‘Glamping’ or ‘glamorous camping’ has become a very popular vacation option. And, the ever-innovative Japanese have taken this type of getaway to an entirely different level. Baroque Travel finds out all about Japan’s first glamping resort, Hoshinoya in Fuji, west of Tokyo.
Hoshinoya is no ordinary resort despite all its luxurious offerings. It certainly delivers on everything one would expect of a luxury resort, with every possible pampering facility not to mention delicious food and personalized service. In typical Japanese style, you’ll also get to enjoy the natural environment and enjoy a taste of local culture. But there’s more…
Located on the slopes of a hill overlooking spectacular Lake Kawaguchi and close to legendary Mount Fuji, this exclusive, intimate resort is completely secluded and extremely unique. Nestling in a pristine red pine forest, it offers spectacular views from every luxe cabin. The resort offers an iconic ‘glamping’ experience, with every luxury thrown in to ensure that you don’t miss out on the good things in life while experiencing the best that nature has to offer.
Accommodation is comfortable, modern and plush, and dining is of the highest level. We’re talking lobster as well as fine dining here. In fact, at Hoshinoya, every aspect of camping has been taken up a notch to ensure that you enjoy nature at its best without any of the inconvenience usually experienced in a camping adventure.
So you stay in cabins instead of tents in a camp ground. The resort’s 40 cabins are en suite, too. To keep the ‘outdoor’ feel, at least a third of your cabin is an outdoor area, so that you can sit by a roaring fire under the stars before heading inside for a good, warm night’s sleep. The private porch includes a wood burner, rocking chairs and blanket to keep you warm while you’re outside. Inside, you’re all warm and cosy with underfloor heating. You awaken to a view of snow-capped Mount Fuji from the comfort of your cabin, which you enjoy through floor-to-ceiling windows. The resort strived to find the perfect balance between comfort, luxury and that special connection with nature – and it has succeeded.
At Hoshinoya you don’t even need to pack a rucksack, as this will be provided for you with whatever you require inside it. The resort has been created to ensure no harm is done to the surrounding environment: lighting is kept to a mimimum (you have a head torch to use at night) and the cabins are compact to make guests want to spend as much time outdoors as possible.
Meals are enjoyed in the Dining Hall, which nestles in the pine forest, and guests watch the chefs prepare their dishes at a central grilling station. There’s a special area for morning stretch classes called the Cloud Terrace, and on the top deck one finds a lounge and the Library Café, which offers a table full of bite-sized delights that you can toast on the fire. Guests enjoy a variety of activities, including wood chopping, smoking food, canoeing on the lake and, of course, exploring the magnificent surrounds.