “curation and design.” Its goal is to preserve the beauty and structure of Japan’s traditional architecture.

*A complimentary shuttle service is available from Kawaguchiko Station to Gakuroku Suien.

Exclusive Experiences During Your Stay at the Historic Residence

Sturdy pillars, evocative ceiling timberwork, lacquered earthen walls, and soothing tatami straw-mat floors are just some examples of traditional Japanese craftsmanship found at Gakuroku Suien. During your stay, you’ll also be able to admire the majestic Mt. Fuji from your bedroom windows, an experience that unites Japan’s architectural traditions with its most sacred landscape.

A collection of antique art elevates the property to new heights. Fusuma sliding panel paintings, folding screens, and other works passed down through generations add depth and charm to Gakuroku Suien. Contemporary glass and iron pieces by modern artists blend seamlessly with the traditional elements of the inn, creating a quietly refined atmosphere.

The living room, dining room, bedrooms, and other private spaces have been remodeled with comfort in mind and come complete with quality linens, amenities, and a kitchen. A stay at Gakuroku Suien is a rare chance to experience the luxury of having an entire historic Japanese house all to yourself.

A Private Tour and Tea Ceremony with the Proprietress

One of the highlights of staying at Gakuroku Suien is the guided tour of the inn’s architecture, antiques, and hidden secrets. The proprietress leads guests through the property, sharing its history and the stories behind each room and conversation piece. Every part of Gakuroku Suien has a tale behind it ready to spark the guests’ imagination.

In the tatami straw-mat room opening onto the Japanese garden, guests will be treated to a tea ceremony, with kimono attire available as an optional add-on. This experience is exclusive to Wabunka and offers a more profound encounter with Japanese culture.

Savoring Japanese Cuisine with Sake Pairings (Additional Option)

During the optional dinner, you’ll choose between a seasonal kaiseki multi-dish course inspired by the culture of the Mt. Fuji foothills, or a private sushi meal prepared tableside by a master chef. Both options feature carefully selected ingredients, fine tableware, a harmony of colors, and elegant plating.

As a Wabunka exclusive service, the 21st-generation head of the Ide brewery will curate a sake pairing for your dinner. Founded in the late Edo Period (1603 – 1868) at the base of Mt. Fuji, the brewery has won numerous awards over the years. Three local varieties of sake, all brewed with mountain spring water, are chosen for their compatibility with the meal, and are accompanied by insightful commentary on their flavor and the craft of sake-brewing. This is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the exciting world of Japanese sake.

*Non-alcoholic beverages are not available.

Journey Into the Heart of Zen with Guided Seated Meditation (Additional Option)

Before breakfast, start your day at sunrise with restorative Zen meditation. Enjoy the fresh morning air as you walk to Entsu-ji, founded in 1265 and devoted to the teachings of Zen. Guided by the head priest, enter the main hall and experience the incredible feeling of the temple’s stillness sharpening your senses.

Zazen or seated Zen meditation is practiced by sitting quietly in the right position and breathing properly. As you listen to the priest’s instructions and settle into the silence, you may feel an unexpected clarity of mind and journey into the core of yourself. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Once the session ends, take time to explore the main hall and the Kuri (priests’ quarters), both designated cultural properties of Fujikawaguchiko.

After calming your mind through Zen meditation in the crisp morning air and exploring the temple grounds, return to Gakuroku Suien and enjoy a well-deserved breakfast.

Craft an Original Scarf with Traditional Indigo-Dyeing (Additional Option)

Travelers drawn to Japanese craftsmanship will not want to miss a chance to experience indigo-dyeing firsthand. Known for producing deep, luminous blue hues, this traditional craft uses the tadeai plant, also known as dyer's knotweed, and painstaking, time-honored techniques to produce indigo dye. With this Wabunka-exclusive plan, you’ll gain access to the studio of renowned artisan Fumiko Sato, where you’ll experience indigo-dyeing firsthand.

The studio is located about an hour’s drive by taxi from Gakuroku Suien, nestled in a lush natural environment where striking indigo creations are made. After a tour and explanation of the dyeing process, your hands-on session will begin. Using the classical “itajime-shibori” method, you will dye a scarf between two planks to create vibrant patterns on the material. The final product, a keepsake of your craft journey, is yours to take home the same day.

*Transportation by taxi to and from the studio (including tolls) is included in the price

The Treasures of Japanese Culture Await You at the Foothills of Mt. Fuji

Spend an unforgettable time at a traditional Japanese home that has stood for nearly two centuries while gazing at the majesty of Mt. Fuji. In such a setting, it’s impossible to not be moved by the beauty of Japan. This itinerary has been designed to help you understand the world of Japanese culture on a deeper level by putting you right at Mt. Fuji’s doorstep. Your trip through its foothills will feel like a luxurious journey towards the beating heart of Japan.