I Looked Into Dog Villa Fuji-Kawaguchiko

I've been looking into campsites, day-trip hot springs, and inns one after another, focusing on places you can probably reach without a car and stays that indoor types can enjoy.

This time I looked into Dog Villa Fuji-Kawaguchiko. I was searching for a stay that feels a little outside the usual hotel experience, like a side trip. Then I spotted that every villa is a private rental with a hot spring and even a sauna in the room, so I got curious and read through the official website.

The Short Version

It looks like an inn made for staying with your dog, with all 7 villas rented out privately, and each one comes with its own dog run, an in-room hot spring, and a barrel sauna.
As for Rakuten Mobile signal, the official tool's rating was "C". If that matters to you, it might be reassuring to check ahead of time.

I've put the details below.

Dog Villa Fuji-Kawaguchiko Basics at a Glance

It's an inn in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, and the official website presents it as a villa for staying with your dog.
I didn't see any notice about a temporary closure or shutdown. The news section only had a request about winter tires and chains, plus some information about the sauna.

Rooms: 7 villas in total, all private rentals, and apparently each sleeps 2 to 6 people
Check-in/check-out: Check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is by 10:00, it seems. Apparently day-use isn't available
Booking: You can book online, and it seems they also take reservations by phone or email
Payment: Apparently you can pay on site in cash or with various credit cards
Cancellation fees: 50% from 30 days before, and 100% from one week before
Parking: There's apparently free parking on the property. I couldn't find the number of spaces
Prices: I couldn't find specific prices on the official website, so it seems you check the plan list on a booking site

Komorin

It threw me a little that the prices aren't on the official website, but it seems you check them by date on a booking site. Since you get the whole villa to yourself, I thought it sounds appealing that you can relax without worrying about other people.

Private Dog Run, Hot Spring, and Sauna in Every Villa

There seem to be three room types: 4 Forest Garden Villas, 1 Natural Villa, and 2 Suite Villas.
As for beds, the Forest Garden Villa has 4 single beds, the Natural Villa has 2 single beds, and the Suite Villa has 2 semi-double beds.

Apparently every villa has a private natural-grass dog run attached. The size seems to differ from room to room, but I couldn't find any area figures on the official website.

What caught my eye as an indoor type is that every room has an in-room hot spring fed with natural hot spring water from Fuji-Kawaguchiko, plus a private barrel sauna. The usage hours were only described as "whenever you like," and I couldn't confirm details like the water quality, the type of source, or the size of the bath.
If you can enjoy a hot spring and a sauna without ever leaving your room, it seemed like it could suit people who like to hole up and relax.

The Suite Villa comes with its own outdoor pool, limited to 2 groups per day. However, the pool is for people only, and dogs apparently can't go in. I also found a note saying a dog pool is available to rent during the summer season only.

I Looked Into the Rules and Amenities for Dogs

Apparently there are no limits on dog size or the number of dogs, though if you're bringing 5 or more, it seems you need to contact them first.

My impression was that the pet amenities are quite extensive. Here's what the official Q&A listed:

Toilet items: toilet tray, large and small toilet sheets (5 of each per dog), waste bags, and a lidded trash can
Grooming items: shampoo, hair dryer, bathtub, bath towels, pet wet wipes, and pet disinfecting water
Other: a crate (for small to medium dogs), food bowl, insect repellent items, and a long leash

Extra toilet sheets are apparently available for a fee. The official website also seems to have a PDF of the accommodation terms, but I haven't checked its contents this time, so it's probably a good idea to look over conditions like vaccinations before booking.

BBQ and All-Inclusive Drinks Mean You Can Stay Put

Dinner is a BBQ using Yamanashi ingredients, and it seems you choose from two plans. Apparently you can bring your own food, and you can also order breakfast only. Changes can be made up to 3 days before, and the BBQ and meals can go ahead even on rainy days. They said bringing your own fire equipment isn't allowed, for fire safety.

Drinks are served all-inclusive from 16:00 to 20:00. The list included draft beer, chuhai, highballs, wine, soft drinks, and dog biscuits, but the lineup may change without notice, it seems.
Apparently you can set off handheld fireworks in a designated area until 21:00.

Every room reportedly has Wi-Fi and air conditioning, so it seemed like you wouldn't be stuck even if you end up spending a lot of time indoors.

Can You Get There Without a Car?

I have a license but don't drive, so access is something I care about.
According to the official website, it takes about 90 minutes from Shinjuku by car, and about 5 minutes from Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway or Fujiyoshida IC on the Higashi-Fuji-Goko Road.

By train, it's apparently about 2 hours 25 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station, with a transfer to the Fujikyu Line at Otsuki Station. From Kawaguchiko Station, the site says it's about 8 minutes by taxi.
I couldn't find anything on the official website about pickup service, local buses, or walking from the station. I also couldn't confirm how far the nearest convenience store or supermarket is, so if you need to stock up, it's probably better to look into that beforehand.

The official website introduces nearby sightseeing spots such as Oshino Hakkai, Lake Kawaguchi, the Fuji Panorama Ropeway, and Narusawa Ice Cave. However, it didn't say how far they are from the inn or how long it takes to get there.

Rakuten Mobile Signal Conditions

I checked the location of this facility in Fujikawaguchiko Town using the official "my Area Communication Simulation" tool, and the overall rating was "C".

Going by that rating, it seems wise to check the signal situation ahead of time.
Since Wi-Fi is available in each room, you might end up relying on that during your stay. That said, I can't verify myself whether the signal while traveling to and from the inn or on the grounds will match the rating.

If you're worried about the signal, you can check your planned location with Rakuten Mobile's official tool, so it might be reassuring to look before you book.

Komorin

The official tool rated the Rakuten Mobile signal here as C. Apparently Wi-Fi is available in each room. If you're planning to use the internet, it's reassuring to check with the official tool too.

See Rakuten Mobile Details

Wrapping Up

To sum it up, my impression of Dog Villa Fuji-Kawaguchiko is that it's an inn for staying with your dog, where every villa is a private rental and you can enjoy a private dog run, an in-room hot spring, and a barrel sauna in each room.

There are no limits on dog size or number, the amenities are extensive, and the BBQ and drinks seem to be covered on site, so it looks like a good fit for anyone planning a trip with their dog. On the other hand, you need to check prices on a booking site, and I couldn't confirm any way to get from Kawaguchiko Station other than a taxi on the official website. If you're going without a car, it's reassuring to check the official website beforehand.
The official tool rated the Rakuten Mobile signal as C. If that's a concern, it might be reassuring to check with the official tool before booking.

For the latest information and availability, please check the official website.

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