Glamping is a way to enjoy the outdoors in style. Combining the words "glamorous" and "camping," the term has been popular in the West since around 2000, but it was only about 10 years ago that it started to be heard in Japan. The pioneer of this trend was Hoshinoya Fuji, which opened in 4 as the fourth Hoshinoya facility. Hoshinoya Fuji became a hot topic as Japan's first glamping resort when it opened. On its vast grounds overlooking Lake Kawaguchi, the guest rooms (cabins), dining area, cloud terrace, and more are cleverly arranged surrounded by a red pine forest. This is a two-part review of our stay at Hoshinoya Fuji. In the first part, we will introduce the elegant outdoor experience surrounded by nature, something that could never be experienced at resort hotels before.

Hoshinoya Fuji Accommodation Review Part 2: For details on the "Hunting Experience Tour" for adults, which teaches the value of life, please click here.

Which one should I choose? Glamping starts with choosing a backpack

We arrived at the reception near Lake Kawaguchi. As soon as we stepped inside the building, we were greeted by colorful backpacks hanging all over the walls.

The backpacks, equipped with basic outdoor items such as headlamps and binoculars, come in a variety of colors and shapes, so guests can choose the one they like. They also make fun wall displays, and just looking at the many backpacks will get you in the outdoor spirit whether you like it or not.

After climbing up a steep slope, you will be surrounded by a forest of red pine trees. You will be enveloped in the refreshing aroma of the trees.

From the reception, we headed to the building where the reception and dining are located in a car from Hoshinoya Fuji. The road is quite steep. You start to get the feeling that you are heading into the mountains.

As I got out of the car, I could clearly feel that the air had changed from where the reception was, even though it had only been a few minutes' drive. It was definitely the smell of the forest. A refreshing scent, like a type of aroma emitted by trees, tickled my nostrils.

Looking around, the red pine forest stretches endlessly deep along the slope. You are truly in the heart of nature. Birds can be heard singing somewhere.

 The guest rooms are compact because we want you to cherish your time outdoors.

At Hoshinoya Fuji, the guest rooms are called "cabins." When you see the exterior of the rooms, which look like long, thin cubes stacked on top of each other as they jut out towards Lake Kawaguchi, the name "cabin" makes sense.

The rooms are compact and minimalist, based on the concept of encouraging guests to cherish their time outdoors, but the beds, bathrooms, and other functionalities are perfectly equipped.

The view from the wall of openings facing the lake is spectacular, and there is also a terrace living room furnished with sofas and chairs, so of course you can fully feel the breath of nature even from your room.

Experience chopping firewood on the "Cloud Terrace" surrounded by trees. Then enjoy a snack.

Hearing that it would be snack time at the Library Café, I passed through the front desk and headed to Cloud Terrace. I walked up a small path in a red pine forest, passed by the Sunlight Deck where guests could relax in their own style, and arrived at Cloud Terrace.

You can see flames at the back of the wide wooden deck. This is the Bonfire Lounge, adjacent to the Library Cafe. Orange flames flicker among the large piles of firewood. Snack time, called "Mori no Hito Toki," is held every day from 14:30 to 17:30 p.m. You can help yourself to scones, seasonal fruits, sparkling wine, grape juice, and more. Of course, the outdoor staple of roasted marshmallows is also available.

"Crack." I heard a dry sound coming from somewhere. Looking around, I saw someone chopping firewood. Anyone who wanted to was free to try it. Chop your own firewood and burn it in the "bonfire lounge." It felt like a glimpse into the origins of the outdoors.

Gazing at the flames, everyone was quiet and looked happy.

The staff will keep an eye on the situation, adding more firewood as needed and occasionally blowing air with a bellows to increase the intensity of the flames. The smoke rising from the bonfire has a nostalgic scent, and is accompanied by the crackling sounds of burning twigs.

Staring at the flames, you almost lose track of time. The shadows of the red pine forest gradually become darker. As dusk approaches, the temperature drops sharply, and the flames become more prominent, gently illuminating the faces of the people around them. Everyone gradually becomes quieter, but everyone has a happy smile on their face.

Spending time outdoors surrounded by trees and gazing at the flames of a bonfire is a comfortable and luxurious experience that will completely relax your body and mind.

The flambé flames rising from the large grill are thrilling.

For dinner, you can choose between a grilled dinner in the dining area, an outdoor dining area in the Forest Kitchen, or room service. Tonight I chose the grilled dinner indoors.

A variety of meats are being grilled on a large grill in the center of the dining room. The happy expressions on the guests' faces and the delicious aromas emanating from the grill get your heart racing.

The appetizer is a plate made of a large slice of wood, colorfully arranged with various charcuterie such as venison pate, pastrami, wild boar rillettes, and duck liver. As Yamanashi is a land with a thriving fermented food culture, ingredients such as soy sauce koji are used to give the dish a deep flavor. The hot ajillo also contains a fillet of "Fujinosuke," a Yamanashi brand fish that is a cross between king salmon and rainbow trout.

The flames rising from the grill stand are just like a campfire.

When it was time to grill the main meat, we were called and made our way over to the grill in the center. The chef flambéed it right in front of us. The spectacular flames drew cheers from the crowd. The main dish for the day was grilled Wagyu beef sirlowin. The outside was crispy with sear marks, and the inside was moist and rare. The perfect doneness brought out the delicious flavor of the Wagyu beef.

The flames that occasionally rise from the central grill stand are just like a campfire. You can immerse yourself in the elegant camping atmosphere while dining indoors, a truly glamping experience.

Enjoy freshly baked bread and hot coffee in the comfort of your room while looking out at Lake Kawaguchi.

The next morning after a restful sleep surrounded by the forest, a breakfast box was delivered to our room.

The unique backpack style worn by the staff member who delivered the breakfast was inspired by the backpacks worn by climbers heading to the top of Mount Fuji. And the wooden box that the breakfast came in was modeled after a fishing tackle box used to hold lures, in honor of Lake Kawaguchi, known for its bass fishing. We are impressed by the unique ideas of Hoshinoya, which respect the culture and climate of the land.

Freshly baked Dutch oven bread, omelets, sausages, minestrone soup, and other items are neatly stored in three tiered wooden boxes, and the staff will skillfully set them up on the table on the terrace living room.

The trees spread out before me, and Lake Kawaguchiko's sparkling surface beyond them. I enjoy the view while eating steaming hot bread and piping hot minestrone soup. It's a mysterious feeling, as if nature is watching over me kindly.

Take a walk through the forest in the sunlight filtering through the trees. If you get tired, take a break in a hammock.

It was a bit cloudy in the morning, but by the time I finished breakfast, the blue sky was visible. I decided to put on the backpack I was given at the reception and walk through the forest. I heard that there were hammocks along the walking path. While I wait for my check-out, I decided to open the pages of the book I had not been able to read for a long time while swaying in the hammock.

Hoshinoya Fuji Accommodation Review Part 2: For details on the "Hunting Experience Tour" for adults, which teaches the value of life, please click here.

photos by Nathuko Okada (Studio Mug)

text by Sakurako Miyao